The message: « Because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin” Heb 10:4, “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed » 1 Cor 5:7b . Jesus Christ is « Our Passover Lamb »:
(1) God shows His love for us, for « while we were still sinners, Christ died for us » Rom 5:8, it is through His achievement of redemption by forgiving our transgressions in accordance with the riches of his grace (Eph 1:7), delivering us from the yoke of sin in line with the fullness of his power, and reconciling us to the Father so that we may become heirs of his kingdom (Rom 8:17). Indeed, Jesus redeemed us for the Father with his blood.
(2) Jesus offered his body and his blood for the sake of our justification. For « without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness » Heb 9:22b. Indeed, Jesus’ blood was shed in order to redeem us, for « He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” 1 Jn 2:2. Therefore, « who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns ? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who has raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us » Rom 8:33-34. In truth, the act of redemption done by Jesus when He offered his body and his blood is not separated from the act of interceding and
pleading for us to the Father, so that we may obtain his mercy for the forgiveness for our sins. « Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them » Heb 7:25.
(3)The redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ is all powerful, unparalleled, and most reliable. Satan the tempter, accuser, and condemner is defeated (Gen 3:6, Rev 12:10), for Jesus knelt to pray and interceded on our behalf (Mt 26:38). « Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus » Rom 8:1. The power of sin, which is the sting of death, is also defeated, so we receive the assurance of life from Jesus’ word, saying: « Because I live, you also will live » Jn 14:19d.
Monday, 11th: God’s People rejoice for the coming of their redeemer.
« Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion […] See, your king comes to you […] » Zech 9:9a.
Reading 1: Jn 1:22-31. Reading 2: Zech 9:9-10. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Zech 9:9.
Introduction: After being reproved by the Lord who was angry with them because of their betrayal, the people of Israel longed eagerly for the return of God’s grace and glory of God among them eagerly. « But they refused to pay attention, stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears » Zech 7:11. Yet, God’s heart did not harden toward his people, so He sent his One and only Son « to seek and to save the lost » (Lk 19:10). King Jesus came to bring redemption, the forgiveness which justifies and reconciles us to God. Rejoice !
Tuesday, 12th: Christ took our disgrace upon Him.
« And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross » Phil 2:8.
Reading 1: Isa 53:7-9. Reading 2: Phil 2:5-11. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Phil 2:7-8.
Introduction: Jesus’ self-denial went beyond understanding and was humanly impossible. Indeed, He took on the likeness of a sinner and accepted to be judged and convicted like one in order to save the sinners from God’s judgment, which is the eternal condemnation! As it is written: « Erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross » Col 2:14. God’s work of redemption was accomplished, as He said: « I work and who can hinder it? » Isa 43:13b.
Wednesday, 13th: Call on your Redeemer, for He has come for you.
« Hosanna to the Son of David » Mt 21:9.
Reading 1: Ps 50:1-15. Reading 2: Mt 21:1-19. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mt 21:9.
Introduction: The word « Hosanna » translates to « Have mercy, save us ». Having learned through the Holy Spirit’s guidance that Jesus really came to save the world and the sinners, the two blind men did not hesitate to cry out, « Have mercy on us, Son of David » Mt 9:27. This is fulfilled what is written: « Then he touched their eyes and said, According to your faith let it be done to you. And their eyes were opened » Mt 9:29-30. « Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved » Rom 10:13.
Maundy Thursday, 14th: The redemption, sealed by the blood of the covenant.
« This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood » Lk 22:20b.
Reading 1: 1 Cor 11:23-29. Reading 2: Lk 22:14-20. Preaching 1 (choice). Preaching 2: Lk 22:20.
Introduction: The forgiveness granted to the sinner for his redemption was paid with life, which is « the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without defect or blemish » 1 Pet 1:19. The Lord said, indeed, to Israel concerning the preparation of the Passover: « Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats » Exo 12:5. Pointing out to Jesus, John the Baptist said, « Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! » Jn 1:29.
Good Friday, 15th: Christ accepted to suffer for the redemption of sinners.
« Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me? » Jn 18:11b.
Reading 1: Isa 50:6-9. Reading 2: Jn 18:1-19. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Jn 18:10-11.
Introduction: Jesus Christ was a Child of obedience to the Father. He said to the Jews who did not believe in Him: « Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise » Jn 5:19. So it is written about Him: « In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered » Heb 5:7-8.
Holy Saturday, 16th: Silent day. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus who died for us. Let’s also wait for His resurrection for us.
Reading: Mt 27:27-50 / Jn 20:1-20 / Heb 5:1-10 / Heb 12:1-2.
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