I've been reading and re-reading a book by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola titled: Jesus: A Theography. A section of the chapter on "Jesus' Birth and Boyhood," has grabbed me this Lenten season.
I'm not a big Lenten celebrant, as I come from a tradition that has not always paid close attention to it. But this year I'm particularly focused on the Bethlehem sheep. In the languages of the day, Bethlehem literally meant "house of meat" or "house of bread."
Bethlehem was known for its sacrificial lamb business. Sweet and Viola remind us that according to the Torah, every day two lambs were required for sacrifice in the temple---730 lambs a year. Big business.These lambs had to be perfect, spotless, with no defects.
Into this town was born THE LAMB OF GOD. When Jesus starting teaching and preaching, He had a lot to say about sheep, shepherds, lambs, etc. (Gospel of John).
Then, as He hung on the cross, paying for sin-mine, yours, everyone's - at the 9th hour, about 3 in the afternoon, Jesus breathed His last breath. This is the very hour that the Passover lamb would be sacrificed in the temple. The Lamb of God once and for all, laid down His life. That's what Jesus once said, "Nobody takes my life from me; I lay down my life."
And now Bethlehem shepherds are out of the sacrifice business. No more sacrifices are necessary.
What does that mean for your Lenten and Easter remembrance and celebration?
No comments:
Post a Comment