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Wednesday January 1 - Why Jesus came
“I have not come to abolish (the Law or the Prophets) but to fulfil them.”
Matthew 5:17
Jesus was forever falling foul of the Jewish religious authorities, who were so concerned to keep their 613 traditional commandments for daily living that they ‘did not see the wood for the trees.’ They criticised him for healing someone on the Sabbath. They complained about the disreputable company he kept. They accused him of dismissing God’s word and they eventually had him killed for claiming to be God’s Son. But Jesus was without sin, and was constantly quoting the scriptures, especially in testing times, believing them to be trustworthy, authoritative and true.
What is more, Jesus claimed that all the Law and the Prophets pointed to him! He was their complete fulfilment. Scholars reckon that anything up to 570 Old Testament prophecies alluded to Jesus, and we see him present in the stories, poetry, characters, ceremonies, history and teaching of every book. Listen to him walking to Emmaus with two disciples after the resurrection, saying, ‘“Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself’ (Luke 24:26-27, NLT). Moses, Isaiah and all the others foretold his incarnation, sinless life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and second coming! His pure and beautiful light shines throughout Scripture, bringing life to all who trust him.
Holy Spirit, please deepen my desire to read, meditate, memorise and study the Bible, to understand and believe more of all that it reveals about Jesus. Amen.
Thursday Jan 2 - The completed work of Jesus Christ “...not the smallest letter, the least stroke of a pen, will... disappear from
the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:18
God’s covenant with Abraham – promising land, descendants, blessing and redemption – began his unique relationship with Israel. As they faithfully followed his ways these promises would be fulfilled. Later, Moses introduced the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law, and prophets taught the people further how to live according to the will of their Creator and Redeemer. Sadly, they repeatedly rebelled, worshipping other gods, so God finally sent them into exile. But his promises remained! Isaiah 55:11 declares “...my word... will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Three of the gospels record Jesus’ solemn declaration that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33).
The old covenant requiring sacrificed animals to pardon sin was now replaced by the ‘new covenant in (Jesus’) blood’ (Luke 22:20). The sinless Son of God ‘personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right’ (1 Peter 2:24, NLT). That’s why, with his final breath on the cross, Jesus cried “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Death was defeated, sin’s penalty paid, Satan conquered – and when Christ returns in glory everything will be finally wrapped up, all the purposes of the Law and Prophets accomplished. Until then the Bible remains the faithful guide we must follow.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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Lord, as we remember your death and resurrection and look to your coming again, may we believe your Word and trust you with our lives. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY