“The Servant’s Passover”
Mark 14:1-31
After two days it was Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.” - Mark 14:1-2
Over the last few chapters, we have seen that God’s timing is perfect. The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was at the appointed time. The Olivet Discourse [Chapter 13], describes how the Servant’s Return would be precisely at the right time. In our text this morning we will see again that God’s timing is impeccable.
Jesus will go to the Cross on the day that was ordained by the Father. It would be on Passover. The Lamb of God would become the ultimate fulfillment of Passover at the Cross. On that final Passover a little over two thousand years ago, the blood of Jesus was shed that death might pass over us. Our part is to believe on that work and receive Him as Lord.
Interestingly enough, killing Jesus on the Passover was not the original plan. The chief priests and teachers of the law were looking for a way to arrest Him and kill Him, but not on the Passover, because they feared the people and did not want to cause a riot [ref. Mk 14:1-2].
The Scriptures, however, were fulfilled, and God’s timing prevailed. Jesus was sacrificed on Passover thus satisfying the prophetic preaching of John the Baptist, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
Death came by way of sin, but sin is taken away at the Cross. Those in Christ have passed from death to life.
As in that first Passover when death passed over the Israelites in Egypt, so now, death passes over those in Christ. Eternal life comes through the blood of Jesus that is applied over our lives. Our part is to believe on that work of the Cross and receive Jesus as our personal Lord.
What about you? Have you received the gift of God, eternal life? Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your personal Lord?
Jesus went to the Cross to forgive you of your sins so that you might be grafted into His sheepfold. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. The question is, have you received His invitation and become one of His?
