Subtle Hints

Every good book includes subtle hints, foreshadowing, to keep us in suspense. The Bible is no different. Jesus foreshadows His death many times throughout scripture. Chapters 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16 and 18 in Luke all have references of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us. Jesus wasn't dropping hints to keep the disciples on the edge of their seats, though. He was trying to prepare them for the day when He would no longer be with them in person. Jesus knew what His mission was on this earth. He knew that He came to earth as a baby to be fully man and fully God in order that He would be the ultimate Passover lamb for us. He would sacrifice His life, so that we may live with Him in eternity (John 10:10-11).

This is the season of Passover and Easter. However, this is a different Easter than any of us have ever experienced. We are home with our immediate family only. We won't be gathering for a Passover/Seder meal or an Easter dinner this year with our loved ones. We will be celebrating Jesus' resurrection with our church families via Facebook, TV, or online streaming of another kind. The lack of opportunity to be with others does not make Jesus' sacrifice or His resurrection any less real, though. He came. He died on a cross willingly. He rose after 3 days. He appeared to many after His resurrection. He ascended into Heaven. He is coming again!

This Easter, don't allow the worries of this world to dampen your hope in Him. He gave the people clues of what was to come while He was on this earth. He also gave us clues of His return from Heaven. Hold onto those truths. Hold on to the fact that He is coming back for us. Hold on to His promises. Trust Him for the new life that He offers.

If you are not a believer, I encourage you to decide to put your trust in Jesus. In this time of uncertainty and darkness, He is the only real hope and light. He didn't just happen to die and come back to life. That was the plan all along. You can trust Him with the plan for your life, too.

In Fulfilled, A Study of Jesus, we learn more about Jesus through the book of Luke. We dig deep into scripture and uncover who Jesus is, what He did, and how much He truly loves us. Each day there are prayer prompts. Here is one I hope you will focus on for today.

Ask the Lord if there is anything in your life that He is trying to give you hints about. Listen to Him.

Focus on Jesus' deity. He was fully man and fully God not a mixture of each. Praise Him for His sacrifice and for coming to this earth to give you a way to identify with Him.