#DailyDevotion Jesus Fulfills The Levitical Law In His Body

Lent Day 20

John 2:21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Now if our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, how much more so our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Paul writes, Col 1:19 “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,…” In Jesus’ body every aspect of the Levitical temple law was fulfilled. Every sacrifice, every offering, every rite and ritual was completed in Jesus. But once it had all been fulfilled it must be put to death to put away older things to institute newer things, a new covenant. (Jer. 31:31)

But that temple, the temple of Jesus’ body must also be resurrected. It would be impossible for sin and death to keep Jesus in the grave. He had no sin of his own so death could not have claim on him. But die Jesus must on our behalf if we are to escape sin and death. On the third day Jesus must rise from the dead for it is written, Psa 16:10-11 “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.  (11)  You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Longer than that and it would be spoken of Jesus as it was spoken of Lazarus on the fourth day.

But Jesus did rise from the dead, immortal, imperishable, and glorious. Having been raised from the dead, his disciples remembered what Jesus said and believed the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. Now Jesus’ resurrection is painted throughout Scripture and Jesus spoke often about it. While Jesus was with his disciples before Good Friday they never did quite get the whole being killed and being resurrected thing. But now they understand and rejoice in it.

Jesus risen from the dead means our sins are forgiven. The atoning sacrifice for our sins has been accepted. Jesus as all humanity, even as Adam was all humanity, is risen from the dead. As such, all human kind will be raised from the dead on the Last Day even has Jesus has risen from the dead. The only question is will you be raised to eternal life or eternal perdition. The Father has accepted Jesus’ death as the atoning sacrifice of your sins. Will you accept Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for your sins? Do you believe he has done this for you? He has promised, all who believe in the one the Father has sent, namely Jesus, possess eternal life. It is yours today for the taking. Jesus has won it for you.

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, grant that all who hear about Jesus’ resurrection believe the Scripture and the word Jesus has spoken, that they may possess eternal life and be raised to eternal life, as Jesus was raised, on the Last Day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.