DECEMBER 05, 2025
Topic: “THE SHADOW IN THE SACRIFICES “
Text: John 1:19-34; Hebrews 10:1-3
Memory Verse: “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect” Hebrews 10:1.
When architects, engineers, inventors and product designers conceive an idea, they first make a prototype or a dummy or a model that succinctly captures the reality on their minds and give others an idea of what they conceived. Sometimes the prototype looks so real, but it is not the reality. It sparks excitement, but does not give lasting fulfillment and satisfaction and that was why Jesus said the prophets of old longed to see His coming, the Reality (Matt. 13:16-16; John 8:56; 1 Pet. 1:10-12).
For a very long time before the stage was set for the coming of the Seed promised by God, a sacrificial system was set up in the Old Testament which was meant to be a vivid portrayal of the cost of sin and the need for a Savior. Every lamb slain, every burnt offering, every high priest entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement was a shadow pointing to a future substance. These rituals were temporary placeholders until the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is both the Sacrifice and the High Priest who offered it.
God sent John the Baptist to declare the arrival of the Reality, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). The Incarnation brought the fulfillment of centuries of shadows. Eventually, the Word became flesh (John 1:14), the prophecy became reality. Is there something God has told you over time? Be rest assured, it will come to pass. It may be slow, but it is sure.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for being the true and perfect sacrifice for my sin. I no longer live in the shadows; I live in the light of Your finished work. Help me not to take lightly, the cost of my salvation, in Your name I pray, Amen.