Lamb of God

Read It: 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NRSV)

18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.

Learn It:

Our "ransom" that the passage above talks about which comes from the "precious blood of Christ" is our salvation....our life everlasting with God. The way that Peter says this is done is not through the way that those who came before Jesus received salvation but "like a lamb without defect or blemish". We often hear Jesus referred to as the Lamb of God, and this passage does a good job of telling us why. See, in ancient times, when the Israelites made sacrifices to God they would try to find the best lamb possible. It wasn't just the best lamb either, it was a lamb without defect or blemish. It couldn't be anything but pure white and it had to be completely healthy. That is who Jesus is for us. He is the perfect lamb without sin and without defect. That perfect person then went to the cross for our sins and rose to give us new life. Christ is our perfect lamb...our Lamb of God.

Share It:

When you hear the term "Lamb of God" what things come to mind? What impact does maybe this new understanding of the Lamb of God and the sacrifice he made have on you right now? Share some thoughts on this and talk about how much more meaningful it is that God chose to use Jesus instead of an animal or gold or silver to rescue us from our sins.

Live It:

During this next week think about the great things Jesus did for us. Spend some time thanking God for sending us not any lamb to try to save us but instead sent his Son, the perfect lamb...the Lamb of God.

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Faith in the Unseen

Read It: 1 Peter 1:8-9

8Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Learn It:

This passage from Peter emphasizes the idea that those of us who have not seen Jesus and yet believe in him, his miracles, his resurrection from the dead (this Easter season we are now in).  With that belief we have this joy that and that trust in his promises we have a joy that is unconquerable.  The reward we receive for this belief and trust in Jesus is eternal life with him and God.  What a wonderful gift 

Share It:

Lots of Bible teachers like to use the wind as a symbol or sign of something you can't see but you know that it exists. With that in mind... What ways do you see God in your lives and in the world around you?  What ways is Jesus present in your life even though you don't physically see him?  

Live It:

Knowing that Jesus is present in our lives what are the ways that you individually or as a family express that joy and rejoice in knowing that Jesus is always with us and that the promises are real?  Take this week and really take time to express your joy for the wonderful gift of faith and life.

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A Reminder

Read It: Matthew 28:1-10

28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 

Learn It:

What an amazing morning!  The two Mary's were probably on their way to the tomb to go and mourn the loss of Jesus, as was the custom when a loved one passed away, when an angel of the Lord not only appears but causes a great commotion.  The angel then tells them something they already knew!  I'm here to remind you that Jesus isn't here...he's gone like he said he would be.  Go and tell the disciples.  Then as they are on their way Jesus comes to them and he too reminds them to go and tell the disciples and also lets them know where he will be to speak with them.

Jesus told them before he died that he would rise from the dead; then an angel appears to them on the day of the resurrection to remind them that he has risen; and finally Jesus reminds them again that he is risen and to tell the disciples.  3 times the disciples including these Mary's are reminded of his resurrection!

Share It:

What are some things that you need to remind your brothers or sisters, or child(ren), or parents about because it is so important?  How many times do you think would be the right amount to remind someone of something you think is really important?  Is there anything so important that you think you will always repeat it so that you remind others?  What kinds of things do you think God wants us to remember?  What constant reminders do you think God sends us?  Share these and other thoughts with your family.

Live It:

With the excitement of the Resurrection go out this week and remind people of the amazing power and gift of the Resurrection.  Remind them of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice for each of us.  Share those important reminders with everyone that you care about.  Reminding people about things is always important and it is especially important when it's about Jesus.

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