DYING YOU DESTROYED OUR DEATH
“Many Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in Him on account of Lazarus.” –John 12:11
Mass Readings: March 26
First: Isaiah 42:1-7; Resp: Psalm 27:1-3,13-14; Gospel: John 12:1-11
Listen to the Mass Readings.
Jesus’ death saved Lazarus from dying. Once Jesus was killed by crucifixion, there was no longer any need for the chief priests to kill Lazarus as well (see Jn 12:10). Jesus then died in Lazarus’ stead.
Jesus’ death saved Barabbas from dying. When Jesus was condemned to death, Barabbas was set free (Mt 27:20ff). Jesus died in Barabbas’ place.
Jesus’ death can likewise save us from dying, if we allow Him to die in our place. Jesus loved us so much that He chose to freely suffer and die so that we could be set free (Rm 6:4). Once Jesus died, there is no need for us to suffer the eternal consequences of our sins.
Accept Jesus’ death for your own salvation. Believe in His saving power. Believe that Jesus loved you so much that He has atoned for every sin you ever committed. Believe in the mercy of God, that He never tires of forgiving you, and that He desires greatly for you to be set free and spend eternity with Him in heaven.
PRAYER: Jesus, may Your death never be in vain for me (Gal 2:21). I offer You my heart in love. Use me as You will.
PROMISE: “I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations.” —Is 42:6
PRAISE: When asked why she never remarried, Sally proclaims Jesus as her Spouse. She quotes this Scripture as God’s new calling for her life: “The reproach of your widowhood no longer remember. For He Who has become your husband is your Maker; His name is the Lord of hosts” (Is 54:4-5).
