from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel

... The cross reminds us that God’s justice is holy, but His mercy is greater still for those who trust in His Son

John 1:29 NKJV (devotion translation)

From the beginning, God revealed that sin brings judgment, but He also revealed His mercy by providing a way of salvation. In Exodus 12, the Israelites were instructed to place the blood of a lamb upon the doorposts of their homes so that judgment would pass over them. That moment was not only a rescue from Egypt, it was a picture of something far greater that God would accomplish through Jesus Christ.

The lamb in Egypt had to be without blemish. It was examined carefully before it could be offered. In the same way, Jesus lived a sinless life before God and man. He alone was worthy to bear the sins of the world. The cross was not an accident of history, but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. What was foreshadowed in the Passover became reality in Christ.

When Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples, He gave new understanding to ancient symbols. The bread pointed to His body that would be broken. The cup pointed to His blood that would be shed for the forgiveness of sins. Through His sacrifice, God made gracious provision for all who would place their faith in Him.

Many people spend their lives trying to make themselves acceptable before God, yet Scripture reminds us that salvation is not earned by human goodness. Christ died because we could never save ourselves. Our hope rests entirely in what He accomplished through His death and resurrection.

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus, the spotless Lamb, to bear my sin and give me peace with You. Help me to live each day with gratitude, humility, and faith in Your finished work. Amen.

• Exodus 12:3-13 - The Passover lamb’s blood protected Israel from judgment in Egypt.
• Isaiah 53:5-7 - The promised Servant would bear sin like a lamb led to the slaughter.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ is identified as our Passover Lamb sacrificed for us.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 - Jesus was the spotless and blemish-free Lamb who redeemed sinners.
• Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ offered His own blood to secure eternal redemption.
• Luke 22:19-20 - Jesus connected the Passover meal to His body and blood given for believers.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation comes through God’s grace rather than human effort.
• Romans 5:8-9 - God demonstrated His love through Christ’s sacrificial death for sinners.
• Revelation 5:11-12 - Heaven worships the Lamb who was slain and is worthy of all honor.