Have you ever stopped to think why God–an eternal Being who existed before time began (as we count time)–would become flesh and blood? Does that not seem a bit peculiar, when you think about it, that the very Creator, the Being whose power sustains the entire vast Universe, would be changed into a mere human, infinitely weaker and limited by comparison?
Yet, the Bible tells us not only that such a thing actually happened, but it reveals why it happened. Why did God become flesh?
Humans have long sought a Utopian world of peace and justice, free of crime, war and other evils. When men talk about building a better future, when they talk of solving the world’s problems, when they talk about peace and security, what is it they focus on? What do human beings generally perceive as the key or keys to a successful future? What do they perceive as the means to achieving a happier society? Or a better world? Whom and what do they look to for solutions?
There are certain fundamental things that most anyone who is familiar with the Bible, and especially anyone familiar with the teachings of God’s Church, knows — or should know. All of us know, or should know, the great commandments: Love the eternal God with all your heart, mind, being. Love your neighbor as yourself. We know the ten commandments which explain how to apply these great principles in practical terms: Worship only the true God, make no idols, don’t use God’s name in vain, keep the Sabbath day, honor your father and mother, don’t murder, commit adultery, steal, lie nor covet your neighbor’s possessions. You know, or should know, how the prophets and apostles, and Jesus Christ himself, further magnified these commandments, emphasizing the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith.
But do we understand fully what God expects of us given the knowledge we have? Do we understand that we are accountable to God based on what we know? This includes every one of us. Parent and child. Baptized or unbaptized.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John the Baptist identified Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)
Immediately after the Passover comes a festival that depicts the next step in the fulfillment of God’s master plan: the seven days of Unleavened Bread. The Passover pictures Christ’s death to save us from sin and its ravages. Jesus did not sacrifice Himself for us so we will continue to live in sin. Christ’s death reconciles us with God so we can become children in His family. Sin separates us from God. We read in Isaiah: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).
In considering the Passover it’s most important that we understand the spiritual lessons behind it. God has used history and religious symbolism to weave a pattern of spiritual instruction for us to learn. Learn about the Passover and some of its multi-faceted symbolism and spiritual lessons.