Sacrifice

This poster appeared in my feed just when my friend was complaining that she didn't understand why God, who controls everything, couldn't think of another way to redeem us, rather than crucifying Jesus. 

 The words, "Biblical worship," made me think.  At Jesus time, especially before, worship consisted of sacrificing.  Not only did people sacrifice goats, lambs, but even people!!!!!  So, Jesus dying as a sacrifice to redeem mankind would not seem so horrific to the people of the times.  He is even called Lamb of God.

My Emmaus Journey

 Not that I completely grasp why God the Father allowed His Son to die such a horrific death, but I am starting to get a handle on why. Firstly, I recognize that my twenty-first century sensibilities are far removed from earlier centuries—-beginnings of mankind. I also know that when I want to visit someone I always bring a gift. How and why we do this is unknown but it’s natural and customary. 

Probably early man wanted to visit/communicate with God, or his gods, he would offer a gift. In times of dire need, ei, volcanic eruption, man would need to offer something very valuable.  Throwing a child in the volcano became acceptable. 

Barbaric to us in the twenty-first century, but is it?  God asked Abraham to kill his son, Isaac. Jonah was thrown in the sea to satisfy the storm gods.

Then there’s Jesus.

!!!!

Is that why one of His titles is Lamb of God?

Targums

 Targums are ancient Jewish writings.  Today I learned that there are Targums linking the Passover and the almost sacrifice of Isaac.  Targums were used in synagogue teaching. They were scripture mixed with commentaries, thus making the teachings more accessible to their hearers.  

Targums are important because scholars can see how the history relates to their times.  Sacrificial lambs were important in early Hebrew history.  Hence Isaac was replaced by a lamb.  Lambs were used in the Passover.  Finally, we connect to the Lamb of God, Jesus.