Of First Importance: A Holy Week DevotionalНамуна

The Fulfillment of God’s Plan

READ

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures . . . 1 Corinthians 15:3

Additional Reading: Isaiah 53:1–4; 1 Peter 3:18; John 12:12–13

REFLECT

Palm Sunday marks the first day of our yearly observation of Holy Week. In the Gospels, the Jews were expecting Jesus to enter Jerusalem as a conquering and reigning King. However, they did not realize what was about to happen. Christ’s entry into Jerusalem signified the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: that the Messiah would suffer, that He would be oppressed, and that He would become the ultimate offering and die for the sins of the world.

In 1 Corinthians 15:3, Christ’s death was noted to be of first importance. When something is of first importance, it is a most necessary truth or a truth that precedes any other. First, it is important for us to know and understand that Jesus died for our sins, which separate us from God. He became the ultimate sacrificial lamb, taking away all our sins, iniquities, and transgressions.

We are unrighteous, but He, the righteous one, took our place so that we could be made righteous. Our flesh was put to death, but we have now been made alive in the Spirit and are empowered to overcome sin. We now have life in the Spirit to live the life that God has called us to live. First Peter 3:18 indicates that Jesus did all of this so that he might bring us to God.

From the beginning and throughout history, God has desired to be with us, His people. Imagine, for our relationship with God to be restored, Christ had to be pierced for our transgressions, because we had transgressed against God. Jesus carried the weight of our sin, and as prophesied by Isaiah, He was crushed for our iniquities. He bore our sins because we are powerless to save ourselves. He died the death we deserved for us to be restored to God. This is why Christ’s death is of first importance. In the next few days, we will reflect on God’s plan to draw people back to Himself from the beginning of time.

Through Christ, God made way for us to have a relationship with Him.

RESPOND

• What is of first importance to you? If you are a follower of Christ, why are His death, burial, and resurrection of first importance? How does knowing that God initiated a relationship with you affect your life?
• Is there an area in your life (sin, transgression, or iniquity) that prevents you from experiencing the fullness of your relationship with God? Do you believe that Jesus has paid the complete price for you? Claim and proclaim Christ’s victory over these areas.
• What is your prayer this Holy Week? How can you know and love God more and how can you make Him known to your family and friends?