God’s Time, God’s Plan

The religious leaders of Jesus day knew well the significance of Passover. No doubt they were familiar with every detail described in Exodus 12:11-14.

The Passover had become an entrenched part of life, and people like Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem every year during Passover (Luke 2:41). As the population swelled, everyone was on alert. Anticipating possible trouble, the Romans were determined to maintain order, while the Jewish authorities knew they needed to do their part too.

But Jesus presented a problem. The Jewish leaders already felt that He needed to be eliminated, but they were concerned about doing anything during Passover. Somehow they needed to take action without sparking a riot. They were delighted when Judas agreed to betray Jesus. The opportunity to capture Jesus came on the night after He had celebrated Passover with His disciples. It was a moment when He literally became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Rushing Him through a trial, the Jewish leaders were determined to orchestrate events according to their timing. They thought they were accomplishing their purposes. However, in reality they were fulfilling God’s plan, a plan He had set in motion centuries earlier.

Passover, which begins tonight at sundown, reminds us that Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s promises, demonstrating His sovereignty over time and history. Through Him, you can be freed from sin and death. He is your hope, your Savior. He is the Messiah, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.