Prepared for Death

"Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." Luke 2:34-35 (ESV)

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29 (ESV)

"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matt 26:26-28 (ESV)

Jesus was born to die, and He knew it.

His death was preached by prophets centuries before His birth. He was described as a Sacrifice and a Lamb for slaughter.

I believe Jesus knew His destiny even when He was still an unborn baby.

Every lullaby sang by his mother resonated with His child-heart's instincts: I will die.

Every verse read by His father at the meal table...every lesson taught by His rabbi at synagogue...every feast and celebration...they all created a vivid picture of His destiny: I will die.

From birth to burial, Jesus was full of His own death. Death was the background to every word He spoke, every conversation and every message.

And the prospect overwhelmed Him with joy.

"Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross." Heb 12:2 (ESV)

Image courtesy of ivanmarn, modified with GIMP