August 12, 2021
Today let’s look again at the “map” that God has given us: His G.P.S. (Gospel Plan of Salvation). Each landmark on this map corresponds with the wounds of Jesus’ body upon the cross. Remember the outline of the cross that surrounds the six articles of sanctuary furniture. We will begin at the entrance on the east, at the foot of the cross. The first article of furniture we encounter is the brazen altar of sacrifice. Here is where the feet of Jesus are nailed to the cross. Think of those feet that walked countless miles of dusty, rocky roads to bring encouragement, healing, cleansing, forgiveness, the Good News of victory over death! In a word, salvation! We are not told of anyone ever washing His feet except for the woman who washed them with her tears (Luke 7:37-38) but He, the One who came to serve, washed the feet of others.
“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
The locations of the table of showbread and the seven-branch candlestick correspond with His hands. Those precious, gentle Hands that touched and healed. As He taught the crowds, He must have made wonderful hand gestures to emphasize and make more memorable His teachings. He lifted children to His lap and taught adults, even His own disciples, that genuine trust involves a childlike purity.
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:13-14
The laver of washing, where the ministering priests washed their hands that were mingled with the blood of the sacrifices, corresponds with His pierced side. The cleansing power of His death on the cross continues right up to this very minute! After Jesus had expired on the cross:
…one of the [Roman] soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34
The altar of incense, representing the intercessory prayers from the heart of Jesus on our behalf, corresponds with the broken heart of Him who loves every sinner but hates the sin that only harms those He loves. A completely broken heart was the cause of His death! When He took on the sin of the world, He felt total separation from His Father. The punishment that He bore on our behalf was the death of total separation from God. In the book of Revelation, John calls this the second death in 2:11 and 20:14.
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Mark 15:34
The sacred head of our LORD was crowned with a crown of thorns. Thorns symbolize the curse (Genesis 3:18) that fell upon the earth when Adam, who had been given dominion in the earth as vicegerent under God, exchanged that dominion for an empty promise from the Deceiver. A thorn contains DNA for a complete branch. But when growth is thwarted, that potential branch becomes a hurtful thorn. The King of kings and LORD of lords was cruelly mocked by those He came to save. That sacred head, wounded by the cruel crown, corresponds to the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place. The royal law (James 2:8) contained therein is a transcript and summary of the will of Christ from the mind of Christ. The Lawgiver suffered the very worst of lawlessness. The bitter irony is that the religious leaders came into league with their avowed enemy, the Iron Monarchy of Rome, in order to “legally” kill Jesus.
Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” …But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” John 19:5,15
Yes, Jesus was wounded for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5). His followers are promised perfect new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:52) when He comes back to take His people to that prepared place (John 14:3). The resurrection of Jesus is our guarantee that we too will one day be resurrected. But consider this: Jesus kept His wounds. Perhaps the sight of the wounds upon Him who is Love (1 John 4:8), will serve as a reminder to the redeemed the incalculable cost of redemption.