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Choosing the Lamb
In First Century Judaism, Messianic expectations were running at an all time high. This expectation was only heightened at Passover. In the celebration of Passover, the Festival of Redemption, the people had an eschatological hope. It was believed that the Ultimate Redemption, which was to be brought about through the Messiah, would take place at Passover. Messiah is to be a second Moses who will lead Israel out from under the bondage of the nations.
Word about the Master had spread. The people were wondering if he might not be the Messiah after all. "So they were seeking for Yeshua, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?"" (John 11:55) As the Master and his disciples came down the Mount of Olives in their approach to Jerusalem, the crowd of pilgrims realized who it was traveling in their midst. The throngs of pilgrims streaming into Jerusalem became a multitude throwing down their coats and branches to spread a path for Yeshua as he entered the city.
In Exodus chapter 12, the Torah gives the instructions for the celebration of Passover. The children of Israel were to choose a lamb for the Pesach sacrifice on the 10th day of the 1st month, 4 days before the actual slaughtering was to be done. According to John's chronology, it is the 10th day of the 1st month as Yeshua enters Jerusalem, and the people make their choice.
By their shouts, they herald him to be the long awaited Messiah. They are shouting: "Save us, I pray! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the LORD! Blessed is the Kingdom that comes! Our father David! Save us from the highest. Save us son of David! Blessed is the King that comes in the Name of the LORD, even the King of Israel!" With these acclamations the people have made it clear; they have reached a decision; they have made a choice; they have chosen the Messiah. By mass acclamation Yeshua is designated the Messiah. Unwittingly, the crowds have chosen their Passover lamb on the day the lambs were to be chosen.
In First Century Judaism, Messianic expectations were running at an all time high. This expectation was only heightened at Passover. In the celebration of Passover, the Festival of Redemption, the people had an eschatological hope. It was believed that the Ultimate Redemption, which was to be brought about through the Messiah, would take place at Passover. Messiah is to be a second Moses who will lead Israel out from under the bondage of the nations.
Word about the Master had spread. The people were wondering if he might not be the Messiah after all. "So they were seeking for Yeshua, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?"" (John 11:55) As the Master and his disciples came down the Mount of Olives in their approach to Jerusalem, the crowd of pilgrims realized who it was traveling in their midst. The throngs of pilgrims streaming into Jerusalem became a multitude throwing down their coats and branches to spread a path for Yeshua as he entered the city.
In Exodus chapter 12, the Torah gives the instructions for the celebration of Passover. The children of Israel were to choose a lamb for the Pesach sacrifice on the 10th day of the 1st month, 4 days before the actual slaughtering was to be done. According to John's chronology, it is the 10th day of the 1st month as Yeshua enters Jerusalem, and the people make their choice.
By their shouts, they herald him to be the long awaited Messiah. They are shouting: "Save us, I pray! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the LORD! Blessed is the Kingdom that comes! Our father David! Save us from the highest. Save us son of David! Blessed is the King that comes in the Name of the LORD, even the King of Israel!" With these acclamations the people have made it clear; they have reached a decision; they have made a choice; they have chosen the Messiah. By mass acclamation Yeshua is designated the Messiah. Unwittingly, the crowds have chosen their Passover lamb on the day the lambs were to be chosen.