For Us

HOLY (MAUNDY) THURSDAY

We have been reflecting a great deal on the phrase “for us.” Tonight, though, we will hear about the phrase “for many” as Jesus gives His own body and blood for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26–28). Jesus and the disciples are celebrating the Passover, but Jesus does something new. We hear echoes of how Moses and the elders saw God (Exodus 24:3–11), recognizing that the sacrifices of old will not satisfy (Hebrews 9:11–22). When Jesus says the phrase “for many,” He is clearly pointing the disciples to the fact that His death was not only for them alone, but for the sins of the world. Because you are a part of the many, “for us” still holds true.

GOOD FRIDAY

Jesus is betrayed into the hands of sinners. He is mocked while wearing a purple robe and a crown of thorns. He must carry His own cross to Golgotha, the Place of a Skull. All of this happens until the last, when “for us He gave His dying breath” (LSB 544:5). It is completed. Salvation has been won for us. It is finished; He has loved us to the end.

EASTER VIGIL

Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! This simple, incontrovertible fact changes everything. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised up for our justification (Romans 4:25). This night, as we hear the sweeping story of God’s salvation throughout history, all of it will come into sharp focus as we learn how we are now justified by faith through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Satan is defeated, sin is forgiven, and death is overthrown on this wondrous, glorious night. It is all done for us, His children, His Bride, His church, His everything.

THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD

Sin brings separation and death. That sin separates us from God and divides us from one another. But in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, we are united to God once again. As we hear in Jeremiah, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you” (31:3). Nothing will separate you from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 8:39). Thanks be to God for the victory in Jesus Christ!