Why is it important to remember Jesus' sacrifice at "the third hour"? Setting the Scene: What the “Third Hour” Means - In Jewish timekeeping, the day began at sunrise (around 6 a.m.). - “The third hour” = about 9 a.m. (Mark 15:25). - Scripture records: “It was the third hour when they crucified Him” (Mark 15:25). Why God Marked the Clock - Scripture’s precision is intentional, underscoring that Jesus’ death unfolded exactly as foretold (Isaiah 53:10; Acts 2:23). - The same God who numbers our hairs (Luke 12:7) numbers Christ’s final moments, inviting us to see His sovereignty over every detail. Prophetic Echoes and Symbolic Timing • Morning Tamid Offering – At 9 a.m. priests presented the daily burnt offering (Exodus 29:38-39). – Jesus dies as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), aligning Himself with the perpetual sacrifice that kept Israel in covenant fellowship. • Passover Pattern – During Passover week, lambs were examined in the morning and prepared for the afternoon sacrifice; Jesus, examined by Pilate, is lifted up in the morning, fulfilling 1 Corinthians 5:7. • Psalm 22 Foreshadowing – David’s prophetic words—“All who see me mock me” (Psalm 22:7)—unfold during those first hours of crucifixion, solidifying that Jesus is the promised Messiah. The Third Hour and the Birth of the Church - Acts 2:15 notes that at Pentecost “it is the third hour of the day” when the Spirit falls. - The same time-stamp ties the cross to the Spirit’s outpouring, showing that the benefits of Calvary (forgiveness and new life) flow directly to believers. Practical Reasons to Remember the Third Hour • Anchors the Gospel in Real History – Jesus’ sacrifice happened on a verifiable date, at a specific time; our faith rests on fact, not myth (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Fuels Daily Worship – As Israel paused for the morning offering, we can pause to thank the Savior whose once-for-all sacrifice opened the way to God (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Encourages Bold Witness – Peter preached at 9 a.m. that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Remembering the hour emboldens us to proclaim the same message. • Shapes a Cross-Centered Rhythm – Setting alarms, planning devotions, or simply pausing at 9 a.m. can turn an ordinary moment into worship, keeping the cross central throughout the day (Galatians 6:14). Living It Out - Let the recorded hour remind you that redemption was secured in space and time—once, for all, and forever. - Allow that memory to stir gratitude, shape daily habits, and inspire testimony, echoing Paul’s resolve: “I determined to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). |
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