After the death and resurrection of Jesus, he appeared to his disciples and on one such occasion he walked with two of his followers who were feeling “downcast” due to his death until he explained to them God’s purposes. He said to them: “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27)
And later, to his other disciples he said: “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44)
One of those things prophetically written about Him in the Psalms was in Psalm 40:6-8 as we read in my last post.
But how do we know that this was speaking about Jesus? Because the author of the Book of Hebrews, in chapter 10, explains it to us as follows:
“The old system of living under the law presented us with only a faint shadow, a crude outline of the reality of the wonderful blessings to come. Even with its steady stream of sacrifices offered year after year, there still was nothing that could make our hearts perfect before God. 2–3 For if animal sacrifices could once and for all eliminate sin, they would have ceased to be offered and the worshipers would have clean consciences. Instead, once was not enough so by the repetitive sacrifices year after year, the worshipers were continually reminded of their sins, with their hearts still impure. 4 For what power does the blood of bulls and goats have to remove sin’s guilt?
5 So when Jesus the Messiah came into the world he said,
“Since your ultimate desire was not another animal sacrifice,
you have clothed me with a body
that I might offer myself instead!
6 Multiple burnt offerings and sin-offerings
cannot satisfy your justice.
7 So I said to you, ‘God—
I will be the One to go and do your will,
to fulfill all that is written of me in your Word!’ ” [the quote from Psalm 40:6-8]
8 First he said, “Multiple burnt-offerings and sin-offerings cannot satisfy your justice” (even though the law required them to be offered).
9 And then he said, “God, I will be the One to go and do your will.” So by being the sacrifice that removes sin, he abolishes animal sacrifices and replaces that entire system with the new covenant. 10 By God’s will we have been purified and made holy once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah!” (Hebrews 10:1-10 TPT)
Longman comments that “The psalmist…reminds us that God desires our heartfelt obedience, not simply ritual. Although Christians don’t offer sacrifices, we can find ourselves participating in worship with our bodies, but not our hearts.
The author of Hebrews cites verses 6-8 as it contrasts the sacrifices of the Old Testament with Christ’s sacrifice…Jesus not only listens and obeys; he offers his whole body as a once-and-for-all sacrifice on our behalf…And he does this great act in fulfilment of Scripture.” (# 30)
Having explained this wonderful truth, the author of Hebrews concludes:
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19-25 NIV)
Father, thank you for all that is written in the OT Scriptures concerning Jesus and thank you that He came in fulfilment of these truths. Thank you that even though “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins”, Jesus was willing to be the ultimate sacrifice so that we can now know that forgiveness for our sins. Amen
Tehilim (Psalms) - "songs of praise". 