March 26, 2023 - Judica Sermon

Judica
Introit: Ps. 43: 3-5; antiphon: Ps. 43:1-2a
Gradual: Ps. 143:9a, 10a; 18:48a,c
Old Testament: Gen. 22:1-14
Psalm 43 (antiphon: v. 5)
Epistle: Heb. 9:11-15
Tract: Ps. 129:1-4
Gospel: John 8:(42-45) 46-59

Jesus Is Our Redemption 
In the temple Jesus said, "If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death" (John 8:51). For Jesus came to taste death for us-to drink the cup of suffering to the dregs in order that we might be released from its power. Clinging to His life-giving words, we are delivered from death's sting and its eternal judgment. Christ is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place and with His own blood obtained everlasting redemption for His people (Heb. 9:11-15). He is the One who was before Abraham was, and yet is his descendant. He is the promised Son who carries the wood up the mountain for the sacrifice, who is bound and laid upon the altar of the cross. He is the ram who is offered in our place, who is willingly caught in the thicket of our sin, and who wears the crown of thorns upon His head (Gen. 22:1-14). Though Jesus is dishonored by the sons of the devil, He is vindicated by the Father through the cross.