If blood were money, then Jesus left this world penniless. For our sake and the will of his Father, Jesus completely emptied himself for the amassed debt of mankind. From the droplets of circumcision to the outpouring of blood and water upon the cross, Jesus gave all he had to give so we might share in his resurrection. Holy Scripture waits for our stillness before it speaks to us for its great value and mysterious contents are hidden from the one who passes by quickly. But for the one who sits with patience, it speaks volumes; revealing worth and fortune we did not know were possible. The Blood of the Lamb Catholic Bible Study creates an atmosphere for learning, reflecting and sharing. By blending Holy Scripture, catechism, and liturgy with anecdotal stories, it strikes a refined balance to studying the Bible. Intentionally decide to snuggle closer to God, stretch yourself to use the gifts given to you, and open your heart a bit wider. You will be amazed at the graces He wants to pour out to you, through the Blood of the Lamb. “Scripture is best when it is memorable, useful, and fruitful.” Author, Beth Leonard BLOOD OF THE LAMB CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY SHED SEVEN TIMES TO SAVE US By BETH LEONARD AuthorHouse Copyright © 2014 Beth Leonard All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4918-7223-9 Contents Acknowledgments, vii, Foreword, ix, Introduction to The Blood of the Lamb Catholic Bible Study, xi, The Circumcision, 1, The Suffering on the Mount of Olives (Agony in the Garden), 22, The Flogging, 41, The Crowning of Thorns, 58, The Carrying of the Cross, 78, The Crucifixion, 95, The Piercing of Jesus' Side, 117, Sources and References, 137, CHAPTER 1 The Circumcision Bible passages needed for study of this chapter: Luke 2:21 Genesis 17:1-14 Jeremiah 4:1-4 Acts 7:51-52 1 Corinthians 7:17-20 Galatians 6:14-15 Genesis 17:15-20 Genesis 18:12-15 For the circumcision of Christ, please read Luke 2:21. That was short and to the point, wasn't it? Okay, close the book, end of chapter—or is there more to discover in Luke's slight but powerful passage? Does a deeper message lie within these words, beyond the customary practice of circumcision and beyond the simple naming of a child? What does Jesus ask us to learn from these verses and how did God foretell this moment and build our understanding over the years of teachings found in the Old Testament? Let's look closer to find not only the hidden meaning, but also the beauty in which this passage comes to be a significant starting point for our faith as Christians. Even our names are, as was the naming of Jesus, blessed and important to God. In reviewing Luke 2:21, it is important to note that Joseph and Mary were following Jewish custom (established by God in Genesis 17:12) when they had eight-day old Jesus circumcised. Also, the name brought forth on this day was predestined. The name of Jesus was first brought to Mary by the angel Gabriel whom God sent prior to conception (Luke 1:26) and was then announced again to Joseph in a dream (Matthew 2:21). However, the first time the name "Jesus" would have publicly been declared would have been during this holy ceremony, signifying the covenant between God and man. From His heavenly throne God orchestrated the actions, words and timing for His angels to appear on Earth to guide (and name) His salvation plan. How do you think God's angels marked these days on their heavenly calendars? Did they leap for joy, sing great hymns of praise or blast their trumpets with the triumphant news? The promised Savior was on his way! The mother was chosen, the father advised and the child born. But it was not until the day of his circumcision that the child would be lawfully given his name and it forever written into time. There would be no turning back. Each earthly day would pass as all of heaven took notice and rejoiced in the strength, wisdom and handiwork of their God, now inherited by and thriving in His only Son, Jesus Christ. CIRCUMCISION IN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS We do not have to read far into the Bible before the Covenant of Circumcision is established. We find it in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. In Chapter 17 God appeared to Abram with a specific purpose in mind. He desired a covenant to mark the close relationship between Abram (including his household and descendants) and their One True God. Let's read it to determine the ground rules. Open to Genesis 17:1-14 and read the story that became the "Covenant of Circumcision" and the beginning of the 12 tribes of Israel that would follow God throughout the Old Testament and serve as a human chain, linking finally to the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 2 God speaks of establishing a covenant with him and then He says He will make numerous Abram's descendants. To date, however, ninety-nine year old Abram had no legitimate children and only one son named Ishmael, born to him 13 years prior by his wife's maidservant named Hagar. Had G