Blood of the Lamb Catholic Bible Study: Shed Seven Times to Save Us

by Beth Leonard

Overview

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. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781491872246
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	03/18/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	156
Sales rank:	1,030,751
File size:	1 MB

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BLOOD OF THE LAMB CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

SHED SEVEN TIMES TO SAVE US

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By BETH LEONARD

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2014 Beth Leonard
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4918-7223-9

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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 God only formed this covenant with Abram, it could have easily expired upon his death. But God protected His everlasting covenant through Ishmael and a future birth to Sarai (90 years old) and Abram (100 years old); a son named Isaac.

The mark of circumcision, made by cutting away the foreskin, allowed the covenant to be a visible seal within the flesh. In return, God promises Abram that He will be his God and the God of his descendants—a unique relationship between God and man is born. You must admit one thing about good ole Abram—he was an astute follower. At least, that is, enough to accept the circumcision deal from God as stated without trying to negotiate out of the pain. Sometimes it seems we are much more bold than our predecessors as we attempt to strike deals with God when He asks a lot of us. A lesson from obedient Abram is a good thing to remember.

God changed Abram's name to Abraham in verse 5. We will talk more about this later ... stay tuned.

Ponder for a moment this message from God to Abram (now Abraham). God chose a small and intimate group for circumcision so He could properly build up His people. He did not include everyone in the village or town. He did not advise them to circumcise every traveler who came by. He chose to build everything upon the stable foundation of Abraham. The intimate direction and instruction from God to His people would be essential to these earliest followers. God did, however, continue to grow His base throughout the Old Testament. For instance, it is interesting that in the book of Leviticus 23:42 when God directs the Israelites to celebrate a Feast of Booths, He includes only the native Israelites. Then, in the later chapter of Deuteronomy 16:14, He would add the community's Levite, alien, orphan and widow to the Feast of Booths invitation list. It was not until His only Son came to Earth that all of us would be included on the "salvation" invitation list. Halleluiah!

If circumcision was an old law pertaining to the covenant between God and the Jews in the Old Testament, then what is the significance of circumcision in the New Testament? Was it addressed in the writings of Christ's apostles and disciples? How can one law be so important in the Old Testament and not remain so in the New Testament? Does circumcision fall to the wayside because it is too difficult to enforce or is there a metamorphosis of sorts taking place within the new Christian community?

Although we did some work above as we uncovered the beginning of this covenant between Abraham and God, you may find it interesting to note that circumcision is discussed in many of the Old Testament books. Below is a review of the highlights:

* First, the law is established in Genesis.

* In Exodus, the law is specified again as a Passover Feast requirement, in that no man uncircumcised may partake in the festivities; however, foreigners living among the Israelites could participate as long as they "went under the knife" first. (Wow, that is quite a hefty cover charge!)

* Leviticus, a book containing the prescribed ritual laws of the tribe of Levi, also addresses who should be circumcised and when. Later in Leviticus, and again in Deuteronomy, "Circumcision of the Heart" begins to unfold. As the circumcised continue to defy and rebel against God, a new conversion is spoken of. It is not enough to merely "look" holy in the flesh, but it is the heart that must also be cut open (or humbled) for God to enter. Hardened hearts and closed minds were causing the people to fall away from God leaving them helpless and lost—not only "literally" in the desert, but also "spiritually" without God.

* In the book of Joshua, Moses' successor explains that God required the Israelites, upon arrival into the Promised Land, to circumcise all of the boys born in the desert during the forty-year journey (since they had ceased mandating circumcision during the hardship).

* In the books of Judges, 1 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, the word "uncircumcised" is used to imply enemy. It is interesting that, in these books, the Israelites often refer to themselves as the "circumcised," not unlike we now call ourselves Catholics or Christians.

(For detail on the above scripture passages, refer to Genesis 17:10, Exodus 12:48, Leviticus 26:40-43, Deuteronomy 30:6, Joshua 5:7, Judges 15:18, 1 Samuel 17:36, 1 Chronicles 10:4, Isaiah 52:1, Jeremiah 9:24-25, Ezekiel 28:10.)

Let us now end the Old Testament segment with one last passage before we begin studying the New Testament. It serves as the perfect segue. Open your Bible to the prophetic book of Jeremiah 4:1-4.

God has a bit of advice to share with the wayward souls of Israel. He commands them to examine their spiritually barren lives (untilled ground) and to spring into action (till it). Yet he warns them not to do so while still living a sinful life (thorns). Even the best intentions for reconciling with God are lost if we continue our evil habits. Our Lord calls us to a new kind of circumcision, a circumcision of the heart. Allowing our hearts to harden destroys our relationship with God. Unlike the ritual of circumcision on the flesh, which is performed by one onto another, we are the ones in control of our own circumcised (or hardened) heart. God places the responsibility back on us.

Did you notice at the end of the fourth verse, God does GET ANGRY! His warning is clear and his patience is immense, but He will get angry. In fact, God's anger sits at the edge of dangerous waters warning us to turn away. It is only when we no longer hear His voice of protection and his roar of anger against evil that we will know the world has ended.

With the New Testament comes the Savior of the World to show us the way. Halleluiah, praise to God Almighty! Finally, the people have the Savior in the flesh; teaching and leading them, living among them and then dying for them. Certainly that clears everything up and all people finally see and then follow the light of Christ, right? Wrong. Read Acts 7:51-52.

These verses capture the conclusion of a set of discourses in which Saint Stephen tried to help the closed-minded understand their errors as he encouraged them to turn back to God. The very wise and Spirit-filled Stephen speaks out to the Sanhedrin and to the high priest. Sadly, after this remarkable and honest warning, he is stoned to death.

Paul is the one who addresses the new law of circumcision in this next scripture passage. The question was whether or not the early Christians should all be the same—all circumcised or all uncircumcised. You can probably imagine the confusion as the melting pot of early Christians sought the truth and the will of God. Do they all need to be of one likeness as was dictated in the Old Testament? Paul clarifies in 1 Corinthians 7:1720. Please read the scripture passage.

It is not circumcision that unites God's called people but rather the commandments of God. The rules of God will bind the disparate into a common flock. God uses commandments to discipline, contain and protect his sheep. He knows the closer we stay to the shepherd the clearer we can hear his warnings or calls for change in direction.

That, too, is why we must embrace the steadfast rules of the Catholic Church. They are set by God to keep us safe. Like a fence has many posts, the principles of Catholicism serve as timeless moral boundaries. Faith is the span of fencing stretched across the secure and deep catechismal pillars. Without posts a fence would fall. Without a fence the pillars stand untenable. Rules need faith and faith needs rules. Therefore, the strict dogma of the Catholic Church and the faith we place in upholding each principle is our best defense against the lurking and ever-hungry wolves.

In this next scripture passage, Galatians 6:14-15, Paul teaches us another lesson on the subject. Please read it now for further insight.

He addresses those who boast about a physical circumcision and yet forget the cross of Christ that saved them. How many times do we get so caught up in "belonging" that we forget our purpose? God works patiently and methodically, perfecting his creations over time, but we are the ones who must recognize where we are in the journey to holy perfection and how much work still needs to be done for His will.

We are asked to carry our cross and to live in the example of Christ so fully that Christ is the one working through us. We are asked to die of self and the sins that separate us from God, so that we may be born of the perfect Christ. It is a difficult task but it is our purpose and it is the most rewarding of all—to allow God's gifts to work within us for His Almighty Glory. To summarize the biblical transition from circumcision to new birth let's look to Paul again as he clarifies the "new creation."

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

DISCUSSION CORNER

A farmer needs to till, seed, water, and harvest only to do the same tilling, seeding, watering and harvesting the next year, and the next. Discuss how the seasons of our life and faith resemble that of a farmer.

How do we know if we have achieved a "circumcised heart"? Why is it so difficult for us, as it was with the first Christians, to constantly maintain an open heart in a secular world?

Do you remember a time when the words of St. Paul (in the above scripture) especially came true for you? Think of the times when choosing Jesus over the world led to new things in your life. Share your thoughts with others in your group.

THE CUSTOM OF CIRCUMCISION

Have you ever wondered why Catholics baptize shortly after birth and some non-Catholic Christians wait until adulthood? Although there are many reasons, I think it is important to discuss the one that relates to this first chapter on circumcision. Catholics believe that Paul instructs us to look at Baptism as the metamorphosis of Circumcision in the Old Testament. He reveals to us that before Christ circumcision was a necessary rite to mark God's chosen people but that we are now circumcised through Christ. We are buried with Jesus through the plunging into the water of Baptism and we are raised with him through faith and God's forgiveness. Let's review the ancient custom of circumcision to discover for ourselves the transition to Baptism.

I was fortunate to be able to interview a man who would prove to be extremely helpful to me as I put this chapter together. Dr. Alan Bercovitz (note1-1) was able to shed light on Judaism's ritual of circumcision, point out the bridge to Catholicism and also add a bit of insight about the secular view of circumcision, which I had not even considered. Alan is a medical doctor who was raised in a devout Jewish home but who fell in love with and married a devout Catholic woman. Together they baptized and raised their children in the Catholic faith. Alan has embraced the blessings and wisdom that come through this unique set of life experiences. He deeply cherishes both religions and can identify the similarities and the differences. His comprehension of Catholic traditions is deepened, as he is able to connect them to God's ancient rituals and laws. The same rituals and customs that Jesus followed would morph through our Savior into the universal church of Catholicism. Some we recognize easily and others have grown dim with time. He is uniquely positioned to remind us of their importance and the reverence in which we should hold them.

Alan has been an honored participant in the Jewish ritual of Brit Milah, or Bris as it is commonly known. Brit Milah is Hebrew for "covenant of circumcision." When he spoke to me about this ritual he spoke with reverence. This day is considered sacred and is one, if not the only, ritual permitted to take place on a Jewish holiday. If the eighth day of the boy's life falls on a holy day the circumcision must not be moved. The only reason that a male child should not be circumcised on this day is if the child is too weak or ill to have the procedure done. In that case, another day would be chosen for him.

The ceremony itself is short in length, only taking about 15 minutes, and is usually conducted in the home of the child's parents. The ceremony has three distinct parts:

1. Blessings and Circumcision

2. Kiddush (blessings of the wine) and Naming

3. Seudat Mitzah (celebratory meal)

As the ceremony begins the mother hands the child to the Kvatterin who then enters into the room prepared for the circumcision. The child then is passed into the arms of the Kvatter. The Kvatter then rests him in the arms of the Sandek who will hold the baby boy during the shedding of blood as the instrument held by the Mohel instigates the circumcision along with special prayers and blessings.

The blessing of the wine follows which is given in droplets to soothe the child immediately afterward. Next comes the very important part of naming the child. Once the child's name is announced, more prayers follow and the child is blessed and consecrated to God. Beautiful prayers both honor God as our Creator and King of the Universe and ask for mercy upon the child. Gifts of humility are requested during the naming portion of the ceremony, such as gifts of a pure heart and wisdom of God's laws.

It was the naming part of the ceremony that carried me back over 2000 years to the dwelling place where Joseph and Mary consecrated Jesus to God through this Jewish ritual. Oh how God did allow the fullness of all gifts to pour forth upon his only begotten son, Jesus, as he would grow to most fully comprehend the holy Law and he would teach it in the synagogues. Jesus would come to not only fulfill his Father's laws but to perfect them, establishing a New Covenant and the new law of Christianity—through his teaching, beatitudes, parables, and a command to love God with all our heart and to love one another.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from BLOOD OF THE LAMB CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY by BETH LEONARD. Copyright © 2014 Beth Leonard. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

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,