DAILY TEXT, Thursday, April 9, 2026. He interceded for sinners (Is. 53:12).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Thursday, April 9, 2026

He interceded for sinners (Is. 53:12).

Jehovah asked Abraham to sacrifice his own son Isaac. Surely that request seemed incredibly painful to Abraham. Even so, he was willing to obey. When he was about to do so, Jehovah stopped him. But his example teaches a very important lesson to all people of faith: Jehovah would be willing to sacrifice his beloved Son because of his immense love for humankind (Gen. 22:1-18). Centuries later, when Jehovah gave the Law to the Israelites, he told them that they had to sacrifice animals so that their sins would be forgiven (Lev. 4:27-29; 17:11). Those sacrifices showed that Jehovah would offer a sacrifice that would be far better because it would completely save humankind from sin. God had the prophets explain that the promised Seed—who turned out to be God’s only-begotten Son—would have to suffer and die to save all humankind, including you, from sin and death (Isa. 53:1-12). w24.08 4 paragraphs 7, 8

What did John the Baptist reveal? (Hebrews 9:22; 10:1-4, 12).

In 29 C.E., John the Baptist saw Jesus of Nazareth and said: “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). In this way, he revealed that Jesus was the Seed that God had promised. Jesus would offer his life as a sacrifice. At last, imperfect humans had a solid hope of completely overcoming sin and death. (Read Hebrews 9:22; 10:1-4, 12.)

How did Jesus demonstrate that he came to call sinners?

Jesus paid special attention to those who felt terrible because they were sinners, and he invited them to follow him. He knew that sin is the true root of suffering for all humankind. That is why he took the initiative to approach men and women who had a reputation for being sinners. In fact, he himself gave this example: “Those who are healthy do not need a doctor, but the sick do.” And he added: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:12, 13) And he demonstrated this by his actions. For example, he very kindly forgave the sins of the woman who washed his feet with her tears. (Luke 7:37-50) And although he knew that the Samaritan woman at the well was living an immoral life, he taught her valuable spiritual truths. (John 4:7, 17-19, 25, 26) Jehovah even gave him the power to resurrect men, women, and children, thus overcoming the final consequence of sin, which is death (Matt. 11:5).

Why were sinners drawn to Jesus?

Even people who committed serious sins were drawn to Jesus. And it is no wonder they wanted to get close to him, because he treated them with empathy and compassion (Luke 15:1, 2). Moreover, he commended and rewarded them for showing faith in him (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus perfectly reflected his Father’s mercy (John 14:9). By his words and actions, he showed us that Jehovah loves us and is very compassionate, and wants to help us overcome sin. Jesus moved sinners to want to change and follow him (Luke 5:27, 28).

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