Carved in Stone

“…… (Jesus) said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” Matthew 26:1b-2 NLT

An idiom most of us have heard is ‘carved in stone’ meaning something is permanent and cannot change. It has been used to get a point across in accepting new rules or policies that have been adopted, which I admit I have used during my retail career. Some people view it as the opposite, believing things will always stay as they are, ‘carved in stone’ when that is not the case, I have used that as well. Point taken, when something is said to be ‘carved in stone’, it is nearly impossible to change, except by the original creator should they decide to change it.

God the Father had His plan for salvation ‘carved in stone’ from eternity past and nothing would be able to change it, not even an attempt to delay it. The Religious rulers of Jesus’ day, the leading priests and elders, were plotting to have Jesus killed. But they were afraid to attempt it during Passover in fear the people who supported Jesus might cause a riot. So, they decided to wait a week until after Passover. (Mt.26:3-5) They may have thought their plan was ‘carved in stone’, but God’s plan was also ‘carved in stone’ and it would not change.

Jesus predicted His death would occur at Passover. “…. he said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” (Mt.26:1b-2 nlt) It was not the plan of the plotters, but God’s plan and it could not be overruled. Jesus is the perfect lamb of God without blemish that would be sacrificed at Passover. His death would do more than cover our sins but take them away permanently for those who trust in Him for salvation. (Jn.1:29) God’s plan, ‘carved in stone’!