18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

God paid a ransom to save you [with] the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. – 1 Peter 1:18–19

The $1.5 billion Hubble Space Telescope was launched on April 24, 1990, with great anticipation of the images it would send back to Earth of the far reaches of space.

When astronomers viewed the first photographs from this expensive project, they were devastated to discover the pictures were distorted and essentially useless. Scientists discovered a major flaw with the main mirror, a spherical aberration of about one millimeter or a measurement thinner than a strand of hair. Three years later, they were able to correct the flaw.

The reality of what the tiniest defect did to the Hubble Telescope can be seen as a contrast to the unequaled value of Jesus, who is absolutely perfect, sinless, and spotless (1 Peter 1:19). Jesus was born, lived, died, and was raised from the dead without ever committing a sin in His words, thoughts, or actions. Not even a defect as small as the width of a hair.

Complete perfection was necessary for Jesus to be an acceptable, flawless sacrifice; One who was able to take on the consequences of our sins through His death and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:21). This amazing sacrifice is worth far more than earthly possessions—like gold or silver (1 Peter 1:18) that have no eternal value—because it’s the only sacrifice that could secure for us everlasting peace with God.

Praise God that Christ was an acceptable sacrifice for our sins without blemish or defect. We can rejoice that He was willing to offer His perfect life for our salvation.

–LISA SAMRA

What brings you the greatest joy when you think about the suffering and then risen Jesus? How can you thank Him for the ways He shows His love to you every day?

Jesus, thank You for living a sinless life and for offering Yourself as a perfect sacrifice for my sins.