“Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”. Matthew 26 v 26-27
Are you someone who is squeamish?
When I was a child I was constantly falling over and cutting my arms and legs, so the sight of blood didn’t bother me but as I got older I found my reactions changed. I remember having to go and give blood when I was pregnant. About halfway through I looked around to see four vials filled with a deep red liquid. Suddenly the room began to spin and the next thing I knew I was opening my eyes on a hospital bed with an alarmed nurse at my side. “You didn’t tell me you were afraid of the sight of blood!” she said. “I didn’t know I was!”, I replied. Whatever our experience, we all understand that blood is essential for life and that losing blood is not a good thing.
Blood transports the oxygen we breath in, it regulates our temperature and protects us from disease to name just a few things. It really sustains our life. The bible talks a lot about blood and its significance is highlighted throughout scripture. The first time we find the shedding of blood is in Genesis 3 v 21 “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” Here an animal is sacrificed, blood is spilled resulting in death so that Adam and Eve can be clothed to cover their shame of being naked. They had tried to create a covering for themselves of fig leaves, (v7) but the Lord demonstrated the acceptable solution for their rebellion. Their sin had required blood to be shed. But this only covered over what they had done. It could not take away the guilt and shame.
God from the beginning of creation was making atonement for our mistakes and providing a way for us to live but no matter what He put in place man could not follow God’s ways. The blood of the lamb that protected the Israelites from the angel of death as He passed through Egypt was a foreshadow of the sacrifice of Jesus to free his people, not for one moment in time, but for all eternity. As the disciples sat and ate with Jesus at the Passover meal and gave thanks for their deliverance, they could not fully understand the words that He spoke to them. The covenants that were part of everyday life in ancient times required two parties to uphold their agreements and promise to be faithful and keep their word. Each would seal it with their blood. Now God would introduce a new covenant with his people, in which man would no longer have to prove himself faithful, as Jesus the one perfect man, would seal this agreement with his own blood. This final covering for the sin that began with Adam would be complete. And what does Jesus invite you and me to do today “Drink from it all of you”. Now there is incredible significance in this verse. In Hebrew times the groom would turn to his betrothed wife and would pour her a cup of wine. He would then invite her to drink it. As she did this it symbolised that she was entering into a life in which she chose to experience all the things his life entailed. The good and the bad.
Look at the picture the Lord is giving to his bride, the church. When we receive Jesus, and believe in his saving grace, paid for at the cross with his blood, we are invited to enter into a new life with him. Now that sin has been dealt with we get to enjoy the blessings of his abundant life.
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Easter Series – Exchange Church Belfast 2021