How does Matthew 26:28 connect to the overall message of the Gospel? Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:28 “ This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Key Gospel Themes Woven into This Verse • Blood – the cost of redemption (Hebrews 9:22) • Covenant – God’s binding agreement with His people (Jeremiah 31:31-34) • Poured Out – Christ’s voluntary, sacrificial act (Isaiah 53:5) • For Many – the wide offer of salvation (John 3:16) • Forgiveness of Sins – the core human need met in the Gospel (Ephesians 1:7) From Passover to the Cross: Continuity of Redemption • Matthew records this statement during the Passover meal, linking Jesus to the lamb whose blood spared Israel (Exodus 12:1-13). • Just as Moses said, “This is the blood of the covenant…” (Exodus 24:8), Jesus echoes those words, signaling a new and greater deliverance. • The Gospel message presents Jesus as the true Passover Lamb, fulfilling John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Fulfillment of Prophecy and Covenant Promises • Jeremiah 31:31-34 foretold a new covenant written on hearts and centered on forgiveness; Jesus inaugurates it with His own blood. • Isaiah 53:5 anticipated the suffering Servant: “He was pierced for our transgressions… by His wounds we are healed.” • Hebrews 9:15 affirms that Christ is “the mediator of a new covenant,” tying Matthew 26:28 directly to the epistle’s explanation of His once-for-all sacrifice. The New Covenant Established • Old covenant sacrifices were repeated and temporary (Hebrews 10:1-4). • Christ’s blood secures an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). • Believers now approach God with confidence, cleansed consciences, and indwelling Spirit power (Hebrews 10:19-22; 2 Corinthians 3:6). The Heart of the Gospel: Substitutionary Sacrifice • “Poured out” speaks of life surrendered (Leviticus 17:11). • Romans 3:24-25: God presented Jesus “as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood.” • 1 Peter 2:24: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree,” affirming the Gospel’s central theme of substitution. Grace Offered to “Many”: The Scope of Salvation • “Many” emphasizes inclusiveness without universalism—salvation is broadly offered yet personally received (John 3:18). • Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28:19-20 flows from this: His blood’s power extends to all nations. • Revelation 5:9 celebrates a redeemed multitude “from every tribe and tongue.” Living Out the Truth Today • Rest in complete forgiveness—no guilt remains (Romans 8:1). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper as a continual reminder (1 Corinthians 11:25-26). • Proclaim this covenant hope to others, confident that Christ’s blood is sufficient for every sinner who believes (Acts 13:38-39). |
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