What is the meaning of Mark 14:24? He said to them Jesus speaks in the upper room mere hours before the cross. His words carry the full authority of the Son of God who “loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (John 13:1). • The disciples have heard many parables, but here the Lord moves from story to direct proclamation, just as Hebrews 1:2 affirms that “in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” • By addressing the Twelve, He anchors the coming covenant in real history, witnessed by real people (1 John 1:1-3). • He links this meal to the Passover they have celebrated since Exodus 12, showing He is the long-promised Lamb (John 1:29). This is My blood Jesus does not speak symbolically about someone else’s sacrifice; He points to His own. • Leviticus 17:11 reminds us, “the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you … to make atonement.” Jesus is offering the very life-blood that atones. • Hebrews 9:12 declares He entered the Most Holy Place “by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” • Revelation 1:5 rejoices that He “has freed us from our sins by His blood.” The cup in His hand represents the literal, physical blood He will shed on Calvary. of the covenant A covenant is a binding, God-initiated promise. • At Sinai, Moses sprinkled blood and proclaimed, “This is the blood of the covenant” (Exodus 24:8). Jesus echoes those exact words, signaling a new, superior covenant foretold in Jeremiah 31:31. • Luke 22:20 records the fuller phrase, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” • Hebrews 8:6 celebrates that Jesus is “mediator of a better covenant.” The old covenant pointed forward; the new covenant is established by Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, securing forgiveness and new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27). which is poured out “Poured out” pictures deliberate, sacrificial offering. • Isaiah 53:12 prophesied, “He poured out His life unto death.” • At the cross His side is pierced, and “blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34), confirming the literal outpouring. • Hebrews 9:14 says His blood “offered unblemished to God” cleanses our consciences. The verb shows purpose: Jesus is not a victim of circumstance but the willing Lamb who lays down His life (John 10:18). for many The scope is vast, reaching every tribe, yet personal, embracing each believer. • Isaiah 53:11 promises the Servant “will justify many.” • Matthew 20:28 states He gives His life “as a ransom for many,” while 1 Timothy 2:6 affirms He “gave Himself as a ransom for all.” The two ideas harmonize: provision is unlimited, application is received by those who believe (John 3:16). • Revelation 5:9 celebrates the redeemed “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Christ’s blood secures salvation for a countless multitude, yet invites every individual to trust Him. summary Mark 14:24 captures the heart of the gospel in a single sentence. Jesus, speaking with divine authority, identifies the cup as His very own blood, the foundation of the promised new covenant. That blood will be literally poured out at the cross, accomplishing full atonement. Its saving power extends to “many”—a global family of believers who place their faith in Him. In the Lord’s Supper we remember, celebrate, and proclaim this unbreakable covenant secured by the precious blood of Christ. |
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