What does "My blood of the covenant" reveal about Jesus' mission and purpose? Setting the Scene “For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28) Why Blood, and Why a Covenant? • In Scripture, covenants are always ratified with blood (Exodus 24:6-8). • Blood signifies life (Leviticus 17:11) and the penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23). • By identifying His own blood as “the blood of the covenant,” Jesus declares Himself both the sacrificial victim and the divine Initiator of a new, binding agreement between God and humanity. Mission: To Secure Forgiveness • Matthew’s wording adds, “for the forgiveness of sins,” spotlighting Jesus’ central purpose. • Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Through His cross, Jesus fulfills Isaiah 53:5—“the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.” Result: Complete, once-for-all atonement (Hebrews 10:10-12). Purpose: To Establish the Promised New Covenant • Jeremiah 31:31-34 foretold a covenant where God would write His law on hearts and “remember their sins no more.” • Luke 22:20 parallels Matthew, calling the cup “the new covenant in My blood,” linking Jesus directly to Jeremiah’s promise. • Believers now enjoy: – Internal transformation (Ezekiel 36:26-27) – Personal knowledge of God (John 17:3) – Permanent forgiveness (Colossians 2:13-14) Scope: “Poured Out for Many” • “Many” embraces all who believe (John 1:12; Revelation 7:9), while still highlighting the personal nature of salvation. • His mission reaches every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9-10). Identity: The True Paschal Lamb • The Last Supper occurs during Passover; Jesus ties His blood to the original lamb’s blood that spared Israel (Exodus 12:13). • 1 Peter 1:18-19 calls Him “a lamb without blemish.” • Deliverance is no longer from Egypt’s bondage but from sin’s slavery (John 8:34-36). Guarantee: An Eternal Inheritance • Hebrews 9:15—“Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” • His blood not only cleanses but secures believers as co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). Response: Communion as a Living Reminder • Each time the church partakes of the cup (1 Corinthians 11:25-26), it proclaims: – The historical reality of Jesus’ sacrifice – Ongoing fellowship with Him – Confident anticipation of His return (“until He comes”). Takeaway “My blood of the covenant” reveals Jesus’ mission to pay the ransom price for sin, inaugurate the long-promised new covenant, gather a worldwide redeemed people, and guarantee them eternal life—all accomplished through His literal, sacrificial death and vindicated by His resurrection. |
    |