What Old Testament sacrifices foreshadow the covenant mentioned in Matthew 26:28? Matthew 26:28—The Covenant in Focus “ For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Why Blood Was Always Central God consistently tied forgiveness and covenant to shed blood (Leviticus 17:11). Every major Old Testament sacrifice helped Israel grasp what Jesus would finally accomplish. Old Testament Sacrifices That Foreshadowed the Covenant in Matthew 26:28 • Passover Lamb – Exodus 12 – Blood on the doorposts spared Israel from judgment. – The lamb had to be spotless (v. 5), eaten in its entirety (v. 10), and no bone broken (v. 46; cf. John 19:36). – Jesus chose Passover night to institute the Lord’s Supper, identifying Himself as the ultimate Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Sin Offering – Leviticus 4 – Provided atonement when anyone “sins unintentionally” (v. 2). – The sinner laid a hand on the animal, transferring guilt; its blood was then applied to the altar (vv. 29-30). – Hebrews 9:22-28 links this ritual directly to Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. • Guilt (Trespass) Offering – Leviticus 5:14-6:7 – Focused on restitution plus atonement. – Isaiah 53:10 calls the Suffering Servant a “guilt offering,” showing Jesus would pay for sin’s debt and restore fellowship. • Whole Burnt Offering – Leviticus 1 – The entire animal was consumed, symbolizing total surrender to God. – Ephesians 5:2 says Christ “gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering,” echoing the aroma language of burnt offerings (v. 9). • Blood of the Sinai Covenant – Exodus 24:5-8 – Moses sprinkled half the blood on the altar and half on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant” (v. 8). – Jesus’ wording in Matthew 26:28 intentionally mirrors Moses’, signaling the inauguration of a new, superior covenant (Hebrews 9:18-22). • Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – Leviticus 16 – One goat slain, its blood sprinkled inside the veil for cleansing; another goat bore the nation’s sins into the wilderness (vv. 15-22). – Hebrews 9:7-12 pictures Christ entering the heavenly Holy of Holies “not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood.” Bringing It Together Each sacrifice taught a piece of the Gospel puzzle—substitution, cleansing, redemption, fellowship. In the Upper Room Jesus gathered every thread, lifted the cup, and declared that His own blood would seal the covenant those earlier offerings only previewed. |
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