The Power of the Blood
Morning: Leviticus 15-17
Evening: Matthew 27:1-31
Leviticus 15-17 emphasizes the significance of purity and the sacred role of blood in atonement. Leviticus 17:11 declares, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” The Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to the ultimate atonement—Jesus Christ shedding His blood for the sins of the world.
In Matthew 27:1-31, we witness the unjust trial and brutal suffering of Jesus. The very people He came to save rejected Him, mocking and scourging Him. Yet, in His suffering, the fulfillment of God’s redemption plan was unfolding. Just as the blood of sacrifices in Leviticus purified Israel, the blood of Jesus would purify all who believe in Him. His sacrifice was once for all, securing eternal redemption.
These passages remind us that sin separates us from God, but His mercy provides a way back—through the blood of Jesus. His suffering was not in vain; it was the price of our freedom. The blood that flowed at Calvary cleanses, restores, and brings us near to God.
Key Insights
- Blood Represents Life and Atonement – Leviticus 17:11 reveals that blood was necessary for the atonement of sin. This foreshadowed Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood brings eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:22).
- Sin Requires a Sacrifice – The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to the necessity of payment for sin. Jesus became that perfect sacrifice, putting an end to the need for repeated offerings (Hebrews 10:10).
- Jesus Suffered Willingly – Despite being innocent, Jesus endured betrayal, false accusations, and brutal punishment to fulfill God’s plan of salvation (Isaiah 53:5).
- Rejection Did Not Stop Redemption – Even when Jesus was mocked and scorned, His sacrifice remained effective. The world’s rejection cannot nullify the power of the cross (Romans 5:8).
- Through His Blood, We Are Made Clean – The blood of sacrifices in Leviticus could only provide temporary cleansing, but Jesus’ blood cleanses us completely and eternally (1 John 1:7).
Connection to Other Scripture
- Hebrews 9:22 – “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
- Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
- 1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Questions to Reflect On
- Do I truly understand the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins?
- Am I trusting in my own righteousness, or do I fully rely on the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood?
- How do I respond when I face rejection for my faith, knowing that Jesus endured even greater rejection?
- In what ways can I live in gratitude for the price Jesus paid for my salvation?
- Have I fully accepted the forgiveness that Jesus’ sacrifice provides, or am I still carrying guilt?
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses me from all sin. I acknowledge that I could never earn salvation on my own, but You, in Your great love, made a way through Christ’s sacrifice. Help me to walk in the freedom and forgiveness that His blood provides. Strengthen my faith when I face trials and remind me that rejection by the world cannot compare to the acceptance I have in You. May my life reflect my gratitude for the price paid at Calvary. In Jesus’ name, Amen.