THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:22-26
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:24)
In the Law of Moses, a special altar was placed at the entrance to the Most Holy Room.
“Put the altar in front of the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law—before the atonement cover that is over the tablets of the covenant law — where I will meet with you.” (Exodus 30:6)
Lamb’s blood was offered yearly there to cover for the sins of the people.
“Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the Lord.”(Exodus 30:10)
That blood symbolized the death penalty, the punishment deserved because of sin.
Human sin is what separates us from God – hence the curtain of separation.
The sacrificed blood atoned for that sin, so that they could maintain their relationship with God.
Jesus is saying His death (symbolized by blood) is the ultimate death penalty for sin… for us.
Because He dies for the many, the many may meet with – have fellowship with – God.
When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are NOT sacrificing Jesus, we are remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.
Because of His love and His death for us, we do not need to feel condemned before God. (Romans 8:1-2)
Do you relate to God this way, do you meet with Him in loving fellowship as His forgiven, much-loved child?
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:19-23)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, though I do have sin in my life, yet amazing grace, I am welcome and received, loved and forgiven. I may meet with You always, without fear of separation or rejection. Help me to feel this way in my heart.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations/Application
This is the passing of the old to the new – the Passover into the new meal or the new covenant – the Lord’s Supper. The was the fulfillment of John the Baptist words when he said – the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. This was a new Passover when Christ passed over to His father by His death and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Jesus’ death and resurrection and His promise to return again. He indeed is the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation.
Help me to remember this each day Lord as I live in Your Kingdom service.
All that I am I owe to Thee,
Thy wisdom, Lord, has fashioned me;
I give my Maker thankful praise,
Whose wondrous works my soul amaze.
Ere into being I was brought,
Thine eye did see, and in Thy thought
My life in all its perfect plan
Was ordered ere my days began.
Thy thoughts, O God, how manifold,
More precious unto me than gold!
I muse on their infinity,
Awaking I am still with Thee.
The wicked Thou shalt surely slay,
From me let sinners turn away;
They speak against the Name divine,
I count God’s enemies as mine.
Search me, O God, my heart discern,
Try me, my inmost thought to learn;
And lead me, if in sin I stray,
To choose the everlasting way.