Tag: blood be on us
Let His blood be on us and our children!
Scripture reading for February 12th: Matthew 27:15-34, Psalm 32, Proverbs 9:1-6
Jesus was tried before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate was a politician that tried to please the people. The day of Jesus’ trial, Pilate’s wife sent him a message, “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of Him.” (Matthew 27:19) Pilate gave the crowd an opportunity to have one of those to be crucified released. He secretly hoped it would be Jesus but the crowd, whipped up by the chief priests, asked for Barabbas instead. When he tried to reason with the crowd, they shouted that Jesus should be crucified. Instead of standing for justice, Pilate washed his hands symbolically, stating that he was innocent of Jesus’ blood.
“All the people answered, “Let His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25) This statement was given by the crowd as they were worked up by the chief priests. It is ironic that the blood that Jesus shed was the very thing that they needed to cleanse them from their sins. It is the only thing in the entire universe that can atone for or cover the stain of guilt that comes from sin. They invited the judgment of God against them for shedding innocent blood when the very innocent Son of God, Jesus Christ was going to give His blood as the price for their murderous deeds!
Jesus had wanted to gather all these people under His covering as a hen would gather her chicks, but they were unwilling. (Matthew 23:37-37) Their house would be left desolate. These who rejected Jesus would also bring judgment on their children. Parents have an influence on children and their decisions often affect their offspring.
As I think about “Let His blood be on us and our children”, I want the blood of Christ to cover all my sins and my children’s too. I know that as a parent I must pray for my children and live in such a way that they see Christ in my life. I also have personally taught all my children about their need for repentance and faith in Christ’s blood as the only remedy for sin. My prayer is for all my children and grandchildren to be covered by the blood of Jesus Christ! Have you asked for Christ’s blood for your family?
Let His blood be on us!
Scripture reading for October 12th: Matthew 26-28
Those who have grown up in the church have heard the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and crucifixion many times. This story is a key to our redemption from sin because it tells of a Savior who loved us so much that He gave His life for us. He offered it willingly on our behalf as a part of God’s plan to bring us back to Himself.
Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for a mere thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave. (Matthew 26:14-15) We are told that Judas belonged to the evil one and was not one of the true disciples. He fulfilled Scripture from Zechariah 11:12-13 that told about him several hundred years in advance. Judas betrayed his master with a kiss.
Jesus was taken before Caiaphas, the High Priest, and the Sanhedrin. They met early in the morning to find a way to put Jesus to death. (Matthew 27:1) Caiaphas asked Jesus directly if He was the Christ, Son of the living God. Jesus answered “yes” and told him that in the future he would see Jesus seated at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:63-64) The council pronounced a death sentence, spit on Him, and struck Him with their fists. His trusted disciples deserted Him and Peter denied Him three times as Jesus predicted.
Jesus then stood before Pilate, the Roman governor, the only one with authority to put Him to death. Pilate listened to the Jews’ charges and then asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus answered “yes” but made no other defense against the charges. Pilate had been warned by his wife not to have anything to do with Jesus because of a troubling dream that she had. He tried to get the crowd to release Jesus but they demanded Jesus be crucified!
Pilate symbolically washed his hands of Jesus’ blood and placed the responsibility on the people. They willingly stated: “Let His blood be on us and on our children.” (Matthew 27:25) Ironically, it is the blood of Jesus alone that can cleanse us all from our sin. It was a wonderful act of grace that Jesus would even give His blood for the redemption of those who would crucify Him. May His blood cover each of us as well, and our children!