Shedding of blood and forgiveness is why Jesus came to this earth. Hebrews 9:22 In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. [1]
Some people said that the death of Jesus on the cross proved he was not who He claimed to be, but the author of Hebrews reminds us of the necessity of His death. Shedding blood was necessary under the Old Covenant, although the death of animals was only a stopgap method. Shedding of blood is also required under the New Covenant. Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins was infinitely more purifying than the blood of animals.
The Old Covenant Required Blood
The Bible clearly tells us that the Old Covenant also required blood. Hebrews 9:18 That is why even the first covenant was put into effect with the blood of an animal. 19 For after Moses had read each of God’s commandments to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, and sprinkled both the book of God’s law and all the people, using hyssop branches and scarlet wool. 20 Then he said, “This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you.” 21 And in the same way, he sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship. [2]
Our culture tends to be squeamish about blood. But blood demonstrates the seriousness of sin and how it ultimately causes death.
Jesus Shed His Blood to Begin the New Covenant
God put the new covenant into place at Jesus’ death like a will that takes effect when someone dies. His death marked the transition from the old plan to the new one. The New Covenant was the will of the Father. As Jesus ministered on earth with His disciples, He told them several times that His will was to do the will of His Father. John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. [3] When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on that faithful evening, He prayed that He would do the will of His Father. (Ref. Matthew 26:39.)
Holy Communion Points to the Shedding of Blood
When Jesus instituted Holy Communion the evening before His crucifixion, He connected the shedding of blood and forgiveness. Mark 14: 23 And he (Jesus) took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. [4] His blood provides forgiveness and puts the New Covenant into place. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-new-covenant
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.