“For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

(Matthew 26:28)

When Jacob’s 5-year-old daughter came down with a nasty virus, he knew it was time for a trip to the doctor.  As any parent knows, the doctor’s office isn’t exactly a child’s favorite place, especially when needles are involved.  But Jacob was determined to keep her calm and reassured.

After a brief exam, the doctor said they needed to run a blood test, just to confirm the type of virus. As the doctor stepped out, Jacob knelt beside his daughter and gently said, “Sweetheart, the doctor is going to draw some blood.  It’ll be quick, and I’ll be right here with you.”

There was a moment of quiet.  Then she looked up at him with total calm and seriousness and asked, “Whose blood?”

That innocent question speaks to a spiritual truth that lies at the very heart of the gospel.

When Jesus gathered with his disciples at the Last Supper, he broke the bread and shared the cup. He explained that the bread was his body and the wine was his blood. Then he said, “This is my blood of the covenant…”  Imagine the confusion around the table.  “Wait… whose blood?”  

His.  Not ours.  Not someone else’s.  Not the blood of animals like in the old covenant. His blood would be the sacrifice.  His blood would seal the new covenant of grace.  His blood would cover our sins and bridge the gap between heaven and earth.

We sometimes carry the weight of our guilt, wondering what we need to do to make up for our mistakes.  But the gospel reminds us that the cost has already been paid. Jesus didn’t ask us to bleed.  He stepped in and gave his blood — for our healing, our salvation.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by your shortcomings, remember that child’s question: “Whose blood?” And rejoice in the answer: His.  Not because we deserve it, but because he loves us that much.

Prayer: Father, thank you for loving us so much that you gave your only Son to pour out his blood for our sins.  Remind us daily that the blood was his, not ours — and that through his sacrifice, we can be made whole.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day