Jesus died for me. And you. And ALL.
I know, this is something that we should know, especially those of us who have been exposed to the gospel. It is at the heart of the gospel that He died so that we would not have to die as payment for our sins. This morning I was reminded of more at the heart of the gospel in that Jesus did not just die for my sins, he bled out for the forgiveness of those sins.
“26Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’” — Matthew 26:26-29 (ESV)
I have placed all of the verses titled the “Institution of the Lord’s Supper” from my English Standard Version bible. I believe it gives the full context of the moment and the words of Jesus. And as I know the full text is important, for the purpose of this morning I am focused on verses 27 and 28 and Jesus’ reference to the cup and blood.
Jesus did die for me and you and ALL. What I want to be sure and reference here is that He did not just die, His blood was spilled or “poured out” as in the words of Jesus. When I think of pouring out, I see the full volume of the vessels contents draining from the vessel itself. Jesus did not just pass from this world, He did so in a violent and vile manner.
I know that in the above passage, Jesus had yet to die, yet He was informing His disciples of the reality of what was going to happen. He was letting them know that what was about to happen was not going to be a calm and lovely teaching moment as this supper was. It was not going to be pleasant, yet is was required and Jesus knew the cost and wanted them to know that it was all okay.
I am sad that Jesus had to die and in such a violent manner. I am sad that He “poured out” His blood so that I did not have to. I am sad that I am a sinner that caused this to happen. Yet, on the contrary, I am glad that Jesus loves me so much that He was willing to die for me. I am glad that He was willing to pour out His blood so that I did not have to. I am glad that even as a sinner, Jesus loves me so much even now that He would do it all over again to ensure that I would be able to live out my life in forgiveness of those sins.
What is your version of the death of Jesus in your mind? Do you even think of the violent nature and His “poured out” blood? What if you looked closer and realized the vile and violent nature of His death and the “poured out” blood for the forgiveness of your sins (past, present, and future)?
Trevor's Thoughts 