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Jarrod Jacobs: "His Blood Be On Us"

            Prior to the crucifixion, Pilate tried to release Jesus (Jn. 19:9; Mk. 15:3-5; Isa. 53:7). Pilate knew Jesus had been delivered out of “envy” (Matt. 27:18), so he appealed to the people and their customary “prisoner release” during the Passover. He allowed the Jews to choose between Jesus or Barabbas (Jn. 18:39-40). Sadly, the people chose Barabbas instead of Christ (Matt. 27:15-21). Seeing that he was getting nowhere, he took water and literally “washed his hands” of the situation. He stated, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see thou to it” (Matt. 27:24). The mob’s response was, “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matt. 27:25).

 

            What a tragedy! These folks told Pilate to kill Jesus, and they and their children would bear the guilt of the sin. Actually, what they said is impossible, because children cannot bear the iniquity of their parents (Ezek. 18:4, 20, etc.). Each person is responsible for his own sin (Jas. 1:14-15). Their sentiment, however, was one of cruelty and ungodliness. They were willing to kill someone in “cold blood” out of envy and “mob mentality.” Such was a violation of Exodus 20:13 for them.

 

            What spiritual lessons might we learn? One lesson is that each of us might as well have been there with the mob that day. The sins we’ve committed make us just as guilty as if we were the ones driving the nails into Christ’s body. Christ went to the cross to forgive the sins of the world (Matt. 20:28, 26:28; Rom. 3:23)! Thus, just like the people who cried “crucify him” that day, Christ’s blood is on our hands, too!

 

            It doesn’t end there. If we fast-forward 50 days after the Passover, we find these people gathered on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-11). As they listened to the apostles speak (Acts 2:14), they were convicted of their sins, and asked what to do (Acts 2:37). Peter responded, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:38-39). In other words, those who said, “his blood be on us, and on our children” now have the opportunity to have Christ’s blood on them and their children so that they can be cleansed from the guilt of sin (Rev. 1:5; Heb. 9:14; I Pet. 1:18-19)!

 

            The guilt of sin rests on all who have yielded to temptation (Jas. 1:14-15). Would you like the blood of Christ to cleanse you and your children from sin? Just as one cannot inherit sin, so also we cannot inherit salvation! Each person can be cleansed from sin by believing that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24), repenting of sin (Lk. 13:3, 5), confessing Christ (Rom. 10:10), and being baptized for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38). When one is baptized, he comes in contact with the cleansing effects of Christ’s blood, and is cleansed from every sin. Paul said the Corinthians were “washed ... sanctified ... justified” in Christ (I Cor. 6:11; Acts 18:8; Mk. 16:16). Let us do the same so that Christ’s blood can forgive us and our children from sin!

 

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167

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