Matthew 26:26-28: “And 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.’ And he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the New Testament (New Covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’”
Matthew 27:50-51: “Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up His spirit (crucifixion). And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth did quake, and the rocks were split….”
Aside from Christmas, Easter is the next greatest religious holiday. Its significance to faith and to man cannot be overstated, and this short devotional is very limited in discussing all of the significance of Christ’s passion; however, just in these verses alone, we find enough at which to learn and marvel. The significance of the first Passover, which Christ had with his disciples, was not understood by the disciples until after His resurrection. From that point forward, all but one would give their lives for Christ and for the message that so radically changed them.
“For this is my blood of the New Testament (New Covenant)”: In the day and age in which Jesus lived, animal sacrifice, even human sacrifice in pagan cultures, was practiced. So the concept of shedding blood to atone for one’s sins, as was the purpose in the Jewish culture, or to appease an angry deity, as was the purpose in the pagan cultures, was something known. To us, this practice is cruel and unnecessary; however, it probably would still be a practice if it were not for the Cross. The Cross represents a “complete work”; once and for all, Christ became the Sacrificial Lamb, our Ransom Redeemer. The transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament acknowledges this. The word “Kaine” is the Greek word for “New,” and it implies “qualitatively new.” It will always be new, as in a “New Dispensation.” It implies something not known before, newly introduced, and not impaired by time or use. This is contrasted against the other definition that means “temporarily new,” e.g., a new car or a new pair of slacks or shoes—they can only be new once. So with a new dispensation or era, we will never need to go back to animal sacrifices. Christ’s passion atones more than enough for the sins of each repentant soul and the advent of His resurrection is enough “Life” to enable us to live a qualitatively new life. The energies of my life progressively change from doing what pleases me to doing what pleases Him, which in so doing, I am rewarded with joy and peace.
The term “Testament” speaks of a Covenant: an agreement between two parties. We can have a Will or a Trust that once the maker of it dies, it cannot be ratified or changed if such provision was not written beforehand into the Covenant—it stands uncontested. So, too, salvation, forgiveness, and redemption are all new provisions in the New Testament that were not a part of the Old Testament. Faith on our part in these provisions and Christ’s work on the Cross are what “ratifies” the Covenant for us, making us receivers or “beneficiaries” of such treasures.
“For the remission of sins”: There cannot be a more beautiful word for those who are seeking a second chance. In the world, we get labeled because of our past failures. In Christ, remission means that all of my past offenses, shortcomings, etc., are released. Literally, it means “to cause to stand away.” They are no longer a part of my record, and I am free to start anew. We may still face physical or relational consequences for our mistakes, but between God and me, I am renewed and have the hope of change. And, furthermore, God will not leave me to face my consequences alone—through them and by them, I will see the faithfulness of God.
God’s grace is so vast that at the Passover, the cup and bread did not pass over Judas, who was going to betray Christ that night—such is God’s grace. How is it that we get doubtful or fearful that we are beyond His help? Or how is it that we seek not God’s grace, but we live on our own terms, believing that God is distant? The scripture teaches that the veil, which separated the presence of God from man, was torn in two, from top to bottom. This was not the action of a man’s hand. The veil was so woven and heavy that no human hands could have torn it. It was God proclaiming, “I am not a God that is distant, but nigh, even abiding within your soul to those who welcome me in.”
This Easter, if you have not considered Christ, would you take time to consider this message? It would be one of the best changes ever to benefit you and your family. It is said that the shortest distance between us and eternity is the distance between our knees and the floor.
Father God,
I will never understand all that occurred between the Cross and your Resurrection, but what I do understand is that my sins have been atoned for and, consequently, forgiveness has been granted. My life, now, benefits greatly from the energizing life that is in the Holy Spirit that revives me even beyond this life, granting me eternal life. Even this is beyond my comprehension. Thank you for such a gift. Amen
Dios lo bendiga