Shed Blood

Memorize: Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:5,6

Joseph               Jesus

Genesis 42:21,22                                                     Matthew 27:24

Similarities and differences?

Isn't it unsettling, that both premeditated violence and thoughtless indifference, shed 

blood?  In today's readings, we have both sides of the coin.  The active premeditated 

violence of Joseph's brothers, God would resurrect into a plan to save Israel.    The 

thoughtless, arrogant indifference of pilate, killed the lamb of God.  Three days later, the 

lamb that was slain, arose!

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and 

wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, Romans 1:18  This is 

God's reaction to man's sin.  

Thankfully this is not God's only reaction to sin.  God presented Christ as a sacrifice of 

atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to 

demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins 

committed beforehand unpunished—  he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the 

present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 

Romans 3:25,26  3:25 Christ died in our place, for our sins. God is justifiably angry at 

sinners. They have rebelled against him and cut themselves off from his life-giving 

power. But God declares Christ’s death to be the appropriate, designated sacrifice for our 

sin. Christ then stands in our place, having paid the penalty of death for our sin, and he 

completely satisfies God’s demands. His sacrifice brings pardon, deliverance, and 

freedom.

As a thank, you, shouldn't we live for the One who died for us?  Not with premeditated 

violence but with thoughtful acts of sacrificial love.  Live not with careless indifference, 

but careful gratitude for all gifts?  Live well my friend, for precious blood has been shed 

for you!