“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness for our trespasses . . .” Ephesians 1:7
Blood can be a symbol for death as well as life. We are alive if we have “blood flowing through our veins.” If we die as heroes we have “spilled our blood.”
Think of that iconic moment in Braveheart where a beaten and bloody William Wallace cries out “Freeeeeeeedom!” He’s referring to the freedom purchased by the sacrifice of the hero’s blood. In Gladiator, the slaves were set free by the spilled blood of Maximus, their great hero. Even the miniseries Band of Brothers helps us put names and faces to the heroes who fought and died in Europe for freedom. True freedom comes with a great cost and sacrifice of blood.
Freedom also needs a hero. This is especially true for us since we’re born into slavery to sin. In fact God’s story of freeing us from our slavery of sin needs the sacrifice of the greatest hero who ever lived: Jesus.
Good Friday is a day we celebrate that once a year, through blood of our hero, Jesus Christ, we’re given redemption and forgiveness. This perfect blood that was spilled at Christ’s death is the most life-giving, freeing blood we can imagine. Ultimate freedom—freedom from Satan, sin, and death comes with the cost of Jesus’ priceless blood, and Jesus is the ultimate freedom.
Have you thought of Jesus’ spilled blood as a gift?
Do you see Jesus as a hero?
Scott Mitchell is the lead pastor of Mars Hill Everett.
Online at:
No comments:
Post a Comment