The chief priests and elders had decided that Jesus should be put to death, so they bound him and took him to Pilate, the governor. Pilate could find no fault with Jesus, so he tried to have him released. But the religious leaders persuaded the crowd to demand that Jesus be crucified. So, Pilate gave in to the pressure of public opinion. Famously, he washed his hands in front of the crowd. “…I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:24-25).
These people had no idea that they were speaking prophetically. By playing a role in the crucifixion of Jesus, they were indeed guilty—his blood was on their hands. However, they would later have the opportunity to believe in the resurrected Jesus, repent of their sins and give their lives to him in Christian baptism. Then, his blood would be upon them in a much different way—it would cover their sins!
Is the blood of Jesus on you…in a good way?
“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”—Romans 5:9.
