And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
– 1 Corinthians 15:45 NKJV
THE MARVEL OF BLOOD
Blood represents a breathtaking reminder of God’s incredible handiwork in every human being. The heart pumps blood from the heart to every cell in the body and swiftly back to the heart in just sixty seconds. Blood carries life and vitality throughout the body. The circulatory system sustains every person alive; it reveals our health, as blood tests unlock hidden clues about infections, diseases, and healing needs.
Truly, the life of the flesh is in the blood, just as Leviticus 17:11 (NKJV) proclaims: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls.” How amazing that the same life-giving blood running through us also points to the ultimate gift—Jesus’ precious blood, shed to bring redemption and atonement for our souls. Through His sacrifice, we are given new life, healed, restored, and set free!
THE DIVINE CURRENCY OF BLOOD
In spiritual realms, blood transcends its nature as a life-giving force; it is a spiritual currency with immense value. Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the new blood covenant, gave us His own blood to atone for our souls. In the context of altars, blood is the ultimate price paid for our redemption. Blood is the highest valued spiritual currency offered in any demonic altar. The profound truth is this: the value accorded to blood corresponds to the value of the human soul in spiritual realms. When Christ offered His blood for the salvation of mankind, He offered the most precious currency — the very substance that equals the worth of every human soul. This divine exchange is a powerful reminder of the love and mercy of God. Jesus’ death on the cross provides a perfect redemption for us, revealing His profound love and mercy of us. Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) declares, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
THE BLOOD SPEAKS
The blood of Jesus Christ speaks powerfully in the spiritual realms, declaring a message of mercy, grace, and redemption. Unlike the blood of Abel, which cried out for vengeance after his brother Cain unjustly murdered him (Genesis 4:10), Jesus’ blood calls for forgiveness and reconciliation. Abel’s blood condemned, but the blood of Jesus redeems, offering the promise of a new covenant—a covenant of grace established through His sacrificial death on the cross. This contrast between the voices of the two bloods reveals the depth of God’s mercy through Christ, who made a way for us to be forgiven and restored.
Hebrews 12:22-24 (NKJV) beautifully captures this truth, declaring, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels… to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” In the heavenly courtroom, the blood of Jesus speaks on our behalf, securing our place in the family of God. It testifies to the grace that covers our sins and offers a continual invitation to live in the freedom of God’s redemptive power.
VOICES IN THE COURT OF HEAVEN
Hebrews 12:22-24 gives us a powerful glimpse into the heavenly realm, often called the “Court of Heaven.” This spiritual courtroom is filled with multiple voices, each playing a crucial role.
God’s voice, full of ultimate authority and justice, resonates as the final say in all matters. Jesus Christ, as our mediator, advocates on our behalf, ensuring that we are secure in the new covenant of grace. Most importantly, the blood of Jesus speaks continuously, declaring mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation, overpowering the accusations brought against us. Angels, too, play their part, executing God’s divine will, while the accuser’s voice, though present, is ultimately silenced by the testimony of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Together, these voices reveal the divine power of grace and the assurance of redemption that we have in Christ. While the accuser may seek to condemn, the blood of Jesus has the final word, securing our victory and affirming that justice has been fulfilled. This imagery of the Court of Heaven encourages us to trust in the work of Christ, knowing that He continuously pleads our case and that we are forever under the covering of His redeeming blood.
SEVEN TIMES JESUS BLED AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
The shedding of Jesus’ blood during His crucifixion is deeply symbolic, with each instance revealing a unique aspect of His redemptive work for humanity.
1. JESUS SWEATS DROPS OF BLOOD
Luke 22:44 (NKJV) declares, “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed with such intensity that His sweat turned to drops of blood. This is a rare medical condition called hematidrosis, typically brought on by extreme stress. Jesus was anticipating the immense suffering that lay ahead—not just the physical pain, but the spiritual burden of carrying the sins of the world. His blood in this moment represents the victory over the power of fear, anxiety, and overwhelming sorrow. Through this, He made a way for us to experience peace and strength in our darkest hours. When we face times of distress, we can remember that Jesus bore our emotional and spiritual anguish, and in return, He offers us His peace.
2. STRUCK IN THE FACE WITH BLOWS, FISTS, AND RODS
Matthew 26:63-67 (NKJV) says, “But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, ‘I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?’ They answered and said, ‘He is deserving of death.’ Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands…”
As Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin, He was struck in the face, beaten with fists and rods, enduring severe physical abuse. Even though He was completely innocent, Jesus bore the physical and emotional pain inflicted upon Him. This represents humanity’s rejection of God’s love and truth. Yet, in His silence and submission to the Father’s will, Jesus showed unparalleled love for us, even for those who inflicted the pain. His endurance of this brutal abuse allows us to find grace and strength when we face rejection or persecution for His name’s sake.
3. HIS BEARD PLUCKED OUT
Isaiah 50:5-6 (NKJV) states, “The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.”
Isaiah’s prophecy foretells one of the most humiliating acts Jesus would endure—His beard being violently plucked out. In ancient cultures, the removal of a man’s beard was a severe act of disgrace. Jesus, the Son of God, subjected Himself to such public humiliation to bear the weight of our shame. Through His willingness to be disgraced, He bore not only physical pain but also emotional humiliation, showing His deep humility and love for us. No matter the shame or disgrace we’ve faced, Jesus took it all on Himself, so we can walk in dignity and freedom.
4. THE BEATING AND SCOURGING BY THE ROMANS
John 19:1 (NKJV) says, “Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.”
Before His crucifixion, Jesus was brutally scourged by Roman soldiers, a punishment that tore open His back. This horrific act of violence points to the physical healing Jesus offers us. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) declares, “By His stripes we are healed.” Each stripe on His body represents the physical suffering He endured so that we can experience divine healing. Whether we are dealing with physical illness, emotional wounds, or deep inner pain, Jesus’ blood shed during this moment offers us healing and restoration.
5. THE CROWN OF THORNS
Matthew 27:29 (NKJV) declares, “And when they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”
As the soldiers mocked Jesus, they forced a crown of thorns onto His head, causing blood to flow down His brow. Thorns, a symbol of the curse from the fall of humanity (Genesis 3:17-18), pierced His skin, representing the breaking of the curse of sin. In bearing this crown of shame, Jesus broke the chains of poverty, shame, and mental torment. His blood offers us freedom from every curse that comes with sin, bringing us into the abundance of life in Him.
6. NAILS IN HIS HANDS AND FEET
Luke 23:33 (NKJV) declares, “When they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”
Psalm 22:16 (NKJV) says, “They pierced My hands and My feet.”
The nails driven into Jesus’ hands and feet mark a powerful moment in His redemptive work. His hands, pierced for us, represent the sanctification of our own hands and the work we do. Where sin once marred the work of humanity, Jesus redeems it. His feet, also pierced, symbolize our walk of life. Jesus’ sacrifice empowers us to walk in righteousness, no longer enslaved to sin. Through His blood, our work is blessed, and our steps are guided toward fulfilling God’s purposes.
7. THE SPEAR IN HIS SIDE
John 19:34 (NKJV) states, “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”
In the final shedding of Jesus’ blood, a Roman soldier pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. This moment signifies the birth of the Church, symbolized by the blood and water, representing communion and baptism. It also points to the completion of Jesus’ sacrifice—His full outpouring of life for us. Through this final act, Jesus offers us total redemption, inviting us into a new life in Him, free from the bondage of sin and filled with His Spirit.
These seven times Jesus shed His blood highlight the fullness of His sacrifice for humanity. Each drop of blood carried purpose — healing, freedom, redemption, and victory over every curse. As we reflect on these powerful moments, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the immeasurable love Jesus poured out for us.
