Daily Devotions
Giving Blood
Reading for August 14th: Jeremiah 7-9
Weekly reading for August 9-15: Matthew 25-28
"this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
Matthew 26:28
I've had the opportunity to give blood several times. On a few occasions I've done it for a friend or family member. It makes you feel good to be able to give something like this to someone you care about.
I don't like needles and I get a little light headed whenever I give blood, but I've never found giving blood to be a difficult experience. The staff at the blood banks I've been to have always tried their best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible for me; from choosing the smallest gauge needle possible, to giving me a warm blanket to cover myself, to putting a pillow behind my head, to providing cookies and juice to drink once I'm finished.
But think about the difference in that kind of experience and what Jesus went through. Unlike the blood bank where you are treated with great respect and dignity, Jesus went through a shameful ordeal. They spat on him and cursed him and mocked him as he went through all his pain and suffering.
The cross was designed to be just as painful as it possibly could be. There was no padding on the cross. The nails were not sterilized, nor did they select smaller ones that wouldn't hurt as much.
Jesus didn't do this for his friends either. He died for us, his enemies (Romans 5:6-8; Colossians 1:21-22).
The greatest contrast of all is that Jesus didn't just give a little blood; a portion of his life. He poured out his life blood for us. He gave all!
Glory be to the Lamb that was slain and poured out his precious blood for us!
