On Holy Ground © 1999 by Charles Stanley APRIL 11 The Blood of the Lamb SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 22:7–20 KEY VERSE: Luke 22:20 He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” For hundreds upon hundreds of years, the Jews had met together to celebrate that dreadful and exciting night in Egypt when the Lord’s destroyer passed over the Israelites’ homes and spared their firstborn (Ex. 11–12). Why should this Passover night be any different? Yet the disciples sensed Jesus’ intense mood and listened attentively as He spoke: “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:15–16 NASB). Their minds reeled under the weight of Jesus’ words. He had talked about His mission before, but what did He mean now? The disciples watched His hands closely as He lifted the cup and told them to drink together: “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20 NASB). Then Jesus called the bread His body, to be broken and given for them. In one moment, Jesus changed the significance of Passover and the entire sacrificial system forever. The disciples didn’t comprehend the full importance of Jesus’ message. It was late, and there was so much to understand. But later when He appeared to them after the Resurrection, the truth became clear. The blood of the Passover lamb was the blood of the one eternal Lamb, sufficient to cover the sins of all for all time (Heb. 9:11–14). O Lord, standing at the foot of the cross, I come to receive forgiveness from You. Your blood is sufficient for my sins. Cleanse me now.