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“The Blood of Jesus Speaks Better Things”
The Blood of Jesus Speaks Better Things
Wade Webster
When Abel was murdered by his brother Cain, His righteous blood cried out to God (Gen. 4:10; cf. Mt. 23:35). Thousands of years later, when Jesus was murdered by His brethren (Acts 2:23), His righteous blood also cried out to God. Continuing his emphasis on better things (Heb. 7:19, 22; 8:6; 9:23), the Hebrew writer declared that the blood of Jesus speaks better things than the blood of Abel. “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel” (Heb. 12:24). Of course, it should be noted that the blood of Jesus was better in every way. Abel’s blood didn’t have the power to redeem anyone. However, Jesus’ blood has the power to redeem all men. In this lesson, we want to compare the declarations of Abel’s blood with the declarations of Christ’s blood. It should be noted that we are not told exactly what the blood of Abel or the blood of Jesus declared. However, there are some conclusions that seem reasonable.
Abel’s Blood Cried For Punishment/Jesus’ Blood Cried For Forgiveness
Abel’s blood must have cried for Cain to be punished. Under the Old Testament, God prescribed punishment for those who shed innocent blood. We read, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Gen. 9:6).
The blood of Jesus cried for forgiveness. As Jesus was dying on the cross, he declared, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Lk. 23:34). This forgiveness was possible through His blood. In instituting His memorial supper, He declared, “For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt. 26:28). Later, Paul declared, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7).
Abel’s Blood Cried For Separation/Jesus’ Blood Cried For Reconciliation
Abel’s blood must have cried for Cain to be cut off. As you know, a part of Cain’s punishment was for him to be a fugitive and a vagabond (Gen. 4:12).
The blood of Jesus cried for reconciliation. The Hebrew writer declared, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17). In like manner, in Romans, we read, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Rom. 5:8-10; cf. Eph. 2:13; Col. 1:20).
Abel’s Blood Cried For A Curse/Jesus’ Blood Cried For A Blessing
Abel’s blood must have called for Cain to be cursed. A part of Cain’s punishment was for him to be cursed from the earth. “And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand” (Gen. 4:11).
The blood of Jesus cried for a blessing. On the cross, Jesus did not revile or threaten his persecutors. Peter wrote, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered , he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Pet. 2:21-23). Jesus became a curse for us. Paul wrote, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:13).
Abel’s Blood Cried For Death/Jesus’ Blood Cried For Life
Abel’s blood must have called for Cain to be put to death. As already noted, those who shed innocent blood were to be put to death (Gen. 9:6).
The blood of Jesus cried for life. Jesus came to give man life. Jesus declared, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). John wrote, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). Jesus tasted death for us. In Hebrews, we read, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Abel’s Blood Cried For Justice/Jesus’ Blood Cried For Grace
Abel’s blood must have called for justice. Judgment and justice are the habitation of God’s throne (Psa. 89:14).
The blood of Jesus cried for grace. Paul wrote, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:7-8). In Romans, he declared, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2).
The blood of Abel spoke some good things. However, I believe that you will agree with the writer of Hebrews that the blood of Jesus speaks better things.
