BIBLE READING: Leviticus 17, 18; Mathew 27: 23-44.
“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person; see ye do it” – Mathew 27:24 (KJV).
There exists no water and no detergent that can wash away the sin of man. Hand washing is mere religion. Pilate took water and washed his hand and claimed innocence of the sin. The washing of hands with water could neither cleanse the conscience of guilt nor cleanse the heart of sin. Washing of hand can only clean external filth, only the blood which represents the life of Jesus, God’s only begotten son, can cleanse the heart.
Defense of one’s actions cannot deal with the issue of sin. One has to acknowledge his sin and show remorse or godly sorrow for hurting God by one’s sins. When God sees remorse for sins committed, he will apply the blood for the cleansing of sin. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness. It is a continuous cleansing as one fellowship with God.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sins.” – 1 John 1:7 (KJV).
The blood of bulls, cattles and rams cannot wash away man’s sins. Washing one’s feet or hands as good as they seem cannot wash away man’s sin. Only the precious blood of Jesus has the power to wash away sin. This is the redeeming blood. “For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” – 1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV). This redeeming blood is without blemish and without spot. It is pure and holy blood.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for the redeeming blood that washes us.
Rev. Vincent Diolu