The Transfiguration: Old Testament, Exodus 24:8-18                       

Exodus 24:8-18

There’s an old evangelical hymn which begins, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It’s one of the classics. At least in American churches. And its message is powerful and bible centered. Our reading this week from the Old Testament uses a phrase that is only found once there: “blood of the covenant” (Ex. 24:8). Jesus brings it back in celebrating His last supper with the disciples. They aren’t just words. Jesus’ words never are just words. They are creative, life sustaining and so worth remembering.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus cleanses sin. That’s true. More to it. The blood opens the door for full fellowship with God. And we see that in action in our text. Blood gives the people of God the ability and clearance to stand in God’s very presence. Washed? Yes. Renewed? Yes. Alive from the dead? Yes.

Strange in a way that the phrase “blood of the covenant” is only used once in the Old Testament. But perhaps not so strange when one realizes Jesus is just waiting to utter it once again when He is about to show why that phrase makes all the difference.

“Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”