Religion: Good Friday and the Blood Covenant

By Timothy A. Edward

How can a day marked by a man’s suffering and cruel death on a cross be called Good Friday? What makes this particular Friday stand apart from every other Friday in history?

On the first Good Friday, God worked in a profound and mysterious way to redeem humankind. Had the Roman soldiers and religious leaders understood His divine plan, they would not have crucified Jesus. Yet, to those with spiritual discernment, this day signified the redemption of humanity. Even the centurion overseeing Jesus’ execution, after witnessing all that transpired, declared: “Truly, this was the Son of God.” – Matthew 27:54

The Seven Places Jesus Shed His Blood

The Bible records that Jesus shed His precious, sinless Blood in seven distinct locations, each carrying deep spiritual significance. The brutal beatings and scourging He endured left Him unrecognisable - the cruelest form of execution.

Isaiah 52:14 describes this suffering: "Just as many were appalled at Him - His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness."

Yet, Scripture tells us He endured it all on our behalf, never uttering a word in protest.

1. The Garden of Gethsemane – Redemption from Emotional Distress

In deep agony, Jesus sweats drops of blood - a rare phenomenon where extreme stress causes blood vessels in sweat glands to rupture. This shows that Jesus fully experienced emotional distress, anxiety, and betrayal at their greatest intensity. He bore it in the Garden of Gethsemane so that we could overcome it.

2. The Crown of Thorns – Redemption from Mental Anguish

Soldiers mocked Jesus and forced a crown of thorns onto His head, piercing His scalp and causing heavy bleeding.

“They twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him.” – Matthew 27:29

The head symbolises thoughts, speech, and perception. Jesus endured this suffering for every harmful thought, emotion and destructive word we commit.

Matthew 15:18-19 declares: "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart. Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders."

Studies indicate that chronic stress and emotional distress contribute to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, and weakened immunity. The good news is that when the Crown of Thorns was driven onto Jesus’ head on that first Good Friday, He carried these sicknesses and burdens on the Cross for us.

 3. The Scourging – Healing from Sickness and Pain

At the whipping post, Jesus was mercilessly flogged with a Roman whip embedded with sharp objects, tearing His flesh apart.

Isaiah 53:5 proclaims: "By His stripes, we are healed." The good news is that this horrific suffering endured by Jesus secured and bought our redemption from sickness and pain.

4. The Piercing of His Hands – Redemption from Sinful Works

Large nails pierced Jesus’ hands, damaging tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Hands symbolise action - what we do in life.

Isaiah 49:16 says: "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."

Jesus bore this suffering for every wrongful act committed by humankind.

5. The Piercing of His Feet – Redemption from Wrong Paths

His feet were nailed to the cross, signifying redemption from walking in sinful ways and straying from God's path.

Psalm 119:105 declares: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

6. The Spear in His Side – Cleansing and Restoration of our Hearts

A Roman soldier pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, likely damaging vital organs. John 19:34 confirms: “One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water." Blood and water flowed, proving that He truly died for our sins.

Jeremiah 17:9 states: "The heart is more deceitful than all else and desperately sick; Who can understand it?"

Jesus’ heart was pierced so that our hearts could be healed.

7. The Shedding of Blood - Forgiveness and Eternal Life

Bruising from Beating - Jesus’ Blood was shed for the forgiveness of sin, fulfilling the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s Grace.” Ephesians 1:7

The Blood Covenant

It is our choice that determines how “good” our Good Friday will be.

Scripture tells us that Jesus’ Blood speaks of a better covenant. As Blood-bought believers, this Good Friday and beyond, we have the power to apply His living, redeeming Blood by faith - receiving forgiveness, restoration, and transformation in every area of our lives.

By applying the Blood of Jesus, we receive: A white garment for this season, a new level of righteousness, peace, and an elevated level of purity that comes from the fear of the Lord.