So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD. Deuteronomy 21:9 KJV
Deuteronomy 21:1-9 concerns a community’s response to an unsolved murder. The leaders were to take a heifer to an isolated place outside the community, break the neck of the heifer, wash their hands over the dead animal while confessing their innocence, and then they were to ask God to forgive them and not charge their community with the guilt. The sacrifice of the heifer acknowledged that a horrible crime deserving punishment had indeed occurred but they were innocent of the crime. There are some interesting parallels provided here to the death of Jesus Christ. When the people went before Pilate demanding His crucifixion, Pilate washed his hands claiming innocence, while the people replied taking responsibility for His blood on themselves and their children (Matthew 27:24-25). Jesus prayed for their forgiveness, and died as a sacrifice for the nation and the world.
Lord, sometimes we debate concerning who was responsible for Your death. Some say Pilot, some say the Jews, and some say the Romans. Fact is, none of use can wash our hands over Your sacrifice. We are all guilty; our sins put You on the cross. Thank You for being a sacrifice for our sins, and for the forgiveness You provide as we come to You by faith, acknowledge our sins, and seek Your forgiveness.
