Redemption by Blood and Power

Redemption by Blood and Power

"We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel" (Luke 24:21).

One outstanding incident occurring on the day of the resurrection gives us a perfect view of the mental processes of the disciples.  On Easter morning, the risen Lord met two of His own disciples on the road to Emmaus as they were returning home from the Passover.  These men were greatly disheartened by the crucifixion scene.  So Jesus asked them about their evident sorrow.  They explained why they were sad: "Jesus of Nazareth," they said, "had been crucified."  Just what did that mean to them, personally?  Their answer was a confession: "We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel" (Luke 24:21).

They were looking for redemption by power before there was redemption by blood.  They had not comprehended the proper sequence.  It was as though the children of Israel had expected to pass through the Red Sea and see Pharaoh’s army destroyed, before the lamb had been slain, the blood applied to the door, and the angel of death had passed over the homes of Israel while bringing death to Egypt.  It was the slain lamb that was to make it possible for Israel to leave their bondage for freedom.  Redemption by blood always precedes redemption by power.  Christ paid the penalty for our sin before He made it possible for us to have personal victory over sins.  These two disciples showed that they were expecting redemption from Roman slavery before there was redemption from sin’s dominion.

What did Christ say to these two who had been trusting that He should have redeemed Israel?  "He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" (Luke 24:25-26).  He rebuked them because their partial view of doctrine had led them into great error. All this truth is indicated in Jesus’ great answer to John’s disciples "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me."

Dr. Barnhouse warns us that unless we accept redemption by His blood Jesus will not show us redemption by His power.  The one must precede the other.

Further Reading : Luke 24:13-35