1. The Sacrifice of Isaac: In Genesis 22, God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Just as Abraham is about to kill Isaac, God stops him and provides a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This story highlights the importance of trusting in God’s provision and shows the powerful symbolism of blood sacrifice.
2. The Passover: Exodus 12 recounts the story of how the Israelites were saved from the tenth plague when the angel of death “passed over” their homes that were marked with the blood of a sacrificed lamb. This event led to the annual tradition of Passover in which Jews remember and celebrate their deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
3. The Blood of Jesus: The Gospel accounts detail Jesus’ death by crucifixion and the sacrificial nature of His blood. Jesus Himself refers to His blood as the “blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). His sacrificial death on the cross allows for the forgiveness of sins and provides the way for salvation.
4. The Woman with the Issue of Blood: In Mark 5, a woman with a debilitating condition reaches out to touch Jesus’ cloak in hopes of being healed. When she does, she is immediately cured and Jesus feels power leave Him. This story highlights the power of faith and the healing nature of Jesus’ blood.