“… and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).
The first bloodshed in human history belonged to Abel when he was murdered by his brother Cain. That violent, evil act required justice. Jehovah informed the murderer Cain, “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth” (Genesis 4:10-12).
Though innocent, Jesus was taken by lawless hands, crucified, and put to death unjustly (Acts 2:23). However, His blood does not cry out for justice as Abel’s did, because His death was intentional and sacrificial. He died to atone for all unrighteousness and ungodliness. Therefore, His blood speaks of mercy and pardon. By Jesus’ death God’s just wrath for humanity’s sin (including Abel’s death) was propitiated.
Abel’s blood speaks of the rightful punishment every evildoer deserves. Christ’s blood speaks of the manifold riches of God’s love, grace, and mercy.
Clearly, the blood of Jesus speaks better than Abel’s!
