Lady Macbeth is one of the characters of Shakespeare. She is frustrated that even ocean of water could wash her hands off the blood of Duncan who was murdered. The guilt of her sin had stained her mind and heart. She reminds us of Pontius Pilate who followed a Jewish custom. People in Israel could be absolved of bloodguilt for a murder committed by an unknown person. Because the unknown person cannot be prosecuted, the ritual act removes blood guilt and saves people. (Deuteronomy 21:1-9) Though declaring Lord Jesus Christ as innocent, gave him up to the whims of Jewish religious leaders to be crucified. He thought he could escape guilt by performing the Jewish ritual. (Matthew 27:24)
Sin of innocent Blood: Like Pilate, whole humanity is responsible for the crucifixion of Lord Jesus Christ. All including Pilate need to be cleansed by His blood. Apostle John affirms that the blood of Lord Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. (I John 1:7)
Guilt: Pilate cannot wash away the guilt of not hearing his voice. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37) Pilate, like the Nation of Israel, hardened his heart though he heard the voice of Lord Jesus Christ, the Truth. (Psalms 95:7-11) Guilt conscience could be cleansed only by the blood of Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:14; 10:22)
Justice: Pilate was in a place to pronounce justice. False allegations, envy, mob frenzy is not the basis of justice. As a shrewd administrator was convinced that Lord Jesus was innocent. (Luke 23:4; John 19:4) Pilate declared Lord Jesus as no guilty, but also pronounced death penalty. Sadly, he tried to wash out righteousness and justice. As prophet Amos said: He made justice as wormwood. (Amos 5:7)
Futile efforts: Like Lady Macbeth and Pilate people try to wash and wish away their sins by various futile means. Physical washing, sanitized cleansing, aroma washing, ritual washing in sacred water cannot cleanse a person from sins. Pilgrimage, penance, charity, doing good cannot make a person righteous.
Am I washed by the blood of the Lamb?