“Thank you. Your blood donation today will save at least three lives,” said the cheerful young woman as I tried to ignore the large needle in my arm at a recent blood drive.

Even better than the little bag of chips and the can of juice that I was rewarded with for my efforts was knowing that my blood was potentially a lifesaver. And what did I really give up for my efforts? About a pint of blood and about an hour of my time. Not too much.

But what about the blood of Jesus? He didn’t recline in a comfy chair with his feet up while his blood was drawn through a (relatively) painless process. He didn’t walk away with a tasty snack and drink. He hung from a cross by nails through his hands and feet, an agony that I can’t even wrap my head around. His only refreshment was from a sponge soaked in wine vinegar that was held to his cracked and bleeding lips. What did Jesus give up for his efforts? Everything. His very life.

The blood of Jesus isn’t just a temporary fix—a temporary transfusion: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7,8).

Jesus died to save the entire world. He died for you. And for me. And for everyone who believes in him from the creation of this world until its very last day. There’s everlasting power in that blood.