2 asides leading into a cool gospel point I noticed due to this sermon. 1) I'm not entirely positive on this (not super well read on which parts of rabbinic law came from the Mosaic law, which came from the prophets, and which came from the "elders" or presumably rabbis), but it seems to me that the ritualistic washing of the hands that was practiced was in the camp of "tradition of the elders." The passage leading me to this conclusion is Matthew 15:2-9, wherein scribes/pharisees question why Jesus's Disciples do not wash their hands. The implication Jesus makes in response is that this hand washing was not in the Law (or the Mosaic law) or the Prophets, but rather a mere tradition from the elders being taught as doctrine. A natural consequence of this is that presumably this handwashing before a meal would do nothing to cleanse a person truly. 2) the association between wine and blood, especially in the last supper. So when combined with the previous point, I believe the implication is that Jesus replaces something that could never bring the Jews close to God (handwashing before a meal), with his own blood, which ultimately can wash us clean to be presented before God. Thanks for the teaching, Seth! -JMK