Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” - Matthew 27:22 (NLT)
Have you ever been caught doing something you shouldn’t have been doing? Your memory is probably going back to your childhood when you stole something, and you got busted by your parents. You felt so bad inside because you knew you were guilty. The shame and guilt were usually enough motivation to keep you from doing it again.
Now imagine being accused and convicted of something you didn’t do, and the penalty is death? The shock and fear would be staggering. Yet this is what Jesus willingly did for us. Innocent, he took the condemnation, punishment, and weight of our sin on himself.
He stood in the courtroom of God’s justice and said, “Father, I will take their place.” Jesus is our defense attorney and advocate. He did what no one else could or would do for us so we could have a new life with him. Pastor Rick Warren said, “Want to know how much Jesus loves you? Picture him on the cross, with his arms stretched out, saying, ‘I love you THIS much!’”
Pause and Reflect
- Meditate on Jesus taking the condemnation that belonged to you. How do you feel? What should your response be?
- Knowing God has taken your condemnation, what is something you feel shame about that you need to give to Jesus?
