“See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:45b-46
In our journey to the cross, we find ourselves at this turning point. Jesus is betrayed into the hands of a friend. Even then, Jesus’ response is not “how could you do this to me?” It’s “do what you came here for.” He maintained his composure and allowed the events to unfold. He knew that it had to happen this way. Later, as Jesus stood accused, he endured relentless abuse. His accusers hurled insults and beat him within an inch of his life. Again, he allowed them to. With the authority to call on The Father and summon angels to his rescue, he didn’t.
I often wonder why. Why would he permit this? I believe that, despite knowing what it would cost, he also knew what would be gained. The result of his sacrifice is a benefit to us, though at a high price.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
One of the most fascinating parts of this passage is that we’re not healed by God’s grace, we’re healed by Jesus’ wounds. In the very same way that wounding and pain was done to Christ, healing and restoration is done to us. The healing is applied. He carried our sin in his body, so that we wouldn’t have to carry it in ours. He allowed himself to be wounded, shamed, and humiliated so that we wouldn’t have to. The punishment for our sins no longer falls on us. There is no longer a price tag for a debt that has been paid.
Christ knew that it had to happen this way so that we would not continue to serve sentences that have already been vacated.
If we truly believed that we were healed by his wounds, would we continue trying to wound ourselves?
Kassie Lowe
Young Adults Lead