2 Samuel 3-5 | Luke 14:25-35

“‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed.’” 1 Peter 2:24

Why did Jesus go to the cross? The prophet Isaiah tells us, “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed….He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:5, 12). In the Hebrew, there are three words used for “sin” in the Old Testament. Of the three, “transgressor” is the strongest one to describe a person who rages against God and who is an enemy of God. In other words, Jesus went on the cross to die for the sinners—the transgressors—the filthy and the wicked people who are at enmity with God. These are not people who casually disobey or make mistakes; they are deliberately against God. 

In the Gospels, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32). If we think that we have committed a transgression or a sin that is beyond God’s grace, then we are sorely mistaken. As we consider the cross, Jesus laid down His life for betrayers, terrorists, dictators, gamblers and people’s faith who fell when under pressure—for all of us. 

How do we know this is true? The Apostle Paul writes, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:3-7). 

Grace is giving to someone something that they do not deserve. Mercy is not giving to someone something that they do deserve. Aren’t we grateful for God’s grace and mercy to us? It is shocking how quickly we can lose sight of it. May we take a moment and marinate in the fact that Jesus Christ came to die on the cross for sinners, transgressors and enemies of God—for us—and give thanks to God for His grace and mercy that He extends through the Person of Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER

Gracious God, no words can describe how thankful I am for Your grace and mercy upon me. While I was a sinner, a transgressor, an enemy of You, Jesus Christ died for me. Thank You, God.