MONDAY, MARCH 2
“…but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Luke 23:41 (NLT2)
NO ORDINARY MAN
The penitent thief on the cross knew why he was being crucified. He was a criminal. He was found guilty of his crimes. “But Jesus?” he thought. “Why is he treated with such cruelty?” Turning to the arrogant thief on the other cross, he shouts, “This man hasn’t done anything wrong!” Those within earshot of his words would be surprised at his words. “What man could claim to be perfect?” The penitent thief claimed what others who had been around Jesus also came to believe. Jesus was more than a man; He was the perfect Son of God in human flesh. Pilate could find no fault in his words (Luke 23:4-22). The Roman centurion saw an innocent man crucified (Luke 23:47). God the Father saw Jesus and was “well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus’ closest friends and followers did not find any evil in his actions (1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5).
Jesus was no ordinary man. If Jesus had sinned once, he would have been unworthy to carry our sins. He would have been accountable for his own guilt. The good news is that Jesus was the perfect Son of God who became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT2).
Why is it important to you that Jesus become a man and experienced the same kinds of temptations and trials that you experience, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:14-16)? What current struggle do you need Jesus to help you get through right now?
Jesus is the only one qualified to carry your sins and be your perfect sacrifice. Thank Jesus today for living a sinless life, despite the many temptations he faced. Thank Him for dying for your sins on the cross once and for all.
