the human sponge
"Jesus likewise had a full share in ours." —Hebrews 2:14
Jesus had a full share in our human condition. This is a shocking reality. Jesus, Who did not know sin, was made to be sin (2 Cor 5:21). He did not sin, but He took on our sinful condition. Jesus "was tempted in every way that we are, yet never sinned" (Heb 4:15), which teaches that He was tempted to murder, commit sexual sin, gossip, hold a grudge, curse, hate, etc.
Although Jesus never sinned, He took upon Himself the atonement and punishment for all our sins. "He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins" (Is 53:5). "The Lord laid upon Him the guilt of us all" (Is 53:6). Under the inexpressible weight of all our sins for all time, Jesus screamed: " 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?', that is, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' " (Mt 27:46)
Jesus soaked up all the sin of the world and destroyed it by His death. Therefore, repent of all your sins and give them to Jesus. Give Him your failures, weaknesses, strengths, hopes, dreams, and desires. Accept Jesus as your Lord, Savior, and God.
Prayer: Jesus, why do You love me so much?
Promise: "So He went into their synagogues preaching the good news and expelling demons throughout the whole of Galilee." —Mk 1:39
Praise: John had led such a selfish, sinful life that he found himself in prison for life, but there found the One Who is Life.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2008
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