In the Name of Love

In Romans 8:38-39, Paul makes it clear that what Jesus did on the cross was, without a doubt, the most significant act of love that our Creator has done. He wants to reconcile with us, no matter the cost. In his Gospel, Matthew points out that Jesus was here to bear the heavyweight of our sin. Matthew 8:17 makes the connection to what the prophet Isaiah said, “He took up our infirmities, and bore our diseases.”

In a moment of darkness, the body of Jesus was bearing our sins to encounter death. This act was preceded by His cry to the Father: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus had to die like a human, flesh, and bones, to reunite us with the Creator. He did this for love. He loved us so much and wanted us to be clean so that we could be in communion with Him.

Paul was able to understand this love. He wrote it down in a letter so that we would never forget how important this love is. So, may we be reminded of that truth during this Holy Week.

Think: Can you visualize the weight of your sins on the body of Christ on that dark evening? Do you agree with Paul’s conviction in Romans 8:38-39?

Pray: Express your gratitude for the love that Jesus showed you on the cross. Visualize how your old sins are dying with the body of Jesus. Those sins will never be able to separate you from the Creator.

Respond: This week, work on memorizing Romans 8:38-39 so that it will be in your head and on your heart when you go through difficult times. You may also want to send these words to someone you know who might need some encouragement this week.

Author: Daniel Soto, Spanish Translator + B4Church Culture Leader