This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Matthew 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter could not believe what he was hearing. Jesus had just been confessed as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Surely the Messiah would march toward victory, not suffering. Surely He would overthrow enemies, not be handed over to them. Yet Jesus said He “must” suffer.
That little word is important. Jesus did not say He might suffer. He did not say suffering was one possible outcome. He said He must suffer.
Why?
Because our problem is greater than we think it is.
Many people assume humanity’s biggest problem is ignorance, poor choices, difficult circumstances, or broken systems. Scripture goes deeper. The Bible tells us that sin has corrupted every human heart. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Sin is not merely a mistake to correct. It is rebellion against God that brings death.
Imagine a homeowner who notices a small crack in a wall. He assumes it is cosmetic and paints over it. Months later he discovers the crack was evidence of a shifting foundation. The visible problem was only a symptom of a much deeper issue.
The cross reveals that humanity’s problem is not superficial. If our condition could have been fixed with better advice, Jesus would have come as a teacher. If it could have been solved through effort, Jesus would have come as a coach. Instead, He came as a Savior because we we had the problem of sin we couldn’t overcome on our own.
This is exactly what Luther teaches in the explanation to the Second Article. Jesus “has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person.” Before grace found us, we were not spiritually healthy people needing improvement. We were sinners needing rescue.
Yet this truth is not meant to crush us. The same cross that reveals the seriousness of our sin also reveals the greatness of God’s love. Christ willingly carried what we could never carry. He took our guilt, our shame, and our judgment upon Himself.
The cross tells the truth about us, but it also tells the truth about God. His mercy is greater than our sin.
Today, when you become aware of your failures, do not hide them from God. Bring them to the cross. There you will find a Savior who already knows your deepest need and has already paid your deepest debt.
Reflect: What sins or failures are you tempted to minimize or excuse rather than confess before God? How does the necessity of the cross help you understand both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s love?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the truth about my condition and for loving me enough to suffer in my place. Forgive my sins and help me live each day in the confidence that my redemption has been fully accomplished by Your holy, precious blood. Amen.