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.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
When Peter heard Jesus speak about suffering and death, he immediately objected.
“Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”
We can understand Peter’s reaction. Nobody wants suffering. Nobody wants the cross. Peter was looking for a Messiah who would demonstrate power, victory, and glory. What he could not yet see was that God’s greatest victory would come through sacrifice.
We often think the same way.
When we recognize a problem in our lives, we usually look for solutions that seem reasonable and manageable. We want a little more discipline, a little more motivation, a little more self improvement. Yet God’s solution to our deepest problem was far greater than we ever would have imagined.
The Son of God took on flesh.
The sinless One stood in the place of sinners.
The righteous died for the unrighteous.
The Creator gave His life for His creatures.
Imagine being trapped in a deep pit. You try climbing out but fail. Others throw down advice, encouragement, and instructions. Nothing works. Finally someone climbs down into the pit, lifts you onto his shoulders, and carries you out.
That is what Christ has done for us.
The Gospel is not primarily advice. It is rescue.
Romans 6 reminds us that our old sinful self was crucified with Christ. Through faith, His death counts as our death. His victory becomes our victory. His righteousness becomes our righteousness.
This is why Luther’s explanation is so personal. Jesus “purchased and won me.” Not humanity in general. Not an anonymous crowd. Me.
The price was not gold or silver. It was His holy, precious blood.
There is tremendous comfort in that truth. Your salvation does not depend on how well you perform today. It does not depend on your ability to impress God. It rests entirely on what Christ has already done.
Every day the devil tries to point believers back to themselves. He wants us to focus on our failures, weaknesses, and fears. The Gospel redirects our eyes to Christ and says, “Look there.”
Your hope is not found in your worthiness.
Your hope is found in Christ’s finished work.
The solution to your greatest problem was accomplished at Calvary, and that solution is greater than you could ever have imagined.
Reflect: Where are you tempted to trust your own efforts rather than Christ’s finished work? What comfort do you find in knowing that Jesus purchased and won you with His precious blood?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for doing what I could never do for myself. Thank You for bearing my sin and bringing me to God. Keep my eyes fixed on Your cross and teach me to rest in the certainty of Your saving work. Amen.