Why Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross Matters!

Today's devotional is about the importance of Jesus' sacrifice. As Christians, we believe that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of humanity, and through his death and resurrection, we can have eternal life.

The Bible teaches us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sins separate us from God and we cannot reconcile ourselves to him on our own. But God, in his love and mercy, provided a way for us to be reconciled to him through the sacrifice of Jesus. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is not just a historical event, but it has ongoing power and significance in our lives today. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and death and made a way for us to be forgiven, to have a relationship with God, and to receive eternal life. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

In addition, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross also serves as an example of love and sacrifice for us to follow. Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to give up his life for us. In John 15:13 Jesus says "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." As his followers, we are called to love others in the same way and to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others.

Furthermore, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross also gives us hope. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Even when we were still sinners, Jesus loved us and died for us. This gives us hope that no matter what we may have done or how far we may have strayed, God still loves us and has provided a way for us to be reconciled to him.

In conclusion, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is not just a historical event, but it has ongoing power and significance in our lives today. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and death and made a way for us to be forgiven, to have a relationship with God, and to receive eternal life. His sacrifice serves as an example of love and sacrifice for us to follow and gives us hope that no matter what we may have done or how far we may have strayed, God still loves us and has provided a way for us to be reconciled to him.

As we reflect on the importance of Jesus' sacrifice, let us give thanks for his love and sacrifice for us, and let us commit to following his example of love and sacrifice for others.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Thank you for loving us so much that you were willing to give up your life for us. Help us to understand the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in our lives and to follow his example of love and sacrifice for others. In Jesus' name, Amen.