Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 NIV
Think of a time when you heard good news. Maybe the day the oncologist tells you there is no remaining sign of the cancer. Or that unemployed loved one you’d been praying for tells you they’ve gotten a job. Perhaps it was the joyful discovery upon checking the EPT that you’re pregnant. Whatever it may be, we all like to hear good news.
Jesus Christ was the proclaimer of the glad tidings for our souls. Only a heartbeat after Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened, they became aware of their rebellion against God. God said, “Don’t eat,” and they did. From that time until the coming of Jesus, the stain of this sin, plus others that humankind would commit, could not be removed. Sure, there were animal sacrifices, but that was not complete forgiveness–it temporarily covered the sin, but it wasn’t healing the source of the problem.
The only sacrifice that could bring redemption was not the blood of atonement of a beast but that of a man. It could not be an ordinary sinful man but someone without sin. Like the animals who were to be unblemished, so must the man be. The only way this could happen was that God, the Son of the Father, the divine, should take human form and offer himself in atonement.
The good news is that Jesus Christ did this for us. Despite our rebellion against Him, in his mercy and grace, he came to replace the temporary covering of sin with the perfect solution. When we come before him repentantly, humbly, and earnestly, we are guaranteed our sins will be forgiven.
Jesus, thank you for taking human form and going to the cross for us. We acknowledge we can do nothing to earn it; we do not deserve it, but we are healed only by your love and amazing grace. Please help as we share these glad tidings with others that your message will be received. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
