All of us are born with a problem: we all have sinned, which has separated us from a relationship with God. So something needed to be done with these acts and our guilt. That’s where Jesus comes in! Jesus took away our sins in the most unlikely way imaginable.

“For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” — John 3:16 TPT

God gave Jesus as a gift to take away our sins—forever. But what is the gift of Jesus? Some say it’s his example of love and his teachings. Yes, that’s true, but it’s deeper than that. John wrote, “God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!” (3:17)

That’s the gift of Jesus! Amazingly Jesus provided this gift himself by dying for the sins of the world. Toward the end of Jesus’ story, he was condemned for crimes he didn’t commit. As his punishment he was crucified, nailed through both hands and feet on a cross—like a lamb led to the slaughterhouse. Because Jesus paid the price for our sins in our place, “now there is no longer any condemnation for those who believe in him” (3:18).

He cried out just before he passed, “It is finished, my bride!” Everything that was necessary to take away your sins, release you from shame and guilt, and rescue you from death has been accomplished by Jesus!

Jesus, I want to follow you. My sins have separated me from you. I believe that you love me. Thank you for paying the price for my sins, and I trust your finished work on the cross for my rescue. Forgive me and awaken my heart to love you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I believe God raised you from the dead, and I want that new life to fill me each day and for eternity. God, I give you my life. Fill me with your Spirit so that my life honors you and I fulfill your purpose for my life. Amen.