For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20
A host of angels declared at the birth of Jesus, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Jesus came to bring peace…peace between God and man. Jesus Christ made peace between God and man through His shed blood on the cross. The blood of Jesus speaks to the atonement. The Bible declares “Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22). The shed blood of Christ through His death was the propitiation for our sins. He took the place of sinners, dying a substitutionary death that paid the full penalty for the sin of all who believe. This death satisfied God’s wrath. When I survey the wondrous cross, I think of peace that I now have with God by means of the sacrifice of Jesus. Paul writes, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).
Toward the cross
Daily readings of the events of the leading up to the cross
• Preparations for Passover (Matt. 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16)
After sundown
• Passover meal and Last Supper (Matt. 26:20-35; Mark 12:17-25)
• Upper room discourses (John 13—17)
• Prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42)
Tags: Christ Jesus