Friday
Substitution and Satisfaction

It’s Friday of Holy Week. Today brings us to the centre of the gospel. At the cross, the meaning of Christ’s mission becomes unmistakably clear.

Isaiah foretold it centuries earlier: the Servant would be pierced, crushed and chastised, not for his own sins, but for ours. The punishment that brings peace falls upon him. That is substitution. At the cross, Jesus stands in the place of sinners, bearing the judgment that belonged to us. Paul explains this in Romans 5: through Adam’s sin came condemnation, but through Christ’s obedience comes justification and life.

When Jesus declares, “It is finished,” he announces the completion of the work of redemption. The demands of the law are satisfied. The curse pronounced in Genesis is exhausted in him. At the cross, the justice and mercy of God meet. Justice is upheld because sin is judged as the Son bears the weight of the wrath of God against sin. Mercy is extended because the judgment falls on Christ instead of us.

This is not sentimental forgiveness; it is righteous reconciliation. The Son of God in your place and mine.

1. Do I truly believe that Christ has fully paid for my sin?
2. Do I still live under guilt that the cross has already removed?
3. How should the love displayed at the cross shape the way I live and love others?

Jesus Christ, crucified Saviour, thank you for bearing my sin and satisfying the justice of God on my behalf. Help me never take the cross lightly. Anchor my heart in the finished work of Christ and shape my life in grateful obedience to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.