“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice.…” Romans 3:21-25a
After the civil war, challenging prejudice, General Robert E. Lee coined the phrase “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.” (read the short story)
Jesus’ sacrifice is for everyone — for the rich, poor, slave, or free, male or female, educated or uneducated, every race and religion. For all have sinned and his sacrifice was made so anyone who believes and trusts in him could be forgiven.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus treated people in a manner that reflected His message and sacrifice. He forgave the woman caught in adultery, touched the leper, healed the blind, released the captive, and conversed with notorious characters. He accompanied sinners and outcasts as well as the affluent and educated.
In Luke 14, Jesus, at the home of a Pharisee, noticed how people chose the places of honour. Jesus said, picture yourself at a wedding and He challenged them to choose the lowest place. In Luke 14:11 Jesus explains, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus expressed his heart of justice for everyone through his teaching, actions and sacrifice. Hebrews 10:12 reminds us, “...when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”
Whether we are outcasts or banquet hosts, Jesus bids us to come to him for forgiveness and to examine our hearts — for all have sinned. In essence, the gospel is justice.
Thank You Lord that Your sacrifice is for everyone, me included. Search and examine my heart. May my heart be compassionate likeYours. May my actions treat people with justice and respect. May I receive Your forgiveness and seek to share Your good news with others. Amen.
Take Action
Consider how Jesus’ sacrifice is for all people – including those farthest from your sphere of influence, whether by distance or by circumstance. Ask God to give you a heart like His and to break your heart with compassion and love for those who don’t known or experienced His forgiveness.
God will help you see the lost.