Jesus was the substitute. He died in our place for our sins. In yesterday’s passage, we considered how Jesus provided a great example for us to follow regarding suffering. In this next verse, Peter quickly adds that Christ’s work on the cross was much more than a great man leaving a great example. Peter explains what is known in theology as “the substitutionary atonement.”

1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

On the cross, Jesus “bore our sins.” Every sin you and I have ever committed, or will ever commit, was placed on Jesus. Jesus hung on the cross under the weight of humanity’s sins. The penalty of sin is death, so Jesus, the sinless sacrifice, died on the cross as the ultimate payment for sin. A true believer, then, is a person who trusts in Jesus as the only One who could and did pay the penalty for their sins by his death on the cross.

Because of the cross-work of Jesus—his death, burial, and resurrection—those who trust in him experience spiritual healing and transformation. We no longer live under the slavery of sin but rather in freedom to love and obey God.

Lord Jesus, thank you for bearing our sins in your body on the cross. Thank you for the spiritual healing, cleansing, and freedom that comes because of your work on our behalf. We love you and desire to show our gratitude through obedience and unselfish service. In your name, we pray. Amen.