“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

As we enter Holy Week, I’m left pondering the fact that as I look at the cross and think of the crucifixion, I should remember that “I have been crucified with Christ.” Me. My sins. My sinful desires. My old self.

A devotional I was reading recently pointed out that on the cross of Calvary, Jesus didn’t just die to make salvation possible, he went there with names. He specifically died for you and me – for those who receive him as their Savior.

When you look at the cross, do you think of yourself? Because that’s the death WE deserve, not Jesus. Yet he willingly suffered in our place. He took our names and the weight of our sins, and he hung them on the cross so we wouldn’t have to.

But just like the Easter story doesn’t end at the cross, neither does ours. When we receive Jesus into our hearts and the salvation he freely gives, we should no longer carry our old selves around. Our sinful ways should be left on the cross. That’s why the second part of this verse is so beautiful – it says “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” That’s what our lives should be characterized by – a life of genuine faith that desires to serve God because of what he did for us. A life that allows His spirit, which dwells in us, to empower us to do what he calls us to do. To share the gospel with others. To live in obedience to the Word of God.

So as you go to church later this week, look at the cross with a new perspective. Realize that it should’ve been you. But leave with the hope of the resurrection – that Jesus raised you from death and your old sinful ways, and he empowers you to live a new life IN HIM.

April 14, 2025 | April Invoice Verse