How would you answer this question? What did Jesus do for you on the cross of Golgotha? Most people say that they died for their sins or that they were punished for the sin they had committed.

Those answers are correct, but Jesus actually accomplished much more on the cross than just dying for our sins. He came to sanctify those of us who had adopted Him as our Savior.

Wow, it sounds pretty hectic to think that we have now become holy.

Another way to say it would be to say that holy means being clean and dedicated to God. But also, to be set apart only for God.

It’s hard for me to see myself like this.

But when I look at Jesus, that’s exactly what I see. Jesus was the perfect example of holiness. He had no sin. He did things exactly the way God wanted. He was even prepared to walk the extremely tough Via Dolorosa.

He was certainly set apart for God and only did what God expected of him. Jesus is the perfect example of holiness and cleanliness.

But not me …

However, it is only me who sees me that way. Jesus and God see me and you who believe in them differently: 11Since the one who saves and those who are saved have a common origin, Jesus does not hesitate to treat them as family …

To Jesus, we are like him. He sees us as his brothers and sisters. Because we have the same Father, Jesus sees us as blood relatives. And it was his blood on the cross that made this family bond possible.

I begin to understand this. I suspect that I, or maybe my older brother, was the most mischievous in our family. We both got into trouble often and the cane had to be replaced regularly.

But nothing that my brother or I did could make us not part of our family. My sister could never say, no, I am too ashamed of what you do, I am no longer your sister. Nothing I could do could take me away from my family. I remained a Van der Merwe through it all.

In the same way, there is nothing I can do in this world that can take me away from my heavenly family. No one can say that you sin too much; Jesus is no longer your brother. The Bible says that nothing can snatch you out of the Father’s hand.

Incredible news!

I suspect that you and I should see ourselves through the eyes of God; see that we are holy and set apart, and maybe start trying to live like that more.

Holy Scripture

Hebrews 2: 10-13

Reflection

How do you see yourself?

How does God see you?

Are you living like this?

Pray

Father, I must confess that I struggle to see myself holy. Help me to see myself like this and to live like this too. Thank you for my brother Jesus, who guides me. In the name of Jesus, amen.