The Cross - Sin and Nearness | Lent Devotional 2026 Day 6

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
February 23, 2026 
Written by: Charity Goodwin

The Cross: Sin and Nearness

Scripture:

Isaiah 53:4–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21

4 It was certainly our sickness that he carried,
    and our sufferings that he bore,
    but we thought him afflicted,
    struck down by God and tormented.
5 He was pierced because of our rebellions
    and crushed because of our crimes.
    He bore the punishment that made us whole;
    by his wounds we are healed.
6 Like sheep we had all wandered away,
    each going its own way,
    but the Lord let fall on him all our crimes. - Isaiah 53:4-6

21 God caused the one who didn’t know sin to be sin for our sake so that through him we could become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Reflection:

In the Old Testament, God introduced the idea of a substitution offering to reconcile people with God. Isaiah 53 uses substitution language: “borne,” “carried,” “for our transgressions.” Paul echoes that in 2 Corinthians: “For our sake… so that in him…” These texts don’t reduce the cross to a transaction; they name a transfer: Jesus enters the consequences of sin to bring us into the life of God.

A careful, faithful reading keeps two truths together:

1. Sin is not “no big deal.” It damages people and creation. It creates an estrangement in our relationships with God, others, and ourselves. 
2. God does not abandon sinners. God comes near..so near that God takes sin’s burden into God’s own life.

Prayer:

Soften the resistances in me to more fully rely on you, In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Question:
 
Which phrase do you resist more: “sin has consequences” or “God comes near to carry them”? Why?

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