Reflection on the Nails

Colossians 2:14 - “He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”

When the Bible talks about the nails on the cross and how sin is nailed to the cross, I’d like to imagine a piece of paper with all of the wrong things we've ever done written on it. We call them sins. These sins can make us feel guilty and ashamed, and they separate us from God.

When Jesus died on the cross, he took that long list of sins and nailed it to the cross with him. His sacrifice on the cross was like a big eraser that wiped away all of our sins (leaving behind no trace), and the nails on the cross were like the tools that held our sins in place as Jesus paid the price for them.

You can also liken this to a court room drama where the defendants, let’s call them Yew and Mee, stand guilty and condemned but, before they are sentenced, the Judge’s only son (and heir) steps forward in front of this crowded courtroom and says “My Lord, I’ll take their punishment for them!”.

The nails on the cross were like the tools that held our crimes in place as Jesus paid the price for them. This means that our crimes are no longer held against us, and we are free from the burden of guilt and shame that comes with them. Because of this, we don't have to carry the burden of our sins anymore.

We can have a new life in Jesus Christ and be reconciled to God.

Take a moment to reflect on this truth, and ask yourself these questions - 

• What does it mean to me that my sins have been nailed to the cross? How does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross make me feel?
• What sins have I been carrying that I need to surrender to Jesus and allow Him to nail to the cross?

• How can I live a life that reflects the sacrifice that Jesus made for me on the cross? Can I spend more time in prayer and Bible study, or reach out to others with love and kindness?

Together we pray...

Dear Lord,

I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross; for taking my sins and nailing each and everyone one of them to the cross.

Help me to trust in your sacrifice and forgiveness and to let go of the burden of my sins which you’ve nailed to the cross and set aside.

Help me to remember that I am forgiven and loved by you; to live in this knowledge and freedom that you have given me; to live a life that honours you and reflects your love to others; and to know how I can be a light in this world and share your message of hope, grace and forgiveness.

Amen