When Jesus lived a perfect life, when he then offered that perfect life as a perfect sacrifice for sin, he did it for the entire world.

Remember what John the apostle wrote?

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2, NIV).

It's another both/and! Jesus lived and died to win forgiveness of sins for everyone. But it's equally important to know that he lived and died to win forgiveness for you!

For you, personally.

You were on Jesus' mind each day when he lived according to God's laws perfectly in your place. You were on Jesus' heart when he died on the cross, and when -- three days later -- he rose from the tomb.

In a town named Pisidian Antioch, the apostle Paul spoke to a group of Jewish believers in a synagogue. He wanted each person to know that he, Paul, was sent to personally seek them out. He was sent to tell them that through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to them.

Each person who believes in that forgiveness -- who believes in that Savior! -- is set free from every last sin, Paul promises. He goes on to point out that this was something they could never have accomplished on their own by their obedience to the commandments that had been given to Moses.

The message is clear. God saw that you needed his help. You matter to God. And so God made it personal!

You -- you, personally -- are forgiven!

"Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.  Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses" (Acts 13:38-39, NIV).

Our Bible reading for Friday, June 19, is 1 Kings 6:1 - 7:22, Acts 13:13-41 and Psalm 75:1-10.

Jesus, thank you for loving me. Thank you for providing me with forgiveness of sins, because I matter to you. You have placed me personally on your own heart.

Header image based on "Good Friday" by Trish Hamme, CC By 2.0