July 3 | Bible in a Year: Job 25–27; Acts 12

The Greatest of All Time

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24

READ 1 Peter 2:21–25

Many football fans eat, breathe and sleep their sport. But one prominent football manager doesn’t count football as the key thing in his life. That place he gives to a person: Jesus Christ.

Jürgen Klopp claims that Jesus is the most important person the world has ever known. Why? Because when Jesus “took all of our sins” and was nailed to the cross, that was the “most decisive thing that ever happened . . . because it changed everything”.

In affirming this, the German football manager echoes Peter, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, but whom Jesus restored. In one of his letters, Peter highlights the importance of Christ dying for us: He bore our sins on the cross “so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). His wounds bring us healing (v. 24). And when we stray like wandering sheep, we can return “to the Shepherd and Overseer” of our souls (v. 25). Peter shared the good news of Jesus widely, wanting others to enjoy the restoration he himself had experienced.

As Klopp says, Jesus dying for the sins of others was the greatest act ever. It’s also one that gives him a huge comfort. We might love or loathe football, but we too can find hope, healing and salvation when we join this manager in following the GOAT—the greatest of all time—Jesus.

By Amy Boucher Pye

What difference does it make to believe in, and follow, Jesus? How can Christians influence others through their love of Jesus?

Saving Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross, so that I can be free from the burden of my wrongdoing. Help me to share Your love today.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

To “follow in [Christ’s] steps” means we are called to pursue a walk of purity and honesty (vv. 21-22), a walk that is not vengeful or vindictive (v. 23), and a walk of deep trust in God the Father (v. 23). This is not only an example of how to build personal relationships, but it’s also the essence of the gospel of grace—God’s favour to those who do not deserve it.