Bearing the Sin of the World

Bearing the Sin of the World

When John wanted to say something about Jesus he said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who bears the sin of the world!”

It was a burden, to be sure, and when we think of the fact that He also bore our sicknesses, Jesus becomes great in our eyes. But was it just Jesus who bore the sin of the world? Are we not called to follow Him? There were also many before Jesus who had to bear people’s sins, and because they could do it, they were able to save their house and their people. Joseph had to bear his brothers’ sin. He could bear it without requiting evil with evil and without being swept along with them. Moses bore the people’s sins, and in his love for them he was able, through his prayer, to persuade God to spare them and forgive them. There was a time, though, when Moses thought it was too much, and God gave him seventy men who would bear the burden together with him. Num. 11:11-17.

Only Jesus could gives life to the world through His sacrifice so that God does not impute our trespasses to us. He has also given us the ministry of reconciliation so that we, on Christ’s behalf, can exhort: “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:18-21.

However, no one can exhort on Christ’s behalf unless he can also, on Christ’s behalf, bear people’s sins. Why is there divorce in a home? Simply because one cannot bear the other’s sin and foolishness. And why is a person offended, why does he feel insulted, why does he backbite and get angry, etc? Simply because he cannot bear the people’s sin! None of them can exhort on Christ’s behalf. You want to bear burdens in the church, but what is that except bearing the others’ sin? If you cannot manage to bear the burden of those in your home or at your place of employment, how can you possibly bear any burden in the church? No one can hinder you from bearing burdens or push you aside if you want to bear burdens. God has given you ample opportunity to exercise yourself in this area through the daily occurrences. Don’t go and dream about doing something great for God if you don’t want to lift the daily burden God gives you, such as when you are required to requite evil with good and reviling with blessings. If you want to call a meeting as soon as something untoward happens and insist on your rights so you can roll off the burden of the others’ sin and foolishness, how can you then perform the ministry of reconciliation? 1 Pet. 2:18-23.

The one who can bear the others’ sin is like a lightning conductor. He is among those who take away sin. No one could speak with such authority as Jesus did. The more you bear, the more weight you will have in your spirit and the depth of your life will increase. These are the ones who keep the homes together and who build the church. If there is no one who is willing to bear anything, there will be strife, division, and all kinds of disorder.

May God give many of us more of His Spirit and a sense for bearing burdens and performing the ministry of reconciliation.