Jesus, the Sin Bearer

I enjoy simply pondering and discussing things about Jesus.
Not for the sake of theological debate, but to occupy and fill my mind with the wondrous works of my savior.

A few days ago I had a conversation with a close friend of mine about the nature of Christ's sin bearing. We spent about 15 minutes discussing "did the Lord become sinful or did he merely bear our sins?"...I concluded, I simply do not understand the nature of the Lord's substitution for us.

What I have concluded is that I am simply amazed by the nature of the Lord's substitutionary death. The fact that he actually bore the sins of all mankind is amazing to me. His willingness to do this for a being that is infinitely less than Himself is truly outstanding. I never get tired of thinking and meditating on this fact. The fact that he did consider equality with God something to be grasped but would actually give himself willingly for death on a cross -- a most shameful, painful, and degrading death (Philippians 2:5-8). Not only has he done this in the past, but we can boldly come to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace in the time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

All our sins and griefs to bear...