For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. I Peter 3:18
On August 14, 1941, Franciszek Gajowniczek was a Nazi prisoner in Auschwitz. That day a fellow inmate escaped. The rule was that when one escaped, ten other prisoners would be selected at random and placed in a cell where they were left to starve to death. When Gajowniczek heard his name, he sobbed, “My wife and my children.” A fellow inmate stepped forward and said, ” I will die in his place. I have no wife or children.” His request was granted. Every year on that date, Gajowniczek has a memorial to remember the man who died for him. In his yard he has placed a plaque to honor him and to remind others of this great sacrifice. On this day, Good Friday, we need to pause and remember “Jesus Christ,” who took our place. The prophet Isaiah in chapter 53:4 said it this way, ” But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Peter said ” The just for the unjust.” Christ took our place and died for us, but on Easter Sunday he rose from the dead. Through his death and resurrection, we have the hope of glory. So let us take time this day to remember he took our place. Father, thank you for sending Christ to take our place. Help us, not only on this day, but each and every day to remember what He has done for us. Amen.