Our Propitiation

  Hebrews 2:17 says, "Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."  Have you ever had someone take the "rap" for you?  I mean, someone who actually stepped in and took your blame?  I remember when I used to work in the correctional system, oftentimes an inmate would be 'respected' among his peers for taking the "fall" for another person's crime.  Like in the movies, when a group of thugs commit a crime and everyone gets blamed, but here's usually one guy who steps forward and confesses to the charges and takes the fall for the everyone involved.  We all know the outcome:  that person is then arrested, accused of a crime he did not commit, tried and then convicted.  He is prounouced GUILTY and suffers the punishment for the crime.  Jesus, took the "rap" for you and me.  He willingly confessed to a crime that He did not commit; He was accused of doing something He did not do; He was tried and pronouced GUILTY!  He then suffered the punishment for the crime, which was death on a cross.  The word "propitiation" means to "appease" or "to make peace with an angry competitor".  Jesus Christ made peace between God and mankind for the sins which were separating the two.  I don't know about you, but I am sure glad He stepped in!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcMeUqPDypo