MY Devotional: Daily Biblical Encouragement & Prayer from Leading The Way · Dr. Michael Youssef

Atonement at the Cross

April 1, 2026·3 min

The episode begins with Michael Youssef introducing the topic of atonement at the cross. He states that every person alive today, all 8 billion, was born with a spiritual debt that is impossible to repay. This debt is both inherited and added to over time. God provides a way of escape from this debt through mercy. On the cross, God the Son paid the debt in full. Repentant sinners who come to Christ in faith can be set free from this crushing burden. Youssef then poses the question of who crucified Jesus. He mentions Judas, who delivered Jesus to the priests out of greed. He also references the priests who handed Jesus to Pontius Pilate. Pilate is noted as signing off on the execution. While hanging on the cross, Jesus prayed for forgiveness for those involved. Youssef emphasizes that Jesus chose the cross for Himself. He went to the cross deliberately and willingly. Jesus was born as a baby with the purpose of dying on the cross. At the right time, He set His face toward Jerusalem. He would not be swayed by His disciples or others. Jesus knew He had come to die in this way. His actions were voluntary and resolute. He did this out of love, standing in humanity's place. He bore the punishment for sin and satisfied God's justice. The episode ends by calling this the greatest story ever told.

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