In the Book of Philemon, we read about a slave by the name of Onesimus who stole money from his master, Philemon, and then ran away. But apparently, Onesimus ran right into the Apostle Paul who was a friend of Philemon. Paul shared the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection with Onesimus, and by grace, Onesimus became a believer in Jesus. Paul then wrote a letter and sent Onesimus back to his master, Philemon, with it.
Onesimus was guilty under the law. Onesimus owed a debt to Philemon. With this in mind, Paul writes to Philemon (the master) about Onesimus (his former slave):
Philemon 1:11-12, 18-19 (NIV) Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back.
The Apostle Paul was willing to pay the debt of another! To relieve Onesimmus of his burden! What kind of love must Paul have had for Onesimus to take Onesimus’ burden and carry it? To assume his debt and pay it? A very strong love, indeed Paul called him “my very heart.” Because of Paul’s intercession and willingness to assume the debt, Onesimus came home to Philemon free of all charges, as if he had never stolen, and was accepted as if he were the Apostle Paul himself! He was received as a beloved brother now, not a mere slave.
Such is the same kind of love that Jesus has for you! You, like Onesimus, have done wrong, and have become guilty before a holy God. You owed a great debt to God. This debt could only be paid by death, for “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But hear these words to you today, the words that Jesus says to the Father on your behalf:
The debt he/she owes to You, and any wrongs done, have been charged to my account. I, Jesus, am writing this with my own nail-pierced hand, I have paid it back. I am sending this one, who is my very heart, back to You. He/she is not guilty, and I’m thankful that You receive them as you would receive Me.
Jesus Christ assumed your guilt and paid off your debt of sin. Look at Him dying there on the cross as a guilty Man, and understand that your guilt was removed, your debt paid, and your pardon purchased!