Crucified With Christ

Reflection

Routines are a part of our everyday life. For me, my morning coffee is essential. It’s right here beside me as I write, and even though I occasionally swap it for tea, coffee is my go-to. When I don’t have it, something feels off. But maybe it’s not coffee for you, maybe it’s your time at the gym, prayer time, or the habit of waking up at a certain time. These routines settle us and bring a sense of normalcy to our day.
I can imagine how the early church felt when the familiar routines of their faith were no longer necessary. The Jewish laws that required cleanliness, circumcision, and temple sacrifices were now fulfilled in Christ. No more need for circumcision to be a part of God’s covenant, and no more sacrifices at the temple. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.
But imagine the struggle. They were still surrounded by neighbors, family, and fellow Jews who didn’t believe, and who held fast to those old routines. How hard must it have been to stand firm in the freedom Christ gave when everyone around them still adhered to the law?
We see this tension in Peter, who, knowing the truth, began to live a double life. In front of the Jewish believers, he feared their judgment and started to separate himself from Gentile believers, not wanting to be seen eating with them. Peter knew Christ was enough. He knew the law had been fulfilled in Jesus. But fear of man led him to bend the truth, living a hypocritical life, one that didn’t match the reality of the gospel.
Paul calls Peter out on this in Galatians, reminding him and the believers that we are crucified with Christ. Our old selves, the routines, the need for outward rituals, and the fear of man, all of that was nailed to the cross. When Jesus was crucified, we were crucified with Him. Our old lives are gone, and our new life is now lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Just as Christ was crucified for us, we are called to live for Him, and our lives should reflect that freedom. It’s not about what we can do for God through our own effort or routines, but about living fully in the reality of His finished work. We have been set free to live by faith, not by fear or by the law. The law has been fulfilled in Christ.