The Great Exchange

“So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.” (Philemon 17-21)

Paul did more than just write a recommendation for Onesimus as Onesimus went back to his master Philemon. Paul did more than just vouch for him. Paul actually put himself into Onesimus’ place.

Whatever wrong Onesimus had done against his master, Paul was willing to be punished for it. That was saying quite a lot, since the punishment for a runaway slave was death! Whatever Onesimus had stolen from Philemon, Paul was willing to pay with his own money. That was quite a promise, since Paul himself was a prisoner in chains. In turn, Paul asked Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave as if Onesimus were Paul himself. Do you see the exchange? Paul became Onesimus, while Onesimus became Paul. Paul took on Onesimus’ sin and debt, while Onesimus received Paul’s good name.

How could Paul do that? Because that was what Jesus had done for him. For all the wrongs that Paul had committed—and there were lots!—Jesus had been punished on the cross in his place. Whatever Paul owed to God for his sins, Jesus had paid his debt in full with his own body and blood. In turn, Jesus had told God his Father to welcome Paul into his family as his own dear son.

Do you see the exchange? This great exchange? Jesus took Paul’s place, while Paul took Jesus’ place. Jesus took on Paul’s sin, while Paul received Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus was forsaken by God his Father, so that Paul could be received as the child of God. What grace! What an exchange!

For Paul. For Onesimus. For you. You are also guilty of sin, of running away from your Father in heaven. But Jesus came. Jesus put himself in your place. He was punished, so you could be forgiven and freed.

We, like Onesimus, are condemned by God’s law, but we’re saved by God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

Dear Jesus, your great exchange defies all human logic. You became what you were not to make me what I was not. You are my righteousness. I am your sin. Thank you for your grace! Amen.

Pastor Nathan