I meant to do that

We stand in the brokenness, and sob, “I never meant to do this." It’s where sin lands us. But while we say, “I didn’t mean to,” Jesus answers, “I did.” 

The One who didn’t have to, always, always meant to. From before creation to beyond Golgotha, Jesus tells me . . .  

I created a perfect world for you. My Father and I loved you, and created you in our own image. We meant to do that.

We gave you everything, and only commanded that you not eat of one tree out of all of them. You had everything, and you probably didn’t mean to throw it all away. But you did.

And I knew, I knew from before time began, what I was going to do about it. I meant it with all my heart. It was my eternal purpose. And I meant to do it.

I had everything in heaven. I’m telling you, it was not robbery for me to be equal with God. That’s who I was. But I looked at you, and I loved you, and I gave it all up. I meant to do that.

I came down and lived on the earth full of sin and problems with you. I wept with you. I ate with you. I stayed up cold and long nights with you. I went hungry. I taught you. I healed your wounds and diseases. I sweated and walked long roads with you and for you. It was hot, and I got dirty. I went through the storms with you. I did it all so you would know that I understood what it was like to be you. I meant to do that.

Then I suffered. On purpose. I meant to do it. 

You gathered a mob and you handled me rough. You lied about me. You fled from me. They beat me. You watched. You took part. You pushed thorns into my head. You hit me. You spit on me, and laughed. I meant to go through with it. I always meant to go through with it. And now it was happening. 

You put nails through my hands. It was excruciating. Six hours I could barely get a breath. You did not know what you were doing as you yelled “Crucify him.” You didn’t mean to do it, in a sense. You didn’t know. But I knew. And I meant to do it.

As I hung on the cross, I said “It is finished.”  Everything I meant to do for you was now done. The sin that condemned you, I took away. I became the only sinless lamb that could take away your sin. I did it for you. I meant to.

Now, my little child, when you fall into temptation, and you don’t mean to, and your carelessness leads to sin, come to me. Walk in my light. My blood will forgive you.

I am your advocate with the Father. I stand in your place and plead your case. I know what it’s like to be tempted in all the ways, yet I never sinned, so I can come to the Father on your behalf when you need me to. Because I, who created you, who loved you, and gave myself to die for you while you were still a sinner, I mean to do it.

© Celine Sparks 2025