I’ve Got Your Back

A popular idiom among friends, especially in the military is, “I’ve got your back.” It speaks of a special bond that is protective. It has the other individual’s best interests at heart and is willing to defend someone, no matter what situation they find themselves in. This idiom is not uncommon for those who share a special bond of friendship or service.

What is fascinating is the Christ had this same mindset, but with one glaring exception—we were His enemies! Romans 5:10 NLT For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

How did Christ have our back?
He literally gave up His back to be sacrificed on our behalf. It should have been us being whipped on the back and then crucified for our own sins. But Jesus stepped in. A Roman scourging was a brutal affair. The whip was made of multiple leather thongs and embedded with metal and bone. The scourging would result in the tearing up of skin, flesh, and severe blood loss, to a point where many individuals did not survive it, let alone being able to continue on to face the cross. Psalm 129:3 KJV The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.

What happened when Christ had our back?
Isaiah 53:5 KJV But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Note: At the ultimate sacrificial cost of Himself, He purchased with His blood many benefits for us:
1. His wounds (or piercings) brought us forgiveness of our rebellion against God.
2. His bruising (crushing) brought us forgiveness of our sins against God.
3. His chastisement (punishment) brought us peace with God.
4. His stripes (whipping or scourging) brought us healing.

Years ago, when I was awoken to the fact that Jesus Christ had my back, I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. He has always had my back.

Does Jesus have your back?

—Paul