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April 1, 2026 

Atonement at the Cross

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.

Read Philippians 2:5-11. 

Every one of us—all eight billion people alive in the world today—was born with a spiritual debt that we could never repay. At first, we inherited it, and then we added to it. But God in His mercy has provided a way of escape from this prison of spiritual debt. On the cross, God the Son paid it all so that every repentant sinner who comes to Christ in faith can be set free from this crushing debt.

But who crucified Jesus? Some say it was Judas, who, out of greed, delivered Jesus to the priests. Others would say it was the priests who handed Jesus over to Pontius Pilate. Still others would say it was Pilate who signed off on Jesus’ execution. But when Jesus was hanging on that cross in agony, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). 

The Truth is, Jesus chose the cross for Himself. He went to the cross deliberately and willingly. He came from heaven and was born as a baby to die upon it. At the right time, He set His face toward Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51). He would not let His disciples or anyone else sway Him; He knew He had come to die in this way. Jesus willingly, voluntarily, and resolutely went to the cross. And He did it out of love, a love so great that He stood in our place, bearing the crushing punishment for our sin and satisfying forever the justice of God. This is the greatest story ever told, the greatest news for the lost and wayward soul, the greatest gift you could ever receive. Do you know the forgiveness and love of God?

Prayer: Jesus, Your love overwhelms me. I cannot fully fathom it; it humbles and sustains me. You are my Rock and my Redeemer. I long to live for You, the lover of my soul. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). 

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon The Folly and the Power of the Cross, Part 2LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW

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About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through every available form of media, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ, including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Dr. Youssef's Biblically-based programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. His books, MY Journal magazine, and daily e-devotionals continue to minister to a global audience. Leading The Way utilizes cutting-edge technology to advance the Gospel. Its solar-powered Navigators are reaching into remote villages, and the ministry's KINGDOM SAT TV channel—launched by Dr. Youssef in 2009—is reaching into the Middle East with programming in English, Arabic, and French. Field Teams follow up with viewers, including those in restricted areas, to lead the lost to Christ, disciple new believers, and support the underground Church.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way team are committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus with the lost and equipping believers to grow in Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground teams. His Biblically-based teaching programs are broadcast more than 18,000 times per week in multiple languages around the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of the AWAKE America prayer movement.


Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds theological degrees from Moore College and Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Life-Changing Prayers, Is the End Near?, How to Read the Bible, Heaven Awaits, and God’s Final Call. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 15 grandchildren.

Contact Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef

Mailing Address
Leading The Way
P.O. Box 20100
Atlanta, GA 30325
Telephone: 
(404) 841-0100 
Toll Free Number:
(800) 337-5323