The Weight of Sin

Sin is a word that can feel heavy—loaded with guilt, shame, and judgment. We’re not here to say that sin isn’t laden with all these things, but at its core, sin isn’t just about breaking rules; it’s about the burdens we carry. Whether it is the burden we bear when we miss our purpose in life, the pain that lingers with us for a lifetime when we have been wronged and suffered, the agony and injustice in the world, or simply when we live apart from God’s design for us.

Matthew knew this weight well. As a tax collector for the Romans, he had chosen a path that benefited him financially but cost him deeply in relationships and dignity. In The Chosen (Season 1, Episode 7), we see a pivotal moment: Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him. For years, Matthew’s identity had been wrapped up in his work, his status, and… his sin. But in one moment, Jesus looks beyond all of it and sees who Matthew can become.

No matter what burdens you carry in life, Jesus looks at you in the same way: beyond your shortcomings and burdens but at the person you were always meant to be. He doesn’t wait for you to be perfect; He invites you in, just as you are. What burdens do you need to surrender today?

P.S. Are you enjoying this journey with Matthew? Your own character might even resemble his. Care to find out? Take our The Chosen 'Test of Character' and journey for a while with the character you have the most in common with.