Discussion by Terry:

1 Peter 2:24 (NIV), ‘“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”’

1. On reading this verse the reference to the “tree” made me think of the forbidden Tree of Knowledge.
Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, and they and their descendants were cursed by God and expelled from the Garden of Eden. I found it interesting our Lord’s crucifixion was on the tree at Calvary where the curse of death was removed forever for those who believe in our Lord’s resurrection.
I believe this to be a significant link to the resurrection story.

2. My second thought was to understand that NO sin cannot be forgiven. I reflect on the wonderful hymn by John Newton,

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

It is amazing, as John Newton was a slave trader and a person of terrible and despicable character. He found redemption and changed his life completely and dedicated his purpose to abolishing the slave trade.
No one is beyond our Lord’s saving grace.
I take great comfort in my own personal born again experience (my road to Damascus event).

3. Further to the above the Apostle Paul’s name was mentioned as being prolific in spreading the Good News after his meeting with the Lord on the road to Damascus.
It reminded me of a discussion I had with a male nurse, Sacha, during my recovery from an endoscopy operation which went horribly wrong. I should have died. It truly was a miracle that I survived.
During my recovery Sacha and I would talk about our faith late at night during his shift. The subject of Paul’s pleading to our Lord to remove the suffering from the thorn in his side, was an interesting discussion. Was it a physical health issue? If so, why would our Lord reply by saying “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Sacha’s response suggested that Paul was mentally and physically extremely anxious for the suffering and persecution inflicted on the believers before his miraculous conversion (e.g. witnessing and approving the stoning of Stephen). I will never know for sure but I believe this to be a plausible interpretation of this verse.

4. This verse is reflected in my own personal journey (personal examples not shown here).