Why did Jesus Have to Die on a Cross?
Author: Angela CraigBefore I knew Christ, I wondered why Jesus had to die on a cross.
Falsely accused, mocked, rejected, and beaten – naked he hung until his last breath. As God, creator of the universe, why not another option? I heard people describe it as a mystery. I described it as: reckless, brutal, and seemingly unnecessary.
I was stuck on the “what” in the story.
The “what” is the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. I now understand that the “what” fulfilled scripture and proved Jesus was and is the Messiah, King, and the Savior of the world.
While I was focused on the “what”, Jesus was focused on the “why”. That “why” is you and me.
If you have ever loved someone you will understand the “why”.
Love defends. Love sacrifices. Love is vulnerable. Love stands in the gap. Love never gives up.
If you are a parent you can comprehend this love. As parents we strive to give our children everything possible. We desire for our children to have an abundant life of love, peace, joy, health and fun. If your child was in danger, you would defend them, giving your life in place of theirs. God feels the same way about his children.
This is why Jesus chose loving you over death. It wasn’t the betrayal, legal conviction, the ropes or the cross that held him, it was his unfailing love for you and me. He stood between us and death simply because we are precious to him. The death and resurrection of Jesus conquered our eternal death, but it also conquered the death of our minds, body and souls that takes place by living on this earth. When we decide to walk in co-relationship with Jesus, we will find healed identities, freedom from addiction, peace and forgivingness in relationships, and true purpose and meaning.
As you reflect on His love, know that you are more than enough, God’s chosen one.
He saw you cast into a river of life you didn’t request. He saw you betrayed by those you love. He saw you with a body that gets sick and a heart that grows weak. He saw you in your own garden of gnarled trees and sleeping friends. He saw you staring into the pit of your own failures and the mouth of your own grave. He saw you in your own garden of Gethsemane and he didn’t want you to be alone … He would rather go to hell for you than to heaven without you.