Death Of Jesus Christ the Lord

 

Why is the death of Jesus Christ the Lord so important?

 

1.   1  It is mentioned directly by the prophet Isaiah and David. It is typified in the sacrifices of Abraham and Moses.

2.  2  Jesus Himself said He would be killed. He also explained before it happened that His death had a greater purpose – Forgiveness, ransom, and as the Good Shepherd He would lay down His life for His sheep.

3.   3 His death highlighted the brokenness of human nature – religious men refused to accept His claim to be “the Son of the Blessed” and condemned Him to die. The Roman judge, sent to crucifixion, one he had declared innocent. The crowd disregarded what great and good things He had done, calling for Him to be given the worst kind of death – crucifixion – so cruel in so many ways. How depraved mankind was and is.

4.   4The teaching of the Apostles by the Holy Spirit was clear, that this death had a distinct purpose –

Peter :  Jesus  as the Lamb of God paid the price to bring people back to God (1 Peter 1,3)

John: Fellowship with God is based on the cleansing (forgiveness) by the blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son. (1 John 1,2)

Philip: Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53 ‘His life is taken from the earth’ to become the risen intercessor for all who believe in Him.

Paul: God showed His great love toward us  - “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5)

---- and so much more…….

 

I venture an illustration  (true parable)

I received a speeding fine in the mail! But I was not in the vehicle. My son was driving my car. One might have challenged the camera operator, or gone to court to argue that no-one was in danger. Or I could plead for pardon (which is possible in Australia).

But no – I made a choice to pay the debt and incur the demerit points myself – thus letting my son go free even though he was the guilty one.

Jesus knew too well how offensive my disobedience, disrespect, failure to worship, my sin…,   was to God . But He, in the person of Jesus, chose to pay the fine and let me go free! In gratitude I love Him and follow Him.

Indeed God has the prerogative to forgive, but He chose to liberate the guilty by suffering the penalty HIMSELF – the wages of sin is death, and Jesus Christ died for our sins. (1 Corinthians 15)

 5 The words of Jesus, many years after , are very significant:

“Fear not, I am the fist and the last, I am He that lives, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and death”   (Revelation 1:17). {so full of meaning – pause to ponder}

6  The death of Jesus justifies the holiness of God – He forgives – “the Just one dying for the unjust” (1 Peter3:18)

7  The death of Jesus makes judgement day more terrifying for unbelievers :- judged for sin that could have been forgiven, judged for rejecting  Jesus the Son of God, judged by the very person who died to offer complete salvation. (Revelation 20,  John 5,  Acts 17).

8 Today is the great day of salvation:

“To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name, whoever believes in Him shall receive forgiveness of sins.” (Peter – Acts 10:43)

johnmckee@internode.on.net