Why did Jesus have to die?

When you visit the nursing homes you hear a lot of conversations on death, religion and God. There you find parents, sons and daughters, grandparents and great grandparents. You also will see children. Children ask the best questions in my opinion. One question I hear many times over is, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The answer I hear spoken by many is, “Honey, Jesus died for our sins.” Think about that statement for a moment it means absolutely nothing to a child. The worst thing is that same statement means absolutely nothing to a teenager or an adult who is a not-yet believer. I know. I was taught that very same statement. So why are we surprised when a teenager or an adult suddenly becomes defensive when we talk to them about Jesus? By now they have come to believe there are other people far worst than them. In his or her minds the death of Jesus has no value or meaning. We need to tell others the truth. When one asks, “Why did Jesus die?” Look them in the eye and say, “Jesus died for you.”

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13 (NLT)

Why did Jesus die for me? We need to give them an answer. An answer they will understand. If I do not feel guilty of a crime then I will not feel responsible for the consequences of that crime. Even worst if I do not realize I have committed a crime or an offense how can I feel responsible for it? In the unbeliever’s mind they have not committed a crime or an offense. How can you call me a sinner if I do not believe that I am a sinner? There is the root of the problem. What did Jesus do?

When we look at Luke 18:18-24 Jesus tells us how to witness. Pastor Ray Comfort uses Jesus’ teachings in his TV series “The Way of the Master.” Have you ever told a lie, half-truth, a white lie, or an exaggeration? What does that make you? A liar. Have you ever stolen anything regardless of its value? Even when you were a kid? What does that make you? A thief. Ever-used God’s name to express discuss? Instead of using a four-letter word that starts with “S” you use God’s name instead. It is called blasphemy a very serious offense in God’s eyes. You are starting to get the picture. A un-believer must be convinced of their transgressions against God before they can ever come running to Christ in repentance. The rich man walked away from Jesus. Jesus’ objective was repentance not conversion. We must learn repentance first.

Put it another way. You are standing in a courtroom before a judge. You admit to being guilty. Just before the judge pronounces sentence a man you have never met before stands in front of the judge and says, “Judge I have paid for this man’s crime. I have taken and paid in full for this man’s punishment.” The judge looks at you and says, “You are free to go.”

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NLT)

If I myself do not realize my crimes against God how can I come running to our Saviour in repentance to escape the wrath to come? This is why we have so many false converts in our churches today. They are not running to Christ to save their lives. They are walking up to him for life enhancement. A gospel of prosperity is what they are being told.

The truth is Jesus took my place. I deserve to be on that cross. You deserve to be on that cross. He did not die for my sins. He was punished and died for me. It is my sins that required my death. That is God’s law. Jesus died for me. Jesus died for you. Payment made in full. This is why a personal relationship with Christ Jesus is the foundation of our faith. What did it say in John 15:13 above? It did not say no greater love than to die for one’s sins. It says no greater love than to die for one’s friends. Jesus died for you.

Dealing with Loss

This week I received a call that a dear friend, back in California, who’s wife had passed away from cancer. We grew up together during high school. He and his wife were high school sweethearts. Married afterwards. They were both dear friends. They have 3 boys now teenagers. The same age we were. A time we called the good old days. Those were hard times but we looked forward to the future. Death was never in our thoughts.

Just how do we deal with loss? It would be nice to say that just reading a few verses of scripture would some how take away the pain. Through my experience it does but it can take months or years.

My mother once told me that funerals were for the living. Yes they are and I find it sad how we try to sum up one's life in just a few words. It is a time of saying goodbye I guess. Each time I have attended a funeral within the tears I have been given a smile. Knowing they are safe with Christ and time will come when we will see each other again. This is the confidence that comes with being a Christian.

Death comes in many forms. The loss of a job cannot only hurt financially but can cut deep into one's confidence. Killing a man inside. Too often we are defined by where we work. If that were true then Paul would have been known as a tent maker and not a great servant of God. Paul suffered yet he rejoiced in his suffering. When dealing with loss the last thing that comes to our mind is rejoicing. It is when things are at there worse that we come to realize the light of Christ Jesus shines brightest. Too often I have missed it by keeping my eyes closed on this world instead of keeping them wide open on the Kingdom of God.

When dealing with loss, I am no expert; one cannot afford to look inward. The resources within self are just not there. We need to reach out for help. On the other side we need to be prepared to help others. In the Gospel of Matthew our Lord tells us how important it is to be a servant.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt 20:28 (NLT)

If I am to be like my Lord then I must focus on serving others. Just a simple smile at times can make all the difference in one’s life. Taking time to listen. Offering a helping hand. Even a rebuke is needed when done in love for one another.

When you hurt be willing to ask for help. Be willing and keep your eyes open to help others.

If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Eccl 4:10 (NLT)