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WHY DID JESUS DIE? MATTHEW 23:37-39 APRIL 9, 2006
Matthew 23:37-39- “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now look, your house is left to you, empty and desolate. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”
Luke 19:28-44
INTRODUCTION When I read these passages, a question comes to my mind that I’m sure has arisen for many other people: What would have happened if Jesus had been received and welcomed as the Savior of the world? What if the Jewish religious leaders had embraced him? What if the Roman world responded to his message? Could he have lived to a nice old age and then died in his sleep? Would the cross have been necessary?
Historical error of blaming the Jewish people for killing Jesus. This question often arises in the minds of those who somehow have some perception that Jesus was killed because he offended Jewish religious leaders and Roman politicians. In part, this is true- he did do these things. But I think it is important for us to remember that ultimately, Jesus did not die because of these things. While those who actually carried out the execution may have thought they were accomplishing their goals, they were in fact being used by God to bring about a far more important plan.
1- Myth #1- No one took his life… he gave it
2- Why did He give it? a- Key word- ‘Atonement’
“The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom…” - we had been captive in sin, with no means of escape
“Without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness…” - sin is an offence against God- a breaking of His perfect and holy will. - fulfilled the justice of God
The sacrificial system was a precursor to the sacrifice of Christ - fulfillment of prophecy- it was always God’s sovereign design The Passover Lamb
Jesus asked if there was any other way when he was in Gethsemane
b- the hope offered in resurrection - he was the first of many - share funeral thoughts of yesterday
c- ultimately, it was love for us. From the greatest to the lowest, his death revealed the magnitude of our sins, but also the depth of his love for each of us
Cf. Stott, pp. 60- 67, 68- 69, 74,
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