This week, following on from Easter I want to reflect on the centrality of the cross. Today we think about why did Jesus die?
‘Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.’ (Isaiah 53:10)
Lesson: Jesus’ death, although carried out by people who are guilty of their sin, was, ultimately, according, to God’s plan to save sinners.
You can listen to this devotional below:
If you were to ask the average person about the reason for Jesus’ death my guess is that the main answer would be something around his being a martyr because He taught what was good. I don’t think that many would see Jesus’ death as being, principally, as a result of the will of God! This sounds outrageous! However, we are to see in the gospel message that God gave what was most dear to Him - His only Son - in order to redeem those who had most profoundly offended Him!
Isaiah 53:10 speaks of the drivers behind Christ's death. His death involved many different people such as the Roman soldiers, Pilate, the Jewish people, priests, Judas Iscariot… However, God’s Word makes it clear that it was ultimately God's will that Jesus be crucified! It was not, ultimately, according the actions of any human being, but according to God’s will.
Isaiah 53:10 affirms this truth. ‘It was the Lord’s will to crush [Jesus] and to cause Him to suffer.’ And to ’make His life an offering for sin’. Jesus’ death was not an accident, but a deliberate plan. Why would God do this? The verse goes on to say that through Christ's death, ‘he would see his offspring and prolong his days’; In other words, through his sacrificial death, Jesus would bring new life and hope to many.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that the death of Jesus was not in vain. It was not simply a tragic event, but a purposeful act of love and sacrifice. Through his death, we can find forgiveness, hope, and new life. It is through the cross that we are reconciled to God and can experience the fullness of his love.
RESPONSE
Jesus’ death, although carried out by people who are guilty of their sin, was, ultimately, according, to God’s plan to save sinners. Let us then approach the cross with reverence and gratitude, knowing that, by God’s will, Jesus died to save people like us! May we never take for granted the immense love and grace that God has shown to us through Christ.
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
There are no notes for this week. However, if you are meeting, feel free to use this Easter Sunday devotional as a basis for your study and discussion together.