Why Did Jesus Have to Suffer?

1 John 4:9-10

Since we are just wrapping up Good Friday and Easter Sunday, I wanted to take time and reflect on what Jesus Christ accomplished for you and me at Calvary. No one disputes that Jesus Christ suffered on the cross. But the idea that His suffering was necessary has been the subject of scorn from those who have criticized and ridiculed Christianity through the centuries. The truth that Jesus had to suffer to pay for our sin is also what sets Christianity apart. Why you ask? It was essential for Jesus to suffer: To pay for the sin of mankind. First John 4:10 says, “[God] loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sin.” The key word is propitiation, meaning payment. It wasn’t enough for Him to die. Jesus had to pay a debt—our debt, for our sin. The payment was necessary. To satisfy the demands of God’s wrath. As much as God loves you, He hates your sin with a holy, burning hatred beyond comprehension. The only way He could embrace you in spite of your sin was for someone else—someone perfect and holy—to pay for it (Romans 5:1). To purchase the opportunity for our sins to be forgiven. No longer do you have to carry your sin. You can be forgiven. God laid all your sinfulness on Jesus as He willingly suffered and died upon the cross. The debt was paid, opening the door to your forgiveness. To provide the way to eternal life. To have a gift, you must choose to receive it (Romans 6:23). Do you know Jesus Himself is the gift of eternal life? His suffering is the reason that gift is possible. You can be forgiven and washed clean, because Jesus is the propitiation. He gave His life to restore your relationship with God. As the Father laid all the sinfulness of the world on His Son, Jesus suffered and died, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. AMEN!!

Questions for further thought:
1. Have you trusted in the payment of Jesus’ suffering and death for your sin debt to God? How do you know this?
2. With whom can you share the Good News of Jesus today?

Challenge: Pray this prayer….Father, You sent Your only Son to pay a debt He did not owe, because I owed a debt I could not pay. Why You did that is hard to comprehend—Jesus did nothing wrong, while my heart is so often tempted toward sin. But Your love is greater than my sin. What an amazing gift You have given me. Thank You for bringing me into a relationship with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to never forget the price and the power of His cross. In Jesus’ name, amen.