Why is Jesus’ sufferings and death so important to Christians that they are the focus of their reflections during the period of Lent? Why did Jesus suffer and die? We will mention two reasons.
First, He died because of our sins. In a Bible study a lady commented that she could not see how Jesus in His death could have borne the sins she is committing two thousand years after. This a very relevant question. Of course, Jesus died because of the sins of those who killed him. They are the sins of bigotry, jealousy, hatred, envy, selfishness, pride and fanaticism. But how about our sins in the 21st century? Yes, the Bible says when we sin we crucify Him again (Heb. 6:4-6). Peter who had nothing to do with the crucifixion says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree . .” (1 Pet. 2:24). All sin inflicts sufferings on God (Gen. 6:5-6). Even our sins today cause God to suffer. But Jesus also bore the sins of people hundreds of years before Him. Long before Jesus Isaiah said, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). Jesus’ sufferings and deathcovers the sins of all people in human history.
Second, Jesus died because of God’s unconditional and supreme love for us sinners. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Jesus could have avoided death. When He was arrested Peter tried to defend Him by cutting the ear of Malchus, the priest’s servant. But Jesus stopped him saying, “Put your sword back in its place, - - . Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Mt. 26:52-53). A legion at the least is 3,000 army men. This is all Jesus could have done to defeat forever His enemies. But He did not do this out of love. Jesus said referring to His death, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13). Jesus’ dying for sinners is the greatest show of love in the world.
It is for us sinners that Christ suffered and died on the cross. He did not condemn us to eternal damnation where we fit. But “God our Savior, - - wants all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2:3). “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet.3:9). God in Christ did not hesitate to go to the cross to give us an opportunity to repent and receive forgiveness. But you can either reject or accept His offer. What are you going to do with that ever greatest offer in the world? To receive that offer of forgiveness and redemption you may pray thus:
Prayer: Thank you, O Lord Jesus, for your dying for my sins because you love me so much. I repent of all my sins and humbly, but gratefully, accept your offer of loving forgiveness. Come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
Pastor Jose V. Velasco
