Neither Pilate nor Herod could find any reason for Jesus to die. “And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him; No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him” (Luke 23:13-15). The Jews of that day had determined that Jesus would die, “That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die” (John 18:32). Jesus did die and He tasted death for every man Hebrews 2:9. This has not answered the question, “Why did Jesus die?” Let us notice in this article some reasons why Jesus died.
First, He died to become king. In Matthew 2:2 and 3 the wise men from the east come to Jerusalem to find him who was born king of the Jews. He is called the king of Israel by Nathanael in John 1:43-51. He enters Jerusalem as king of Israel. As Jesus enters Jerusalem they spread branches of palm trees and cried, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). As Jesus was suspended between heaven and hell, He is announced as king of the Jews. They place a placard above the cross that states, “This is Jesus the king of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37). After His resurrection He is sitting on the throne of David. Acts 2:30-33; Hebrews 1:1-4, 8-9. This makes Him king. He is now announced “king of Kings and lord of Lords” 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16.
Second, He died to prove His Messiahship. Messiah mean “anointed one” translated as Christ in the New Testament (Luke 2:25-26). Under the Old Testament Priest were anointed (Leviticus 4:3, 5, 16; Exodus 40:12-13; Leviticus 8:12). Under the Old Testament, Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 11:12; 2 Samuel 1:14). Also under the Old Testament Prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Jesus is called “the Christ” Matthew 16:13; John 1:41; 4:25-26; Mark 14:61-62; Luke 2:11. He was anointed High Priest (Hebrews 3:1). His Priesthood is not after Levi but after the order of Melchisedec (Hebrews 7:12-17). His work of the High Priest is seen in Hebrews 1:2-4. His work of king has been noticed. His work of a prophet is seen many times in His preaching Luke 24:46-48; John 1:47. Thus Jesus was the Christ, the “anointed one” because He was anointed by God for all of these positions but not until He died was He our High Priest!
Thirdly, Christ died to manifest God’s love. God loved us so much He gave His Son John 3:16. Why did God have to give His Son to die? Because there was the perfect sacrifice needed for the sins of mankind. He did this while we are sinners Romans 5:8.
Fourthly, Christ died for our sins. Our sins have separated us from God Isaiah 59:1-2. John declared this when he saw Him, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). When Christ died His blood flowed backwards and forward Hebrews 9:14-18; 10:1-4. The reason why, is because those under the Old Testament had their sins rolled forward until the time Christ shed His blood. Since that time Christ’s blood had been flowing to wash away our sins (Revelation 1:5; Acts 22:16). Christ blood was shed for us while we were yet sinners. Romans 5:9-11
Here are four reasons why Christ died. Why not let Christ’s blood work for you? Obey His every command Hebrews 5:8-9; John 14:15. Be saved today!
Love Keith
