Living a life that Matters

As easter approaches, I have decided to read each gospel’s accord on the crucifixion as my daily devotion for this week. It is my way of remembering how Christ died and suffered for us. As I have been reading, I came across a piece of paper in my Bible. Awhile back, Dave from my men’s group had ask us to write a little something about why we felt Christ had to suffer for our sins. Was it necessary? Was there any other way? Well.. I don’t remember us ever discussing it, so I thought I’d blog what I came up with. I know there are books and sermons on this topic.. and I hope to do a major study on this sometime.

Isaiah 52:14 “Just as there were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness…” So fullfilling prophecy is a huge reason Jesus had to suffer. Isaiah predicted years before his crucifixion and the fact that he would suffer.

But Christ had to be an example to all of us. Being a Christ follower means we will all endure hardships. Jesus suffered all through his life. Not only physical sufferings, but spiritual sufferings. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus had the weight of our sins on him at the cross. When God forsake him, Jesus cried out.

It also shows how terrible sin is. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Yet it is shows God love for us and how he demonstrated that by sending his son to die for us. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstarted his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

He suffered to be the perfect advocate. Hebrews 2:10 “In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through  suffering.” Christ was qualified by God to be the one to carry out his redemptive mission. We have Jesus on our side as one who speaks out against those that sin against us.

1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you closer to God. He was put to death in the body, but made alive by the Spirit.”Jesus’ suffering brings us to God. It is so we can approach the throne for mercy and not by our own strength. Only by the strength of Him suffering for us.

God loves us so much. Jesus suffered horribly for us. We take that for granted way too much. He had to suffer for us. He demonstrated the ultimate love for us to an example to us. We are to do the same for our brothers in showing this love (1 John 3:16)