Why Did Jesus Die

WHY DID JESUS DIE?

II CORINTHIANS 5: 14-18

Introduction: Recently in speaking with a young man, I asked, "Why did Jesus die?" He replied that Jesus was crucified because he had angered the Jewish religious leaders. He knew the historical facts surrounding the death of Christ but had no concept of why Jesus died on the cross. This young man is not alone. Thousands upon thousands have no concept of the reason Christ went to the cross. Even many Christians have only a superficial or an elementary understanding of the crucifixion of the Son of God. The death of Christ was no accident. The Bible tells us that Christ is the Sacrificial Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world. Why did Jesus die?

I. Christ died for all of mankind.

A. II Corinthians 5:14 "For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:"

B. Romans 5:6 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."

C. "On this planet called earth there are many kinds of people. But not in God’s sight. In God’s sight, there are only two kinds. Not rich or poor, old or young, tall or short, fat or thin, black or white, Anglo or Hispanic- only saved or lost. Without Jesus Christ, all are lost. Christ died with the intent that all might have the opportunity to be saved.

D. Hebrews 2:9 "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

II. Christ died to cover the cost associated with sin

A. I John 2:2 "And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

B. Isaiah 53:6 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."

C. The story is told of a man who was brought into court for trial and found guilty. The judge happened to be a close boyhood friend of the accused, although they had not seen each other for many years. Remaining impartial, the judge sentenced the man and levied a penalty appropriate to his case. It was a fine so large that the accused could not pay it. A jail sentence, therefore, seemed to be the only alternative. The judge then did a very unusual thing. Leaving the bench he approached the convicted man, shook his hand, and announced, "I’m paying the fine for you."

D. I Peter 1:18-19 "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"

E. As far as we know it cost God nothing to create the universe; but paying the price for our sin cost Him the blood of His Son on the cross.

III. Christ died to condemn the originator of sin

A. When God wanted to defeat sin, his ultimate weapon was the sacrifice of his own Son.

B. I John 3:8 "He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

C. Hebrews 2:14 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"

D. Lyle Arakaki of Honolulu, Hawaii tells the following story about himself. "In Hawaii, because of the time difference with the continental U.S., the National Football League Monday night football game is played in mid-afternoon; so the local TV station delays its telecast till 6:30 in the evening. When my favorite team plays, I’m too excited to wait for television, so I’ll listen to the game on the radio, which broadcasts it live. Then, because they are my favorite team, I’ll watch the game on television too. If I know my team has won the game, it influences how I watch it on television. If my team fumbles the ball or throws an interception, it’s not a problem. I just think, {That’s bad, but it’s okay. In the end, we’ll win."}

E. There’s a line that’s been drawn through the ages. On that line stands old rugged cross. On that cross a battle is raging, for the gain of man’s soul or His loss. On one side march the forces of evil, all the demons and devils of hell. On the other the angels of glory, and they meet on Golgotha’s hill. The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, and the sun refuses to shine; for there hangs God’s Son in the balance, and then through the darkness He cries; "It is finished!" The battle is over. It is finished! There’ll be no more war. It is finished the end of the conflict. It is finished! And Jesus is Lord! (© 1976 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management) CCLI License No. 754427