Why did Jesus die for us? If you were asked that question, you might have a simple answer, or a deeply theological explanation. You might go into the meaning of substitutionary atonement and from there, launch into the definition of the words expiation and propitiation. You might even talk about the Old Testament laws of sacrifice and atonement.
But a more compelling, elegant, and personal answer comes from John 3:16 – He died because God loves us.
“For God so loved the world...”
The Bible gives multiple reasons why Jesus died on a cross. Each one adds more dimension and more depth of understanding. Here is a non-exhaustive biblical list of reasons why Jesus died for us:
• He died because God loves us: John 3:16
• Jesus died for our sins: I Corinthians 15:3
• He died for our sins so that we can be made acceptable to God: Romans 4:25, Romans 5:19, Galatians 2:21
• God made peace with us: Romans 5:10
• He died so we can share in His death and resurrection through baptism: Romans 6:3-4
• God paid a great price for us: I Corinthians 6:20; 7:23
• We were nailed to the cross with Him so we could die with Him: Galatians 2:19-20
• He became a curse in our place: Galatians 3:13
• He died to set us free: Ephesians 1:7
• He died so we can be near God: Ephesians 2:13 & I Peter 3:18
• He took the accusations against us and nailed them to the cross: Colossians 2:14
• He died for everyone: Hebrews 2:9
• He died to destroy the devil: Hebrews 2:14
• Suffering made Jesus perfect and so that He could learn obedience: Hebrews 2:10; 5:8-9, Isaiah 53:11
• He died once so that He could take away the sins of many: Hebrews 9:28
• He died so that we would stop sinning and live right: I Peter 2:24
• His blood washes away our sins: I John 1:7
• It was an example of love so that we can love one another: I John 4:10-11
The Gospel of John goes on to say, "But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
(This article highlights my preaching series through the Gospel of John. My sermons originate from Roots Family Church - Lake Elsinore 951-764-7642)
