As we near the end of Holy Week, today is Good Friday. Which brings to mind the question: Why did Jesus have to die?
This topic can feel heavy for so many of us. Jesus was innocent. So how does it make sense that to save the world, he would have to die for it?
Here’s the thing: the crucifixion wasn’t a required formula in order for God to save the world. It represents a story we get to enter into. From the very beginning, humans have known two things: we need help, and we’re not in control. Deep down, we also know that something is wrong… not just in the world, but inside us. That’s where Jesus comes in. The cross reveals those truths all at once. It shows us the depth of our need and simultaneously, the depth of God’s love for us.
See, Jesus didn’t defeat evil by overpowering it. He defeated it by absorbing it. He took the world’s hatred and violence and sin and condemnation and answered with the only thing he possibly could: compassion and love and forgiveness. It wasn’t fair, but it was the only natural conclusion for Jesus to make. His capacity to absorb suffering and keep loving was stronger than our capacity to inflict suffering and keep hating. Not even death could stand against his goodness. The cross says that evil, even at its worst, is no match for God.
Okay. Deep breath. So… What does all of this mean for us? Jesus didn’t simply die a transactional death or carry out a required sentence mandated for humanity’s salvation. It wasn’t required suffering that God inflicted upon him. Instead, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection were an infallible and unstoppable display of love that atoned for all of our evil. And because of it… There is now, therefore, no condemnation.
– Alyssa Chandler
