Entrée 3 of 3
The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
They all tell it a bit differently, but the message is the same. Jesus died because of God’s love for us.
Jesus knew that He was sent to us for one purpose - to die.
Jesus said in John 10:11, “ ‘I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep.
Jesus knew that He came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. He came to us in a human body in order that He might die. From the stable to the cross, His purpose
was to die.
Jesus suffered as no one has ever suffered. The most pitiful part of the story of Jesus’ death was the night of suffering He spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus went there to pray as He often did.
His three closest friends were with Him but were unaware of what was really happening.
They slept while Jesus suffered.
On His heart rested the sins of the whole world. He cried out in anguish asking God if He would take the suffering away. But in the same breath, He prayed for strength to do what He knew He must do.
Matthew 26:39
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Jesus was killed on a cross.
The people of Jesus’ day, the Romans, used the cross as a way of execution.
While Jesus was on the cross, He spoke seven times:
1. “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
2. “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.” (Luke 23:43)
3. “She is your mother.” (John 19:27)
4. “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” (Matthew 27:46)
5. “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
6. “It is finished." (John 19:30)
7. “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
The first three of these sayings reflect a great concern for those around Him. He showed concern for forgiveness of His enemies. He was concerned about His mother.
He was concerned about us, as He carried the burden of our sins. The last four sayings show us His human feelings of loneliness and pain. We see His dedication and obedience to God, His father, in His final words. He had accomplished God’s purpose for Him.
The cross of Jesus has great meaning for us. We are just as guilty as the people of that day for the death of Jesus. The cross is a symbol of our sins.
God’s overwhelming love for us is expressed in the cross. If ever we have doubts about His love, we can remember the cross of Christ.
The cross is the only way to salvation. Jesus said, “ ‘I am the way, , the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me’ ” (John 14:6). love for Us is Jesus is our only hope of being saved from our sins.
The story of God’s love for us doesn’t end with Jesus on the cross. It doesn’t end with His suffering.
Jesus was taken down from the cross and buried in a tomb. A big stone was rolled against the opening of the tomb. Soldiers stood guard. But that did not keep Him there on the third day Jesus rose from the dead and now He is with the Father making intercession for us.
He is alive today and wants to save us!
Timothy 1:15
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
If you are reading this and you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of your Life, then you can do that right now.
Just talk to Him and He will help you.
Acts 16:31
31 So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
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