Message from Scripture: 9/4/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from Acts 2:22-23; “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”

 

Who is responsible for Jesus’ death? The question is still important today, as the death of Christ had a distinct purpose in mind, which was to offer forgiveness of sin. Some would reason if they had no hand in His death, then they are free from responsibility to Him as Lord and Savior.

 

The Jewish authorities, out of envy (Mark 15:10), handed Jesus to Pilate, who heard the Jewish crowds cry out for Him to be crucified (Mark 15:13).  Pilate acquiesced to their wishes, turning Him over to Roman soldiers that Jesus’ crucifixion could be carried out (Mark 15:15-37). Historically, these are the ones who brought Jesus to the cross.  But if we understand the purpose of the cross, we know the necessity of the cross is for everyone’s sins.  Everyone shares in the burden of the cross, because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), and all need the cleansing that the death of Christ provides.  The sins of the world led Jesus to the cross, and it was His love for us that kept Him there.  God’s eternal plan for our sins made the cross necessary, and only in the cross is there hope for eternal life (Col. 1:20).

 

Jesus died on the cross because everyone needs the forgiveness of sin, and only in Christ is that forgiveness found (Acts 4:12). Everyone’s need for forgiveness sent Jesus to the cross, but His love for us kept Him there to die for us. Today, let’s rejoice in the salvation we have in Christ, affirmed to us by His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20). Let’s serve Him faithfully, that we might gain the crown of life He offers. God bless.

 

Robert