Tuesday - Isaiah 53 - Why Did Jesus Die?

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ATHER than focusing on the physical characteristics of Christ & His crucifixion (although that would be a helpful discussion), today we will consider the reasons behind His crucifixion.

1.     He died to reveal to us the strength of the Almighty (Isaiah 53:1). God is so strong that He can even conquer the effects of sin. He can redeem sinners. He can overcome death.

2.     From one angle, it appears that He died because He was not recognized. The combination of our human rebelliousness and Christ's humility made His identity unrecognizable to most until after redemption had been accomplished (Isaiah 53:2-3, Acts 3:14, 15, 17 & I Corinthians 2:7-9).

3.     He died to assuage our sorrow and grief (Isaiah 53:4).

4.     He died because the religious leaders of His day thought He was God's enemy (Isaiah 53:4). THEY thought they were doing God a favor by killing this man whom they considered to be a blasphemer (John 10:33, 16:2 & I Timothy 1:13).

5.     He died because it was the will of the Father for Him to die (Isaiah 53:6 & 10). He died to please His Father (Isaiah 53:11).

6.     He died because He was willing to (Isaiah 53:7 & John 10:17-18).

7.     Most significantly for us. He died because of our transgressions; for our iniquities; for our sins (Isaiah 53:8 & 11); to make peace between the Father and us (Isaiah 53:12); to heal this sin-sick human race (Isaiah 53:5). He died like a guilty man in order to transform us into innocent men (Isaiah 53:11).