Why did Jesus have to suffer and die?

The cross was not a mistake in God’s plan. It was the plan all along—to save us. In this Sunday message, Pastor Greg Laurie preaches on one of the most important subjects in all the Bible: the death of Jesus. From Mark 15, it’s the latest message in our series, The Gospel for Busy People.

Notes

We need to go out into the world and preach the gospel. Not through politics, but through prayer and preaching, we will turn our world upside down in the same way.

Why did God suffer? Because He loved and He loves.

Jesus took the curse, so we don’t have to.

Jesus was dying on someone else’s cross.

Jesus was dying for Barabbas, and all sinners everywhere!

They were there against their will. Jesus was there because He willingly went.

The seven statements of Jesus on the cross:
“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
“Today you will be with me in paradise.”
“Woman, behold your son.” “Son, behold your mother.”
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“I thirst!”
“It is finished!”
“Into Your hands I commit my spirit.”

Jesus could have saved Himself.

No man has ever experienced loneliness and isolation as Jesus did at this point.

At the cross, even God the Father turned away His face from God the Son.

Jesus was forsaken so we don’t have to be. Jesus was forsaken of God that we might be forgiven.

God was the “Master of Ceremonies” at the cross.

For all the evil of the crucifixion, it brought about an infinite good.

Scriptures Referenced
Isaiah 53:3–5
Hebrews 2:17–18
Galatians 3:13
Matthew 26:53
Luke 23:40
Isaiah 53:4–5
Isaiah 53:10
Romans 8:32

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