The Necessity of the Cross

Sometimes we hear assertions that certain people were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus, most specifically the Jews. However, anyone who claims the Bible teaches this or blames the Jews for the crucifixion is twisting Scripture.

Granted, the Jewish leaders and Roman officials who carried out Jesus’ crucifixion bear guilt for the sin of what they did. But God the Father foreordained how and when His Son would die.

When Jesus talked with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, He said, “And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life” (John 3:14–15 NLT).

And Mark 8:31 says, “Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead” (NLT).

Notice that in both instances, Jesus used the word “must.” This speaks of necessity. Jesus had to die on the cross. But was He predicting that He would be a victim of circumstances and crucified as a result?

No, He wasn’t. Jesus was talking about the plan and purpose of God the Father. It wasn’t an accident or a mistake. Nor was it a surprise. Clearly Jesus knew what was coming.

He said, “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded” (John 10:18 NLT).

Jesus was in complete control when He went to the cross. His death was an act of submissive obedience to His Father’s will.

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