Was Jesus’ Death Essential?

Did Jesus NEED to die? Couldn't God come up with any other option to forgive sins? Pastor Tim Hartwig has the answers today. Join us for a Maundy Thursday message of love and forgiveness.

Galatians 3:13

Watch on YouTube

I have to admit that sometimes I’ve wondered if Jesus dying on the cross was essential. Couldn’t have God, the Almighty God, the all-wise God, come up with another way to save sinful man?

On the night he was arrested, as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked the father that if it was at all possible that the father would take that cup from him. That is, that Jesus wouldn’t have to die. God’s answer was no my son you must die. In Galatians chapter 3 verse 13 Paul explains why

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. As it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13)

There’s a curse to the law and it’s this if you break it, you die. We have broken God’s law, you and I have broken God’s law, and therefore we deserve to die. The only way that Jesus could save us was for him to take that punishment himself. He had to die because he loves you.

He willingly gave His life on the cross so that you can live. You can live by faith here in time and hereafter in eternity. There was no other way. Jesus dying was the only way for you to be able to live with him in heaven forever.

Thank you Jesus for dying so that we can live. Amen.

Timothy Hartwig
Timothy Hartwig

Tim Hartwig is currently serving as President of the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Articles: 165