“From that time Jesus began to point out to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised up on the third day” (Matthew 16:21).
Why does God need to die? That’s why He came. But the real question is, why does He need to do this to save us? But even these questions avoid the problem. We are dead because of sin and how do we come to life, real life, in order to dwell with the Lord forever? The source of life takes on our life, dying to give us His life. The mystery is great, but the reality of it gives us hope upon hope. We are taken from separation into eternal relationship with God.
What shall we do with these things, Lord? You who knew no sin took our sin upon Yourself so that we who do not have eternal life might take on Your life and live. It seems a strange way to do things, but You are God. Lead me out of speculating on these things to simply walk with You as You conform all who believe in order to become like You in preparation for all that is to come. Help me to always hear Your word, whether I like what I hear or not.
Lord Jesus, You say many things plainly. You have told us of things that must take place. Though born resisting You, help me now to live following You. Guide me through those things I do not understand to come to the place where I may live into the life You are giving me. Guide me so that I do not stop because of what the world is doing but press on toward the prize of the upward call You give by grace. Amen.
