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Did Jesus really need to die?

  A few days from now, Christians will celebrate the most somber day of the church year—Good Friday, a day which focuses on Jesus’ death on the cross. Though many in our country are familiar with Good Friday, or at least with Jesus dying on the cross, some don’t know why.

  An explanation we often hear is that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, or he died to pay for our sins. These explanations are correct, yet we still might wonder, 𠇍id he really have to die? After all, if God can do anything, couldn’t he simply have said, ‘I declare all sins to be forgiven’, and, poof, they would be?”

  It’s important to remember something about God. Yes, God is a God of love and forgiveness, but he is also a God of justice. As the divine judge of the universe he must punish sin, otherwise he would be unjust and evil. We see both of these truths on display on Good Friday. God’s justice is carried out as he brings his wrath and punishment for all sin against Jesus. Yet at the same time God shows his love for us by sending Jesus to suffer and die in our place. 

  Over seven hundred years before it occurred, Isaiah explained the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and death in this way, “Surely he was taking up our weaknesses, and he was carrying our sufferings. We thought it was because of God that he was stricken, smitten, and afflicted, but it was because of our rebellion that he was pierced. He was crushed for the guilt our sins deserved. The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5)

  No, God could not have simply said, “Poof, I declare all sins forgiven,” without Good Friday. Jesus needed to suffer and die to satisfy God’s justice, so that the punishment our sins deserve would actually be paid. Yet the good news for you and for me is this: “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Punishment has been paid in full for you and for your sin. And now since your fine has been paid, your sentence has been served, trusting in this Savior, you are free to go. You have been cleared in God’s courtroom. As St. Paul declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) 

  Yes, Good Friday was necessary. Jesus actually needed to suffer the punishment for your sin to satisfy God’s justice, but rejoice that your punishment has been paid. In Christ, you are free and at peace with God now and forever. Have a blessed Good Friday.