why did Jesus die on the cross – Positive Woman Connection

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—

of whom I am the worst.

I Timothy 1:15

Jesus left His throne in Heaven to come to this earth in human form for one purpose – to save sinners. Paul humbly adds, “Of whom I am the worst.” The great and powerful apostle Paul recognized his own sin and his own desperate need for a savior. This is the beginning step for each of us in coming to Christ. If we do not recognize our sin, we do not recognize our need for a savior. He came to save sinners, not perfect people.

The Bible reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. We cannot enter Heaven and live with a holy God unless our sin problem is redeemed. This is the purpose of the cross. God sent a way for sinners to be saved from eternal punishment through His beloved Son, Jesus. The very name of Jesus – Yeshua – means “Jehovah is salvation.”

Father, this Good Friday, we praise you for sending Jesus to save us. We confess our sin and recognize our need for Him. Thank you, that He is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of all who place their faith in Him. Put us in the path today of someone who needs to know this good news, and give us the words to share it.

Questions to Ponder:

Why did Jesus need to die on the cross?

Why is today considered Good Friday?

Who needs to know the good news that we are forgiven through faith in Christ?

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

There is a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from completing a task. The simple act of marking something “done” brings a sense of closure and allows us to move forward with confidence.

In the New Testament, we find the Greek word tetelestai, meaning “It is finished.” This term was commonly used in everyday life. It appeared on tax receipts to indicate a debt was paid in full. Merchants used it to confirm a completed transaction. Artists used it when a work was finished. Servants reported tetelestai to their masters when an assignment was complete, and priests used the term to describe a sacrifice found to be without blemish.

From the cross, Jesus declared, “Tetelestai.” With this statement, He was not saying that He Himself was finished, but that the work He came to accomplish was complete. That declaration carried profound meaning.

His finished work brought an end to the system of animal sacrifice. It fully paid the penalty for the sins of all who believe (II Corinthians 5:21). It disarmed the power of sin and death (Colossians 2:13–15). It declared believers holy and without blemish before God (Colossians 1:21). It removed the separation between God and those who are in Christ (Romans 8:31–39).

Because the payment was complete, nothing can be added to it. Salvation rests not in our efforts, but in faith—placing our trust entirely in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, may we live with gratitude for what has been fully accomplished and rejoice in the victory of His resurrection.

Here’s a video of a recent Bible study I taught on this topic.