What Is the Full Significance of Jesus’ Crucifixion?

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Couldn’t Jesus have paid the price for humanity’s sin without going to the cross?

In all four gospels, we see the gruesome picture of the passionate narrative of Jesus's crucifixion. This raises the question: Why? Couldn’t Jesus have still paid the price for humanity's sins some other way? This question has led many to say they cannot believe in Christ. The idea that God paid the penalty for the sins of humanity seems unfathomable.

Jesus was righteous in every way, yet he chose to die for the unrighteous. He could have destroyed this world and built another that robotically loved him. Instead, he gave men and women the choice to reject him and demonstrated the ultimate loving act through his death on the cross. In this death, there are several important notes to remember.

First, Jesus’ death on the cross was a voluntary act. He could have called ten thousand angels to bring him deliverance, yet he chose the cross (Matt. 26:53). Jesus died because humanity was lost. He died because he had great love and mercy for others. He died because he was the only one who could legitimately accomplish this work. He died because he loved the world.  

Second, Jesus died for those who were ungodly (Rom. 5:6-8). This demonstration of inconceivable love was for all people (2 Cor. 5:14). He died for our transgressions (Isa. 53:5) so that we could have the opportunity to experience eternal life (John 3:16). He took the curse that was upon sinful humanity and placed it upon himself (Gal. 3:13) – thus carrying the greatest burden anyone has chosen to carry.