Matthew 27: Why Jesus Died

Last updated on: February 8, 2011 at 1:59 pm by Dillon Burroughs

Matthew 27: Why Jesus Died 2011-02-08T13:59:17-05:00 Dillon Burroughs

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The death of Jesus is graphic. Even Mel Gibson’s rendition of the cross (barely R-rated) does not do it justice. An innocent man was nailed through the wrists and ankles to crossbeams of wood and left in the sun to die. To confirm the death, a Roman spear was thrust into his heart. There is nothing here that can even be included in a children’s story book about Jesus without some creative adaptation.

All this to ask the obvious: Why did Jesus die? Why did he suffer? Volumes have been written in response, but the text itself offers one insightful reason: to reveal Jesus as God’s Son. The centurion at the cross specifically noted, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (v. 54).

Matthew’s goal from the outset was to show Jesus as Messiah (1:1). As he nears the climax of his book (the resurrection being the climax), the death of the Messiah is intended to draw attention to his sacrifice as the suffering servant (Isaiah 53). As readers encounter Christ’s great love, then his power over death, the intended response is, “Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. I will follow him.”

Just as Matthew answered Christ’s call to “follow him,” Matthew’s work is designed to cause others to do the same. As I wrote out the concluding words to this chapter, my thoughts were, “Is every area of my life devoted to following him?” Of course, the answer is that I am human and some areas lack in devotion. God has given me plenty to improve upon in my own life.

For readers today, my encouragement is to see the cross as God’s call to devotion to his Son. Are you following him completely today?

+++

Dillon Burroughs has written, co-written, or edited over 60 books, including the upcoming devotional work Thirst No More (October 2011). He served as an associate editor for The Apologetics Study Bible for Students and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. Find out more at DillonBurroughs.org.

Handwritten copies of the Bible

Dillon Burroughs

handwritten copies of the Bible

matthew

Previous Post

February 7, 2011

Matthew 26: God's Plan (and Ours)

Next Post

February 9, 2011 Matthew 28: The Last Words of Jesus

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category handwrite the entire bible handwritten bible Handwritten copies of the Bible transcribe the bible

Select a Month July 2018 April 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

In what city was Paul shipwrecked?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Rhodes Cyprus Malta Crete