In Holy Week, the crucifixion comes clearly into sight. We rehearse the events, but must also ask “Why?” In today’s text, the Apostle Paul says, “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” The basic answer is that he died “for our sins.” 

The cross shows God’s love and his holiness.

Since the violence of the cross was the solution to our sin problem, clearly our problem is far worse than we want to admit. The cross humbles our pride. It lays bare our lack of character. It’s violence shocks and offends us. In the first chapter of this letter, Paul tells us that the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing. It’s a stumbling block according to Peter’s quotations of Isaiah (1 Peter 2).

1. Christ died. It historically happened. Several attempts have been made to remove this event from actual history. Eg. Islam purports that Judas was mistakenly crucified instead of Jesus. A crucified prophet Jesus doesn’t fit their view of salvation. 
2. For our sins. The cross is where atonement is made. Upon disobeying God, Adam and Eve first experienced the curse of death, as God warned them. God’s holiness does not abide sin. From Genesis 3 onward, we see God taking steps to provide a substitute offering for human sin. The book of Hebrews shows how Christ is the perfect offering.
3. According to Scripture. Jesus quoted Psalm 22 from the cross. He combined the glorious Son of Man from Daniel’s prophecy with Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (Dan. 7 & Isa. 52-53).

Taking It Home: Read Mark 10:45 and reflect on how Jesus is both the Son of Man and the Suffering Servant.