In the second week of the Alpha course, we address the topic Why did Jesus die? That night's discussion sparked the following question:
How could God make Jesus die on the cross and then abandon him if Jesus is God?
Jesus willingly chose to offer Himself as the sacrifice that would bring atonement to all who put their trust in Him. He was fulfilling and accomplishing what the entire sacrificial system of Judaism had pointed to but had failed fully to complete. See Leviticus 16 for more on the Old Testament practice of sacrificial atonement and Gen. 22:8, 13 for more on God’s intervention and provision.
It’s helpful to remember that Jesus has existed eternally as the second person of the triune Godhead – forever in intimate relationship with God the Father (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1, 2). On the cross, Jesus, being the sacrificial victim, allowed all the sin of humanity to be placed upon Him. Because God the Father, in His perfect holiness, can have no fellowship with sin and evil, Jesus experienced, during that moment and for the first time in eternity, a separation and alienation from God the Father. The anguish of having that relationship severed was even greater than His physical suffering and is what is being expressed in Jesus’ cry during the crucifixion, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
The Rev. Jeff Rawn
Central Parish Minister
The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed manner over eight, thought-provoking weekly sessions. For more information, contact Amy Waggoner at 214-291-5037.