Mark 15: Why Jesus Died

Many have misunderstood the legal reason used to put Jesus to death on the cross. Mark 15:25-26 reveals this reason:

^“25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. ²⁶ The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

After an illegal, overnight series of trials before both Jews and Romans, the Roman governor Pilate agreed to crucify Jesus for his claim to be king of the Jews. This act of conspiracy was punishable by death.

In our time, Jesus is a socially acceptable topic, but only when we talk about Him as one spiritual leader among many. It is only when we assert Jesus is King, higher than all other leaders in all other traditions, that conflict arises. Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah King; Muslim accept Jesus as only one of many prophets. Eastern religions usually see Jesus as one of the enlightened ones. Yet Jesus claimed more. Much more.

Jesus claimed to be one with God, to be King of the Jews, to be the Messiah, the Coming One, and to be God in human form.

This is why Jesus died.

But, there was also another reason…

…us.

Legally, Jesus died for treason. Spiritually, Jesus died to give us eternal life (John 3:16) and an abundant life beginning now (John 10:10).

Remember what Christ has done for us today; accept His gift, thank Him for it, and go out to do something for Him.

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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.