Romans 14:7-9, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 [The Reason Jesus Died on the Cross]

[Things to Meditate On]

1. The Bible explains in many ways "the reason and purpose for which Jesus died on the cross." Through the passages above, for what purpose does the Bible say Jesus died on the cross (Romans 14:7-8, 2 Corinthians 5:15)? If we do not understand this well, we will inevitably continue to live for ourselves.

2. Then what kind of life is a life that does not live for oneself, but lives for Jesus? The following words in Galatians 2:20 can be the answer.

Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

3. As this passage says, the life that is lived for Jesus means living by faith in Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself for me. The reason we must live in this world not according to our own will, but only by faith in Jesus, is that Jesus Himself showed us through the cross what kind of life we ought to live. Although Jesus is God, He made Himself of no reputation, took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And by laying down His own will and dying on the cross, He obeyed the word of God unto death (Hebrews 5:7-9).

Philippians 2:6-8 "6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Luke 22:41-42 "41...and kneeled down, and prayed, 42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

[Decision and Application]

Thus, following the example of obedience that Jesus Himself showed us, we too must now live not for ourselves, but for Jesus. A person who lives for himself cannot endure when he suffers wrongfully, that is, when he is reproved or punished unjustly without having done anything wrong. This is because he considers himself important. However, a person who lives for Jesus can patiently endure even those who wrong him "because he is mindful of Jesus." This is because Jesus is more important to him than himself. Such a person knows well that Jesus suffered for him and first showed all longsuffering toward him. Therefore, he also seeks to endure patiently for Jesus.

1 Peter 2:18-25 "18Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously; 24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness..."

1 Timothy 1:15-16 "15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."

Through the cross, Jesus showed us the example of having mercy on sinners who were enemies of God, that is, the example of "overcoming evil with good." Now we must follow in His steps. Therefore, we also must not repay evil for evil toward others, but must show the example of overcoming evil with good.

Romans 12:17-21 "17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

Also, because Jesus, by dying on the cross, made us dead to sins and alive unto righteousness (1 Peter 2:24), in the midst of this faithless and perverse generation (Matthew 17:17), we must live only by faith in Jesus. Now, whether we live or die, we must offer our bodies and hearts for Jesus. This is the reason Jesus died on the cross for us.

Luke 9:23-24 "23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

Philippians 1:29 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake."

Amen.