Why Did There Have to be a Cross? Because Jesus Created You

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.

Insights: There is so much information in this little verse.  First, notice that Jesus created you.  When the verse states that “from whom are all things, and through whom are all things” it is referencing the creative power of God.  For a moment think about the cost of the cross through the words of C.S. Lewis.  He wrote, “It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion.”  It is this cost that is the second thing to notice from this verse.  The idea of Jesus paying an unbelievable price is what the Hebrew writer is communicating by the words “to perfect.”  In other words, as preincarnate deity, Jesus did not experience temptation, hunger, pain or suffering, but by becoming human He experienced all of those things in order to be the bridge between God and humanity.  So, the word perfect here is really meaning complete.  It does not in any way carry the idea that Jesus had a flaw or was sinful.  Jesus was sinless and completed the work necessary to bring about salvation through suffering.  Oscar Cullman communicated this truth this way, “Jesus must be able to suffer with men in order to suffer for them.”  The third thing to notice is the word author.  Some translations use the word pioneer.  Still other translations use the word captain.  The point being in all three word choices is that Jesus is the One paving the way through His life, death and resurrection.  He is declaring to the lost world, “I AM the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father, but by Me.” So, the second reason there had to be a cross was because Jesus created you and He did not desire to see His creation spend eternity in hell separated from Him.  He, therefore, came to earth and became a man in order to identify with us.  He then hung on a cross to pay the price necessary for your sin debt and mine.  Now, we have access to the Father if we will but receive the free gift of eternal life which is found in Jesus.

Questions:

1. Have you contemplated all that it meant for Jesus to become human?
2. Are you in awe of how much God loves you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so unworthy of Your love; and yet, You love me.  You left all of eternity to become flesh and blood like Your creation.  In Your death You bridged the gap between God and humanity.  Thank You, my Savior and Lord.   Amen.