Why Did There Have to be a Cross? Introduction

Scripture: Hebrews 2:9-11

But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.  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.  For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Insights: The verses you see today are the ones we are going to unpack throughout this week.  Before we do so, however, we need to understand where these verses are located in this fantastic book we call Hebrews.  We don’t know who wrote the book of Hebrews, but we do know the Holy Spirit inspired its author.  The book is broken into three sections and is worth the time to study them.  The verses for this week are found in the first section and that section deals with the superiority of Christ Jesus.  What you need to understand is the recipients of this letter were Jewish Christians who were trying to understand their fledgling faith within the context of their Jewish background.  As a result, there was some confusion regarding salvation.  We need to understand that in the Old Testament, as well as in the New, faith alone is what saves an individual.  Unfortunately, for many Israelites, as well as many “Christians,” they attempted to earn their salvation through good works or good relationships.  So, Jesus was introduced as the superior person in this section to prove He was better than prophets, angels, Moses or Aaron.  In other words, the Hebrew author was showing his readers that they could follow Moses, Aaron the prophets and even angels, but in the end all that would do for them is lead them to the pits of hell.  Following an angel, man or a list of rules is not going to save you.  All of your work in being obedient to these things is not going to save you.  You are totally depraved and wrapped up in your sin.  What you need is a Savior and that Savior is Christ Jesus who is the superior person.  Through the remainder of this week we are going to answer the question: Why did there have to be a cross?  These verses give us four answers, but it is first and foremost because we are sinners who cannot save ourselves.

Questions:

1. Are you trying to earn your salvation?
2. Have you come to the realization that you are totally depraved and incapable of saving yourself?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so grateful You saved me.  I am completely and utterly incapable of saving myself or earning my way into Your kingdom.  Yet, You loved me and died for me.  Thank You.  Amen.