Chinese Bible Help: Study4-p13

THE DEPTH OF MAN’S SIN is clearly visible in the crucifixion of Jesus. This was no ordinary man. He was the pure and holy Son of God! When men will not repent, they may do anything to prevent the exposure of their dark deeds. This is what their hearts and ours are capable of, when we want to cover up our sinful ways. It is better to frankly confess sin and find forgiveness, than to try and prevent its exposure!

It is astonishing to discover that those who crucified Jesus were the first to be offered salvation through His death. It was to the people of Jerusalem, His murderers, that the Gospel was first preached. This, above everything else, shows us the measure of divine love. It excels all other loves known to man! It stands in great contrast to the depths of sin so visibly displayed in those who put Jesus to death!

There are, then, both human and divine reasons for the death of Jesus. Jesus had indicated on several occasions that He could have avoided His death, but then how would the divine plan be fulfilled? For more about the divine plan see the next page.

SUMMARY: It is important to realise that the death of Jesus was actually planned by God Himself. That is to say, God the Father determined that His own Son should die in the way He did.

Of course, a good and holy God did not make people hate Jesus. Instead, God used their sinful hatred towards His Son to provide forgiveness for us, and even for those who crucified Him!

Jesus was hated because the light of His pure life only made the sins of others more obvious. Jesus was also envied by the religious leaders of the day because He was more popular than they were, for many people had benefited from His kindness and gladly received His teaching.