Why didn’t Jesus come down from the cross?

Jesus Christ is God. Jesus put Himself into a human body and lived on earth as a human for 33 years. He grew the tree they made into His cross. He grew the thorns they made into His crown.

He grew the chief priests and scribes and Jews who cried “crucify Him”. He grew the soldiers who mocked Him, spit on Him, ridiculed Him and finally crucified Him.

Imagine! Our Creator, by Whom we live and breathe and have our very being, allowed His physical body to die by crucifixion! Why didn’t Jesus come down from the cross?

Mark 15:²⁵And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. ²⁶And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. ²⁷And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. ²⁸And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. ²⁹And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, ³⁰Save thyself, and come down from the cross. ³¹Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. ³²Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Why didn’t Jesus come down from the cross?

Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for my sin problem.

Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for your sin problem.

Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for the world’s sin problem.

Jesus stayed on the cross because there is no other solution for God’s righteous judgment on sinners.

What does Jesus’ choice to stay on the cross mean to you?

Do you know this song?

Ten Thousand Angels- Ray Overholt, 1958

      (1) They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed;

They led Him thro’ the streets in shame.

They spat upon the Saviour so pure and free from sin;

They said, “Crucify Him; He’s to blame.”

      CHORUS:

He could have called ten thousand angels

To destroy the world and set Him free.

He could have called ten thousand angels,

But He died alone for you and me.

      (2) Upon His precious head they placed a crown of thorns;

They laughed and said, “Behold the king.”

They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name.

All alone He suffered ev’rything.

(3) To the howling mob He yielded; He did not for mercy cry.

The Cross of shame He took alone. And when He cried, “It’s finished,” He gave himself to die;

Salvation’s wondrous plan was done.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti