Why Did Jesus’ Die on the Cross?

            The story is told about a boy named James, who was three years old. He was attending Sunday school for first time. His teacher was telling him about the events of Good Friday.

            The events made a powerful impression upon him. That evening during supper, James said out of the blue, “Jesus died on the cross.”

            His parents were glad James announced this, and they decided to pursue the conversation. His mother asked, “Why did Jesus die on the cross, James?”

            The boy thought for a moment and said, “Because he couldn't get off.”

            His parents processed James’ words later, and they realized that James knew more than he had realized. It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross; it was his love for people that kept Jesus nailed to the cross.

II Cor. 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. NIV 1984

            

Source: Doug McIntosh, HOLMAN OLD TESTAMENT COMMENTARY—DEUTERONOMY