WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? (Mark 15:39) The Problem We have all done things that are wrong, and we have failed to obey God’s laws. Because of this, we have been separated from God our Creator. Separation from God is death; but, by ourselves, we can do nothing to become united with God. Why Jesus Could Help Jesus was not only a man; he was God’s unique Son. Because Jesus never disobeyed God and never sinned, only he can bridge the gap between the sinless God and sinful mankind. The Solution Jesus freely offered his life for us, dying on the cross in our place, taking all our wrongdoing upon himself, and saving us from the consequences of sin—including God’s judgment and death. The Results Jesus took our past, present, and future sins upon himself so that we could have new life. Because all our wrongdoing is forgiven, we are reconciled to God. Furthermore, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the proof that his substitutionary sacrifice on the cross was acceptable to God, and his resurrection has become the source of new life for whoever believes that Jesus is the Son of God. All who believe in him may have this new life and live it in union with him.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRIST IN THE GOSPELS (Mark 2:12)   Jesus is the Son of God Matthew 16:15-16 Mark 1:1 Luke 22:70-71 John 8:24 Jesus is God who became human John 1:1-2, 14; 20:28 Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah Matthew 26:63-64 Mark 14:61-62 Luke 9:20 John 4:25-26 Jesus came to help sinners Luke 5:32 Matthew 9:13 Jesus has power to forgive sins Mark 2:9-12 Luke 24:47 Jesus has authority over death Mark 5:22-24, 35-42 John 11:1-44 Luke 24:5-6 Matthew 28:5-6 Jesus has power to give eternal life John 10:28; 17:2 Jesus healed the sick Matthew 8:5-13 Mark 1:32-34 Luke 5:12-15 John 9:1-7 Jesus taught with authority Mark 1:21-22 Matthew 7:29 Jesus was compassionate Mark 1:41; 8:2 Matthew 9:36 Jesus experienced sorrow Matthew 26:38 John 11:35 Jesus never disobeyed God Matthew 3:15 John 8:46