In Light of History: Is the evidence of Jesus Christ compelling? 1

Describe the image.

The finality of death ushers in sadness, helplessness, and loss. In the painting, the grief is palpable. Jesus, who embodied the disciples’ hopes of a better kingdom, is now dead.

Tell of a time when you or someone you know had their hopes dashed—when they felt there was no hope of a bright future ahead.

What is unique about the death of Jesus Christ?

Certainly, many other people suffered crucifixion in Roman times. He was not the first or the last. And, he was not the first innocent person to be put to death. So what was different about Jesus’s death?

1. Christians believe that Jesus Christ never sinned against God or people, not once in his whole lifetime. Although accused, he was innocent of all the charges laid against him; he was not promoting an insurrection against Rome and he did not break any of the Jewish laws.

2. His death was foreshadowed. Jesus was baptized at about 30 years old by John the Baptist, who announced to the crowd, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b). The Jews who heard this immediately visualized lambs; at their temple, they sacrificed lambs, which was a picture of substitution.

In other words, instead of a person being punished for their own sins, a lamb suffered in their place. Sin results in pain and suffering. John pointed out to the crowd that when Jesus dies, he will suffer for the sins of the whole world—yes, the whole world is offered forgiveness from God.

There are plenty of stories where one person gives their life so another can live. Retell one of these stories.

What do you think is unique about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross?

The Bible points out the significance of Jesus Christ’s death for humanity.

1. According to the Bible, the death of Jesus Christ is the avenue that brings us near to God. Our failure to love God and love people perfectly caused a deadly rift between us and God. According to 1 Peter 3:18, when Jesus died, he assumed responsibility for us by taking the punishment we deserved. Thus, he offers the path to heal the rift and brings us near to God.

2. Jesus demonstrated what it means to love one another in his life and death. In his life, he loved everyone, even his enemies. In his death, he demonstrated humility and trust in God as he suffered for the sins of all humanity. His followers profoundly changed society by following his model. The church cared for children, especially orphans. It paved the way for education, advocated for literacy, established hospitals and other humanitarian organizations. Forgiveness became a virtue. All of these practices and virtues were almost unknown in the first century (www.huffpost.com/entry/six-surprising-ways-jesus_b_1773225).

What do you find significant about the death of Jesus for society and you personally?