Why He Died

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the people were excited about all the good Jesus had done. Yet some believed he must be put to death. Have you ever wondered why Jesus really had to die? We will talk about it in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: John 11:45-52
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.”

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.”

He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Where Is Security?” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 5, 2009 by Rev. Kramer:

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There is no way human beings can fix that relationship with God. We need a Savior. On the cross Jesus took upon himself the punishment and wrath for your sins and mine. He took our place and announced, “It is finished,” meaning, paid in full; mission accomplished. And on Sunday God raised him up and said, Yes!

Basic Biblical Truths CDs
Christian Crusaders is pleased to offer a five-volume set of original sermons on DVD video by our radio speaker, Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen. Each of these engaging Gospel messages is twenty minutes in length and perfect for pulpit supply, small group or individual use. The set would also make a great gift or donation to a church library! Each volume is available for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or fifty dollars for the complete set. Call or visit our Web site to order.

On the Light Side
On my way home one day, I stopped to watch a Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was. “We’re behind 14 to nothing,’ he answered with a smile.

“Really,” I said. “I have to say, you don’t look very discouraged.”

“Discouraged?” the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. “Why should we be discouraged? We haven’t been up to bat yet.”

The program "Why He Died" will air Sunday, March 14, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.