Why did Jesus Suffer and Die?

Savior

Did God abandon man after he fell into sin?¹

God did not abandon man after he fell into sin, but promised him a Redeemer, who was to satisfy for man’s sin and reopen to him the gates of heaven.

Why was it necessary for our Savior to be true God?²

Christ had to be true God in order that

• His fulfilling of the Law, His life, suffering, and death might be a sufficient ransom for all people (Psalm 49:7; Mark 10:45; Romans 3:22-24; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Peter 1:18-19);
• He might be able to overcome death and the devil for us (1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14)

But who is that Mediator who at the same time is true God and a true and righteous man?³

Our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:5; 3:16), who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Suffering

What do you confess when you say that he suffered?⁴

During all the time he lived on earth, but especially at the end, Christ bore in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race (Isaiah 53; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18). Thus, by his suffering, as the only atoning sacrifice (Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 10:14; 1 John 2:2; 4:10), he has redeemed our body and soul from everlasting damnation (Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19), and obtained for us the grace of God, righteousness, and eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 3:24-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:15).

What do the Scriptures teach about Christ’s life, suffering, and death?⁵

They teach that Christ

• Endured poverty, contempt, and persecution in His earthly life (2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 8:20; Isaiah 53:3; John 8:40). Bible narratives: At His birth Jesus had only strips of cloth and a manger (Luke 2:7). Herod tried to murder Him, but He escaped to Egypt (Matthew 2:13). In Nazareth the people tried to throw Him down from the brow of the hill (Luke 4:29). In the temple they picked up stones to stone Him (John 8:59);
• Suffered great agony of body and soul under Pontius Pilate (John 19:1-3). Bible narrative: The suffering of Christ (Mark 15:1-20);
• Died in excruciating agony on the cross (John 19:16-18; Matthew 27:46; John 19:30). Bible narrative: The death of Christ (Mark 15:42-47).

Death

On what day did Christ die?⁶

Christ died on Good Friday.

Why do you call that day “good” on which Christ died so sorrowful a death?⁷

We call that day “good” on which Christ died because by His death He showed His great love for man, and purchased for him every blessing.

Where did Christ die?⁸

Christ died on Mount Calvary.

How did Christ die?⁹

Christ was nailed to the Cross and died on it between two thieves.

What lessons do we learn from the sufferings and death of Christ?¹⁰

From the sufferings and death of Christ we learn the great evil of sin, the hatred God bears to it, and the necessity of satisfying for it.

Burial

Why was he buried?¹¹

His burial testified that he had really died (Isaiah 53:9; John 19:38-42; Acts 13:29; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

What do the Scriptures teach about Christ’s burial?¹²

They teach that Christ’s body was buried in the tomb and remained there until the third day, without decaying in any way (Acts 13:37).

Footnotes

1. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 60.
2. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 123.
3. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 18.
4. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 37.
5. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 131.
6. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 79.
7. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 80.
8. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 81.
9. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 82.
10. Baltimore Larger Catechism (1885), Question 84.
11. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 41.
12. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 132.