April 13, 2025 | "Christianity Explored: The Cross: Why Did Jesus Die?” | Rev. Roberto Chaple
Why did Jesus die on the cross? This sermon unpacks Mark 8 and four powerful reasons the cross matters—substitution, sacrifice, history, and eternity. Discover how Jesus' identity and mission transform our lives today.
In this week’s message, Pastor Roberto walks us through one of the most defining questions in Christianity: why did Jesus die? Drawing from Mark 8:27–33, we see Jesus begin to explain His mission after Peter identifies Him as the Messiah. For Jesus, identity and mission are inseparable. Once Peter recognizes who Jesus is, Jesus clarifies what He came to do: suffer, die, and rise again. But this was not the kind of Messiah Peter—or many of us—expected.
Through powerful illustrations and scripture, we explore four key reasons the cross was necessary:
Substitution (Atonement) – Like a stunt double, watchman, or soldier going to war, Jesus took our place, absorbing suffering so we could have peace with God.
Sacrifice (Love) – Romans 12 reminds us that living for God requires sacrifice. If we are the greater cause God died for, then God becomes the greater cause we live for.
History (Time and Place) – Jesus didn’t die in a myth or metaphor; He died on a Roman cross, in real time, in real history—making the cross part of our human story.
Eternity (Transcendence) – John 5:24 points us to the eternal promise of life. Jesus’ death opens the door not just to forgiveness, but to eternal hope.
The cross wasn’t an accident—it was the mission. It redefines love, purpose, and eternity. And if the cross is real, it means Jesus is still calling us to live differently because of it.
Discussion Questions
These are the same questions handed out during the message. Use them in your small group or personal reflection:
Why do you think Peter rebuked Jesus in Mark 8:32-33?
How does understanding Jesus' identity as Messiah help you better understand His mission?
In what ways do we sometimes accept who Jesus is, but reject what He calls us to do?
Which of the four reasons for the cross (substitution, sacrifice, history, eternity) spoke to you the most, and why?
What would it look like to “set your mind on things above” this week?
How does the historical reality of the cross challenge you personally?
What would change in your life if you truly believed Jesus took your place?
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More Sermons in this Series
Other Sermons from Pastor Roberto
April 6, 2025 | "Christianity Explored: Grace: How Can God Accept Us?” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
In this sermon from Mark 10:17–27, Rev. Vicki Harrison explores the radical nature of God’s grace and what it really means to be accepted by God—not by earning it, but by receiving it. Watch the message and reflect on what it means to depend fully on Jesus.
This week in our Christianity Explored series, we wrestle with one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of our faith: grace. What does it really mean? How can God accept us—just as we are?
Using Mark 10:17–27, Pastor Vicki walks us through the story of a man who asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This man seems to have everything going for him: wealth, moral character, religious obedience. But Jesus responds not by praising him, but by challenging him to give everything up and follow him. The man walks away sad, unable to release what he holds most dear.
In contrast, just before this interaction, Jesus welcomes little children and says the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. The irony is clear: the man who had everything still lacked what really matters, and the children who had nothing were already close to the heart of God.
This message challenges the idea that we can earn God’s love through good behavior or a perfect track record. Instead, grace means God offers us acceptance, love, and new life—not because we deserve it, but because he loves us.
It’s not about earning God’s approval. It’s about depending on Jesus completely. Grace is the undeserved love of God freely given, and it is the only thing that can bridge the gap between our sin and God’s holiness.
If we think we can earn our way to God, we miss the point entirely. But if we acknowledge our dependence, receive God’s grace, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, we begin to live the new life Jesus offers.
Watch the full message and reflect on the questions below. Let this be a moment where grace takes root deeper in your life.
Discussion Questions
Do you see yourself in the young man in Mark’s scripture? Why or why not?
How are you totally dependent on Jesus? How are you not dependent?
Have you fallen into the trap of thinking God might love some people more than others?
Have you accepted God’s free gift of grace?
How is the grace of Jesus pouring out of you? Or is it?
Listen to and subscribe to the audio-only podcast with your favorite podcasting app below.