by Roby Ellis SPANISH/ESPAÑOL

[Scripture Reading: Luke 22:37]

Introduction

A. When Christ made His way to Calvary, He did so with a clear understanding of why it was necessary (Matthew 16:21).

B. If no other reason had existed, it was necessary because the Lord had said that it would happen.

I. “Thus it is written.”

A. This was a point often emphasized by early evangelists like Peter (Acts 3:18) and Paul (Acts 17:3).

B. Christ’s suffering was attested in the law (Exodus 12:3-7,19-20,46; cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8).

C. The prophets also wrote of the suffering of the Christ (Isaiah 49:7; 50:6; 52:13-53:12; Daniel 9:26; Zechariah 13:7; 12:10).

D. The psalms also abound with prophecies of His suffering (Psalm 2:1-2; 31:11-13; 38:11; 41:9; 69:20-21; 22:7,15-18).

II. “Thus it was necessary.”

A. It was necessary in order to make atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:22,14-15; 2:9).

B. It was necessary in order to demonstrate God’s righteousness (Romans 3:25-26).

C. It was necessary in order to perfect the sacrifice which He offered (Hebrews 5:6-10; 9:23-28; 2:18).

Conclusion

Because Christ suffered so willingly for us—the just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:14-18)—should we not be willing also to suffer for Him (Hebrews 13:11-15; 1 Peter 2:19-24; Philippians 1:29)?