The Necessity of the Cross | Thursday
Devotional
Some things in life are optional—the car we drive, the house we live in, the career we choose. But some things are absolutely necessary. Jesus made it clear that His suffering, death, and resurrection weren’t Plan
B. They were essential for our redemption.
When Jesus spoke about the necessity of His suffering, He wasn’t being dramatic or fatalistic. He was explaining the only way that God’s perfect justice and infinite mercy could work together. Our sin created a
debt that demanded payment, but we were bankrupt and unable to pay.
The cross becomes the place where God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly. Justice required punishment for sin, and mercy provided the substitute. Jesus didn’t die because God was angry and needed to take it out on someone. He died because God loved us so much that He took our punishment upon Himself.
This necessity extends to our lives today. Just as Jesus’ death was essential for our salvation, there are certain spiritual truths that are non-negotiable for our relationship with God. We must acknowledge our sin,
accept Christ’s sacrifice, and surrender our lives to Him.
There’s incredible comfort in knowing that our salvation doesn’t depend on our performance or perfection. It depends on what Jesus has already accomplished. The work is finished, the payment is complete, and the victory is won.
You don’t need to earn God’s love or work for your salvation. You simply need to receive what Christ has already provided through His necessary sacrifice.
Bible Verse
‘God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.’ – Romans 3:25-26
Reflection Question
If Jesus’ sacrifice was absolutely necessary for your salvation, how does this truth change the way you view your relationship with God and your need for His grace?
Quote
It is essential. It is an absolute necessity for things to go exactly the way I have planned it, and it will go that way for the sake of your redemption.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for willingly enduring the cross for my salvation. Help me understand the necessity of Your sacrifice and the completeness of Your work. May I never take for granted what You’ve done or try to add to what You’ve already accomplished. Amen.