Why Did Jesus Have to Suffer?

Mark: Hear this if God feels far away. Maybe it speaks to you. Why did Jesus have to suffer and die? Wasn't there an easier way?

Sarah: Honestly, I don't have every answer, but this is on my heart for you. Isaiah 53 describes a suffering man, and these two verses sit in the heart of it.

Scripture: But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Mark: Wait, so someone else took the punishment? That sounds unfair to me. Who's the man it's even talking about?

Sarah: Around it, he's despised and rejected, a man of suffering who never did violence or lied. I read that as Jesus. And verse 10 says he will see his offspring and prolong his days.

Mark: But why would that fix anything? I'm not a terrible person. I've never done anything that awful.

Sarah: I hear you. But I've hurt people and ignored God plenty, and trying harder never undid it. This says someone carried it for us.

Mark: So I don't have to earn it? That almost sounds too easy.

Sarah: I believe it's a gift, and it cost him dearly. Carry that into today: I believe you're wanted, not graded. Talk to God honestly, even just, I want to know you. Follow along for more.