Why Did Jesus Have to Die? // M-Note 2.28.2026

In a little over a month, we will have a service on Good Friday, the day that the church remembers the death of Jesus on the cross. If you read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John you’ll find that about a third of the entire story is devoted to Jesus’ suffering and death. Paul writes that the world has its own wisdom but, “we preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1.23). Much of the New Testament is devoted to trying to unpack and understand the meaning of Jesus’ death.
 
All this might seem a bit strange. We are much more comfortable focusing on Jesus’ birth, his life, his miracles, teachings, and resurrection. But his death…not so much. Yet, early Christians believed that Jesus' death was an act of hope, healing, and reconciliation for the world. But how?
 
This weekend I will begin a series called, “Why did Jesus have to Die?” Each week we will explore a different way that the Bible makes sense of Jesus’ death and its relevance for how we live. While we may not want to focus on Christ’s death, we can’t have the hope of Easter without the sacrifice of the cross. If any of you have ever wondered why Jesus would have to die to save us, then this series is for you.
 
Speaking of Easter, this Sunday we will share some big news about The Gathering’s Easter celebration this year.
 
Incredible things are happening at The Gathering. This is a great season to invite someone you know to join us for worship. You can share all of our services and times or post a promo for our next series. I hope you get outside, enjoy the weather, and I will see you Sunday.
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
P.S. If you haven’t signup for our daily Lenten devotional, you can find it or share it here.