Suffering and Death of Jesus - Why?

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1. What is the meaning of the suffering and death of Jesus? Explain providing at least 7 reasons using Biblical examples of the Passion of Christ as evidence.

I draw heavily on the work of John Piper for this response. "God's purposes for the world in the death of Jesus are unfathomable," writes John Piper in his latest book, "The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die." He adds, "Infinitely more important than who killed Jesus is the question: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending His Son to die?" In a paper named "The triumph of Christ" (2004), John Piper (2004) says this: "How vital it is that we grasp -- and share -- the sovereignty designed purposes behind the Passion of Jesus Christ". Piper listed seven reasons why Jesus suffered and died on the Cross:

1). To achieve His own resurrection from the dead.

The death of Christ did not merely precede His resurrection -- it was the price that obtained it. The Bible says He was raised not just after the blood-shedding, but by it. The wrath of God was satisfied with the suffering and death of Jesus. The holy curse against sin was fully absorbed. The price of forgiveness was totally paid. The righteousness of God was completely vindicated. All that was left to accomplish was the public declaration of God's endorsement. This He gave by raising Jesus from the dead. When the Bible says, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17, ESV*), the point is not that the resurrection is the price paid for our sins. The point is that the resurrection proves that the death of Jesus is an all-sufficient price.

2). To show His own love for us.

The death of Christ is not only the demonstration of God's love (John 3:16), it is also the supreme expression of Christ's own love for all who receive it as their treasure. The sufferings and death of Christ have to do with me personally. It is my sin that cuts me off from God, not sin in general. I am lost and perishing; all I can do is plead for mercy. Then I see Christ suffering and dying. For whom? Ephesians 5:25 says, "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." And John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends." And Matthew 20:28, "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." And I ask, Am I among the "many"? Can I be one of His "friends"? May I ...