Tags: Why Jesus died for us, John 3:16 explained, crucifixion meaning, Christian salvation message, Jesus rejected by people, Jesus’ love for humanity, KJV Gospel blog
In an attempt to trap Jesus, the Pharisees presented a question cloaked in political controversy: “Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:17). The issue wasn’t truly about taxes—it was a test to force Jesus into a corner. But the Lord, with divine wisdom, asked them to bring a coin.
“Whose is this image and superscription?”
They answered, “Caesar’s.”
Then Jesus said, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” (v. 21)
This reply was more than a clever evasion—it was a spiritual challenge. The coin bore Caesar’s image, but we, as humans, are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). If the coin belongs to Caesar, our very lives belong to God. And how do we know that God desires us? Because He gave His greatest treasure—His Son—for our redemption.
This leads us to the heart of the Gospel found in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV)
This verse is not merely inspirational—it’s transformational. It declares the depths of divine love and the price of eternal life. Jesus was condemned, crucified, and victorious—but not for His own sake. It was all for us. Let us dive into the threefold message: His condemnation, His crucifixion, and His conquest, and what they mean for us today.
I. It Was for Us—His Condemnation
John 3:18 (KJV) – “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already…”
Condemnation was not Jesus’ destiny—it was ours. He did not deserve judgment; we did. Yet in love, He stepped into our place and bore the scorn of humanity to redeem us from eternal separation from God.
a. He Was Rejected
- Isaiah 53:1–3 – “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows…”
- John 1:10–11 – “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”
- Luke 23:18–23 – The crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” and chose a criminal, Barabbas, over the sinless Savior.
From prophecy to reality, Jesus was rejected by the very world He came to save. His message of love and truth was met with contempt. Yet, He willingly endured it—for us.
b. He Was Ridiculed
- Luke 23:25–38 – Jesus was mocked by soldiers, onlookers, and even criminals crucified beside Him. A sign mockingly labeled Him “King of the Jews.”
Our Lord was not honored as a King but mocked as a fool. The world could not comprehend His mission, so it ridiculed His identity. Still, He bore the shame—for us.
c. His Reply
- Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Even in agony, Jesus displayed divine compassion. He didn’t retaliate—He interceded. That’s the love of God in action. He was condemned so that we could be forgiven.
II. It Was for Us—His Crucifixion
The crucifixion was not a tragic accident—it was a deliberate act of redemption. Jesus went to the cross with full awareness of its purpose. Each blow, each nail, each drop of blood was part of God’s redemptive plan—for us.
a. His Crown
- Matthew 27:27–29 – Soldiers placed a crown of thorns upon His head and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
The thorns represent the curse of sin (Genesis 3:18). He wore that curse on His brow so that we could wear the crown of life. The King of Heaven was humiliated on earth—for us.
b. His Cross
- Galatians 3:13 – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…”
The cross was a place of torture and shame. But Jesus transformed it into a symbol of hope. He absorbed the curse of sin in His own body, turning our punishment into our pardon.
c. His Cause
- Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us…”
- 1 Peter 1:18–19 – We are redeemed not with corruptible things but “with the precious blood of Christ.”
Why did Jesus endure the cross? Because He saw our need. His love could not let us perish. His sacrifice was the price of our salvation. His cause was our eternal redemption.
III. It Was for Us—His Conquest
Death was not the end of Jesus’ story—it was the beginning of a greater victory. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin, Satan, and the grave—for us.
a. His Redemption
- Ephesians 1:7 – “In whom we have redemption through his blood…”
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – He was made sin so that we might be made righteous.
- Romans 7 – Paul describes our struggle with sin but points to Christ as our deliverer.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7–8 – God’s hidden wisdom brought about a plan that rulers could not comprehend.
Jesus didn’t just die to remove guilt—He redeemed our entire being. His blood doesn’t just cover sin; it breaks its power. His redemption reaches into the deepest places of the soul.
b. His Resurrection
- Matthew 28:1–6 – “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. Without it, the cross would be a tragedy. But because He lives, we have the hope of eternal life. His empty tomb guarantees our victory.
c. His Reign
- Matthew 28:18 – “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Jesus now reigns with all authority. The same One who was condemned by men now commands the universe. He is King of kings, and His reign is not distant—it is personal. He reigns in the hearts of those who believe.
d. His Return
- John 14:1–2 – “I go to prepare a place for you.”
- Matthew 24:44 – “Be ye also ready…”
Jesus is coming again. This time not to suffer, but to rule. Not to die, but to deliver. He promised to return for us—His redeemed people. The one who bore our sin will soon bring us into His glory.
Conclusion: Our Response to His Sacrifice
When Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's,” He pointed to something far deeper than taxes or government. He pointed to identity, ownership, and destiny.
We bear the image of God. Our lives are His. And He proved His love—not with words—but with the cross. His condemnation, His crucifixion, and His conquest were not random acts of history. They were purposeful, powerful expressions of love.
It was for us He was rejected.
It was for us He was crucified.
It was for us He conquered the grave.
Now, the question remains—will we live for Him? Will we believe in Him? Will we surrender all that we are to the One who gave all for us?
For God so loved the world—that includes you. That includes me. And that changes everything.
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