When Pilate, the Roman governor, asked the religious leaders clamoring for Jesus to be put to death, he asked them, "Why, what evil has He done?" But the mob didn't answer him except to cry out all the more, "Let Him be crucified!"

John 19:7 gives more information as to the reason the leaders in Jerusalem wanted Jesus dead. They said because Jesus "made himself the Son of GOD."

This was an excuse they used because the real reason was Jesus told them earlier in His ministry their religion would not gain them favor with GOD, and that they were the "children of the devil."

Yes, that will get religious people riled up. Now, on the cross Jesus had something to say to those witnessing His death. He asked GOD His Father to forgive those men standing there as they mocked Him. And then, just before He died He declared, "It is finished!"

This meant HIs death completely atoned, or paid the penalty, for the sins of the human race. All sin, for all time.

Why would He do this? Because of His love for us and His desire to see the human race survive. At least for those who chose to believe in Him and show it by taking Him as their Savior. You know, like what it takes to become married.

It takes more than intellectual  assent. It takes an action on our part to become married.

Now transfer that to salvation and you will have eternal life according to John 3:16 - "For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not preish but have everlasting life."

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net