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Why did Jesus have to die? As Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, this question strikes at the very heart of our faith. The answer reveals both our desperate condition and God's astonishing solution.

First, Jesus died because the payment of sin required it. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world, bringing death and separation from our Creator. This wasn't just physical death but spiritual death—complete separation from God's presence. Scripture is clear: God hates both sin and sinners in their unredeemed state. "You hate all evildoers," declares Psalm 5. This presents humanity with an ultimate problem—if God hates sin and sinners, what hope do we have?

Many believe they can earn God's favor through good deeds, but Isaiah tells us even our "righteous acts are like polluted garments." We're not judged against other sinful humans but against God's perfect holiness—and all fall short. Sin requires atonement, a perfect payment that we cannot provide.

Second, Jesus died because God promised it. From Genesis 3:15—the first gospel promise—God set in motion His redemptive plan. When God clothed Adam and Eve with animal skins, He established the principle that blood must be shed to cover sin. The prophets, especially Isaiah, painted vivid pictures of the coming Suffering Servant who would be "wounded for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities."

This wasn't God's backup plan—it was THE plan from before creation. The gospel isn't some elementary doctrine we move past but the lifeblood of the church. Even as believers, we must preach the gospel to ourselves daily, remembering our constant need for grace.

As you journey through Holy Week, consider where you stand with Christ. Has He made His triumphal entry into your heart? The sacrifice that seemed foolish to some is actually the perfect demonstration of God's wisdom and love. Subscribe now for more messages that will deepen your understanding of God's redemptive work.