Who Killed Jesus?
So many people are intrigued by the story of Jesus’ death. Documentaries, artifact digs and a plethora of research seem to surface every year, especially around Easter.
Maybe you, too, are captivated by Jesus Christ—His life, crucifixion, burial and resurrection—and are fascinated by the idea of a man so divine that He rose from the dead. Maybe you wonder who killed Him to begin with.
The answer is found in the truth of the Bible—and it’s an answer that can change your life forever.
Who Crucified Jesus?
You might have heard of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Israel who sentenced Jesus to be crucified despite no evidence against Him (Matthew 27:22-26). There were also Jewish religious leaders who wanted Jesus killed because He claimed to be the Messiah—the Savior of the world—and didn’t adhere to their laws (John 5:18). Then there was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus, handing Him over to the very people who wanted Him dead (Luke 22:3-6).
But we can’t place the responsibility of Christ’s death on any one person or group. It was our sin—all the things we do that go against God—that made His sacrifice necessary. Ultimately, it was God’s divine plan for His Son Jesus to die on that cross—and it happened just as He intended.
Why Did Jesus Die?
Jesus was sent by God to live on earth among sinners like us so we would see our need for a Savior, someone to save us from our sins.
Jesus knew He would be killed. He even warned His disciples in advance, saying, “… The Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again” (Matthew 20:18-19, NKJV).
Jesus willingly sacrificed His life. He stayed on the cross to prove God’s love for us. Then, showing God’s true power, He rose from the dead three days later to claim victory over death—just as He said He would.
God loves us, and He doesn’t want us to be poisoned by sin’s hold. It separates us from Him and leads to spiritual death, hell and judgment. That’s why He came from heaven in the person of Jesus Christ to bear all the sins of humanity with one act: dying on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, we can be freed from our sin and the death that it brings.
We don’t need to point fingers at those we think killed Jesus. Instead, fix your attention on the One who knew He would be killed and willingly allowed it to happen because of His love for us. Jesus is alive today and loves you more than you know.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
