I encourage you to see Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ” in the next few weeks.  You can rent it from your local video stores, or better yet, buy a copy.    It is very inspirational and portrays well the last hours before Christ's crucifixion.  I have not spoken with anyone who has not been deeply affected by the movie and it is very timely in view of the coming celebration of Easter.   But before or after you see the Passion there are three questions you need to ask to fully understand who Jesus was and what His death meant.   The following are those questions; a majority of their answers come from Jesus’ own personal testimony.  

Who was Jesus?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6)           

But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26: 63-64)

What was the meaning of His death on the Cross-?

“ And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. (I Peter 2: 24)     

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.”  “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’ (Matthew 26:27-31)

How does one gain salvation? 

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  (Matthew 4 17)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(I John 1:9)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25-26) 

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)