Three Deaths

If you were asked to explain why Jesus had to die on the cross, in your own words, in 30 seconds, could you? This week we delved into three kinds of death that Jesus went through on our behalf: relational, financial and physical. First, he was rejected by his own people and abused by them as he hung naked on a cross. Second, he took his place amongst the least and poorest in society; two convicted criminals, one on each side. Third, he suffered a painful physical death. Our world is full of these three kinds of suffering that are described in Genesis 3.16-19. From rejection in relationships stem family breakdown and cycles of abuse, which lead to patterns that make it hard for everyone to compete, in a world where survival and provision is not guaranteed. Physical death is the process that awaits us all, oftentimes accompanied by the injustice of a lack of care for the elderly, injured or sick. This is why, as Jesus described to his disciples in Matthew 16.21-28, he had to be crucified. The cross leave us with only one option - die to live, or, live on our own terms ... until we don't. 

Podcast by Heather Cetrangolo, 30 August 2026