Was Jesus’ Crucifixion a Real Sacrifice?

2021-07-17

I have recently read in a few places that some believe Jesus’ sacrifice was not a “real” sacrifice. Their reasoning is as follows: Since Jesus is God, and He knew that He was going to rise from the dead in three days, what was He really sacrificing?

Here are the problems with the argument. The main issue I see is that we are defining “sacrifice” incorrectly in this context. The people were proposing Jesus’ sacrifice was merely “giving something up.” If we define “sacrifice” as a propitiation, an action where Jesus was crucified for the sins of humanity to appease the wrath of His Father, then we have a better definition of what is meant by sacrifice (Romans 3:25).

Humankind, though created by God without sin, rebelled against their Creator. Ever since, humanity has been in a state of enmity with God. Sin cannot enter the presence of the holy God of the Bible. Since God is a God of justice, He must punish sin and rebellion (Romans 6:23). However, because of His love for people, God sent His Son to be that propitiatory sacrifice on our behalf (1 Peter 3:18).

However, what if Jesus really did give up something? The Bible tells us that Jesus gave up the riches of heaven and lived an impoverished life on earth (Philippians 2:5-11). He became a human being, was born to a poor family in an animal feeding trough, lived among sinners, and spent His entire ministry reaching out to people who largely rejected Him. He was arrested by the religious leaders, who should have recognized Him for who He was, and was turned over to the political leaders who crucified Him because they could not face the angry mob.

After this, Jesus was crucified. According to human standards, this was a cruel and inhumane death. However, this is not the main terror of the cross. On that cross, God the Father poured out His full wrath on His Son that our sin deserved. “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him...” (Isaiah 53:10). What manner of emotions went through our Lord when He cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)? He did all this all for humanity, which were His enemies.

He did not have to do any of that. He could have let the whole world burn in hell. But He didn’t. What do celebrities and those with earthly riches sacrifice (read: “give up”) for their enemies? They give their “time” or millions of dollars sometimes to causes, but remember their millions to them are like dimes to us average people. Nobody “sacrifices” like Jesus did.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:7-8)

Remember that the Lord died for you and for me. He rose again. Our sins will not visit us on judgment day because of His act on our behalf.