Vincent Taylor wisely conceded, “The attempt to say how Jesus interpreted his death is an ambitious inquiry. No apology is needed if it is accomplished only in part.” [1] Let me add my hearty “Amen” to Taylor’s concession as I invite you to explore with me the significance of Jesus’ death in his own words.
To be sure, Jesus’ words are at times opaque, but they are nevertheless full of meaning—meaning that is made clearer when interpreted in the context of his entire ministry and when connected to the reverberating echoes of the metanarrative of the Bible. Theologians have variously defined the meaning of Jesus’ death. This article will contend that Jesus expressed his death in terms of a penal substitutionary atonement. [2] Simply put, this means, “On the cross Christ took our place (substitution) and bore the equivalent punishment for our sins (penal), thereby satisfying the just demands of the law and appeasing God’s wrath (atonement).” [3]
This article will survey Jesus’ words from his youth to the cross in an attempt to demonstrate this thesis.
1. As an adult, Jesus embraces his missional life for his Father. (Luke 2:40–52)
The boy Jesus’ words to his mother and Joseph when he stayed behind on their
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