The answer
Before all else, the Master Christ did not choose for Himself the manner of death. Rather, it was the Jews who chose the Cross when they cried out to Pilate, “Crucify Him!” (Mark 15:12-15).
As for why redemption was accomplished by way of the Cross, St. Athanasius summarises the reasons in the following points31:
- 1. In order for death to occur publicly before witnesses, so that there can be certainty over the Resurrection, which was to follow.
- 2. In order to preserve His body in perfect soundness and undivided, according to the prophecies.
- 3. In order to die while holding out His hands to unite the Jews and the Gentiles in Himself.
- 4. In order to be lifted up from the earth, drawing us to Himself (John 12:32).
- 5. In order to clear the air from the evil spirits, granting us victory over them (Eph. 2:2).
- 6. In order to fulfill the prophecies which were set forth concerning the necessity of the Crucifixion (Ps. 22:16; Isa. 53).
- 7. In order to bear the curse laid upon us, for it was written, “[F]or every one that is hanged on a tree is cursed of God” (Deut. 21:23).
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Notes
31 Translator’s note: Cf. On the Incarnation 21, 24, 25, 34, and 35.
Pope Tawadros II, My Faith: A Series of Dialogues on the Creed (Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, 2014), 87–88.
The pages in the book (87–88)
