The death of Jesus, though it seems at first sight to be a relatively simple Roman judicial act, has grown into one of the most analyzed, debated, and discussed events in the history of mankind. It has not only shaped the development of Christian theology but also had a profound influence on Western culture and civilization. This single act of execution has been the subject of more writing, more scrutiny, and more philosophical and theological reflection than any other moment in history, and it has had ramifications that stretch far beyond the immediate circle of those who witnessed it. — Michael Grant, "Jesus: An Historian's Review of the Gospels"

The cross is widely considered the most recognizable symbol in the world.

Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell;

1. Why the cross?

2. What actually happened at the cross?

Reconciliation.

Reconciliation means a broken relationship isn’t just resolved—it’s restored, healed, and made whole again.

Through the cross Jesus can put us back together and set us back in right relationship with the Father.

Reconciliation came at a cost.

What happened at the cross?

Two layers:

1. Visible—the historical suffering Jesus endured at the hands of men.
2. Invisible—the spiritual suffering Jesus endured under the judgment of God.

1. Visible—Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried;

Matthew 27:11 

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.”

Matthew 27:17

“Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Matthew 27:21

“Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

Matthew 27:22

“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Matthew 27:24 

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.”

We are Pilate.

You can’t share in the salvation if you don’t share in the suffering.

The cross isn’t just something that happened to Jesus—it’s something that happened because of us. And it’s only when we own that truth that we can fully step into the grace and freedom and healing the cross accomplished.

The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. — Tim Keller

2. Invisible—He descended to hell

Matthew 27:35-44

And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Luke 23:42–43

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Matthew 27:45

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

John 19:28

Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’”

Matthew 27:50 

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

John 19:30

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

When Jesus was on the cross, not only was Jesus dealing with the physical suffering, but He was experiencing the full wrath of God for the sins of the world. 

2 Corinthians 5:21

For our sake God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Isaiah 52:14

As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.

In the ultimate act of sacrificial love, Jesus became unrecognizable—not just physically, but cosmically. As he bore the crushing weight of sin and sickness, the radiance of divinity seemed to fade, replaced by the grotesque distortion of human brokenness. In that moment, he didn’t just bear our sins—he became sin, and in doing so, was transformed in a way that our finite minds can scarcely comprehend. — Tim Keller

The cross was not merely an instrument of death; it was the culmination of a world’s worth of pain, sorrow, and rebellion, laid on one innocent soul.

And for the first time in the history of the universe, there’s a break in communion between the father and the son.

Matthew 27:46

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

2 Thessalonians 1:8–9

He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.

hell = separation from God

John 19:28

“I thirst”

Did Jesus actually go to Hell?

John 19:30 “It is finished”

Tetelestai - a completed action with ongoing results.

Luke 23:43 today you will be with me in paradise.”

Sēmeron - today, this day, the current day.

Did Jesus go to Hell? No

Did He go through Hell? Absolutely!

He descended into Hell in the sense that Jesus took the wrath, the curse, the thirst, the separation—on the cross—so that you and I never have to.

Jesus, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell;

And He did it—for one reason: To reconcile us to God.

You were created by God to be with God.

Isaiah 55:2 Why do you spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?

The human soul longs for Eden and Jesus got Eden back.

The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God... the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man. Through the cross, God has made a way for paradise lost to become paradise regained.
—  John Stott, The Cross of Christ

He didn’t do this for perfect people. He did it for enemies.

Isaiah 53:6

“All we like sheep have gone astray…”

Romans 3:10

“None is righteous. Not even one.”

The cross, reconciles us to God and to each other.

2 Corinthians 5:18

God… reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

The cross doesn’t just get you into heaven. It gets you into family.

Ephesians 5:25 Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

So—what do we do with all this?

1. Sit with the Cross

You want to know how much God hates sin? Look at the cross.
You want to know how much He loves you? Look at the cross.

2. Don’t Be a Stranger

The Church isn't meant to be a place you attend—it's a people you belong to.

You should belong to a church—not just go to one.
You were made for communion with God and connection with His people.

3. Receive What’s Free

This love is free.