Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
One of the most mysterious, but moving elements in C. S. Lewis’s classic children’s story, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is what he called the “Deep Magic.” In the story, the White Witch deceives Edmund Pevensie into betraying his siblings by revealing their location. By Narnian law, Edmund now belonged to the White Witch and in her hatred, she planned to kill him for his treachery.
She would have done so, except that Aslan, the ‘Son of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea,’ intervened – basing his right to object on the “Deep Magic” of ancient Narnia. These were laws placed into Narnia at the time of its creation by the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea.
Narnian law stated that the White Witch, Jadis, was entitled to kill every traitor. What Jadis didn’t know was that this deeper magic existed from before the dawn of time. This stated that if a willing victim, who had committed no treachery, was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Stone Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards.
Jadis made a claim on Edmund Pevensie’s life based on the law, but Aslan called on this “Deeper Magic” to save him. Setting Edmund free, the White Witch and her henchmen bound Aslan and killed him atop the stone table.
But because Aslan was blameless, dying for the trespass of one who was guilty, he came back to life to the amazement of Edmund and his siblings – and at the same time brought a new spring to a Narnia that had been trapped in winter.
In this classic tale, Edmund represents fallen mankind. We are hopeless in our sin. Without a Savior, we will die and be forever separated from our Creator.
God provided that Savior in the person of Jesus Christ – and this is why he had to die on the cross.
Read the full article here: Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross
More Teaching by Craig
Order Craig's most recent books:
More books by Craig
