Why Be Good When Your Best Isn't Good Enough?

Well, I finally figured out how to post, but I just accidentally erased the whole thing. Attempt #2:

I've been thinking a lot about Lent lately, and about the significance of Jesus' life and death on the cross and resurrection...which is, I guess, what you're supposed to think about during Lent. You fast from some item/activity/specific food in order to help you think about the sacrifices God was willing to make for you. It's more of a catholic tradition, which is why I'm not exactly an expert on it. But I like it, and participate nonetheless.

I'm singing in church this Sunday, and I found this great song that I find appropriate for the Lenten season. But every time I listen to it, I remember the question asked of my religion-major friends back in college. "Why did Jesus die on the cross?" And the answer the professors were looking for was, "Because we put him there."

So the hamster jumps on his wheel and starts running, and I wonder....what is the purpose/significance of the cross? Did Jesus come to earth with the express purpose of dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins? Or did he come to earth to show us how to live, how to love? And was the cross more of a consequence or response to the controversy caused?-because you know he stirred people up when he blew all their expectations (dare I say assumptions?) and understandings of what the Messiah's coming would look like.

Anyway, I certainly don't know. And I'm not even sure I have an official opinion about it either. I'm curious to know what some of you are learning, coming from a different theological perspective than mine.

But what about that song? Will I sing it? Yes. It really is beautiful, and will hopefully remind those who hear it of God's awesome love for them-despite my questions about its theological implications. Besides, I don't have time to learn a new one before Sunday anyway! =)

How deep the Father's love for us! How vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss! The Father turns His face away as wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulder. Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ-His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom!

~Laura