Why Did Jesus Have to Die?: The Meaning of the Crucifixion

by Adam Hamilton

When words fall short, the cross still speaks.

Despite the crucifixion’s central place in Christian faith, the New Testament offers few clear answers about how Jesus’ death saves, or why, exactly, he had to die. The New Testament writers use a host of metaphors—ransom, sacrifice, reconciliation, victory—but never explain exactly how it works or why it had to happen this way.

What if that’s because we’ve been asking the wrong question? What if the cross isn’t a transaction to be explained, but a living Word from God meant to transform who we are and how we live?

In addition to the book, other study components include a Leader Guide, DVD, and Sermon and Worship Download.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.