In properly approaching the Passover, we are to be mindful and understanding of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Most of us readily grasp that Jesus gave His life as an offering for our sins in our place, but why did He have to suffer? If His death was all there was to His sacrifice, why couldn't He have been stoned to death in a few minutes or killed in some other quick way? Understanding why Jesus had to endure such terrible suffering in His final hours helps us understand not only important lessons about the consequences of sin, but also His current role as our High Priest and Intercessor.

Scott Ashley

United Church of God Pastor, Beyond Today Managing Editor

Scott Ashley is managing editor of Beyond Today magazine, United Church of God booklets and its printed Bible Study Course. He and his wife, Connie, live near Denver, Colorado. 
Mr. Ashley attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, graduating in 1976 with a theology major and minors in journalism and speech. It was there that he first became interested in publishing, an industry in which he has worked for 50 years.