Documents
Documents about different biblical subjects3-1-2 Cross of Christ
February 21st, 2011Purpose: Understand how the Bible explains what Jesus went through before/during and after the cross
Painful betrayal of a friend
Matthew 26:14-30
- Judas had already decided in his heart and actions to betray Jesus. Then he watched for an opportunity to carry out sin.
- Share: A person's heart can be so hard that they no longer fear God - Psalm 36:1-3
- In spite of knowing that Judas was lying and plotting to have him killed, Jesus still loved him.
- The disciples had no clue who it was.
- Jesus' heart and actions never expressed any anger/resentment toward Judas
Matthew 26:31-35
- Peter accepted the words of Jesus until it came time to apply them to his life.
- Share: Peter's prideful refusal to accept Jesus will for his life lead other down the wrong path
Matthew 26:36-56
- Jesus felt alone because of the selfishness of his friends (choosing to sleep instead of praying for him)
- Share: Jesus prayed so intensely that his capillaries burst and mixed with his blood (I have a medical account for you)
- Question: Jesus could have stopped this but he didn't. Why do you think he was willing to sweat blood for you (He loves you)
- Afterwards Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss (they arrested him and his words came true; the disciples all scattered)
Matthew 26-57-75
- They spit in Jesus' face and beat him with their fist. Have you ever been spit on?
- Jesus looked straight at Peter after the 3rd denial and the rooster crowed - He was that close to Peter - Luke 22:61
- How do you think this made Jesus feel? Why do you think Jesus continued to go to the cross? (He loves you)
Matthew 27:1-31
- Pilate could have released Jesus but he was more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing God
- Think of all the people that shouted "crucify him". People who he healed, fed, etc. How do you think Jesus felt?
- They released a murderer instead of Jesus (many said they believed he was the son of God but still this)
- Share: Pilate tried to escape responsibility by washing his hands but denying the truth does not remove the sin
- They beat Jesus again, to the point he did not look human - Isaiah 52:14
- Question: Why do you think Jesus was still willing to go through this for you? (Because he loves you). He is not even at the cross yet.
Matthew 27:32-54
- Jesus was beaten so badly that he couldn't even carry his own cross
- v46 Jesus hung on the cross for hours (slow tortuous death) but yet he screams out loudly
- Share: Jesus had never been separated God (since the beginning of time they were united)
- Share: Once Jesus took on YOUR sin, he was separated from God (Wall of Sin = Isaiah 59:1-2)
1 Peter 2:19-25
- Jesus suffered for you and me because he loves us that much (willing to take our pain)
- Not only did Jesus bear the physical pain but the emotional and spiritual pain as well.
- This pain and separation from God was more than he could take (lead to his overwhelming death)
- Question: How do you feel about the fact that Jesus went through all this for you? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
- Question: Did you know that Jesus loved you this much? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
- Question: How do you feel about your sin now that you know what Jesus went through?
2 Corinthians 7:8-13
- Worldly Sorrow = feel bad because you did wrong and/or got caught doing something
- Godly Sorrow = repentance, earnestness, eagerness to clear yourself, longing, concern, indignation, alarm, ready to see justice done
- Share: God wants you to respond by repenting of your sin and showing love to him because he loved you first - 1 John 4:19
