We continue our study guide on the Cross, as we look forward to Easter. The aim of our life is to constantly go back to the Cross for our purpose, our direction and our motivation. As we continue to grow, our prayer is that this ‘basic’ of living cross-centered lives never gets old and that we remain amazed by God’s love and grace.Why the Cross?
In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke the Cross and the events immediately surrounding that event take up a 1/4 – 1/3 of the writing. In the gospel of John it takes up a full 1/2 of the writing.
The Cross is central – it is what the Old Testament pointed to and it is what the New Testament is about. It was central to Paul’s preaching (1 Corinthians 2:1-2); Peter’s preaching in the book of Acts was completely centered on the Cross. John mentions Jesus as the “Lamb” 28 times in the book of Revelation. The core of Jesus’ teaching was about what he came for – not the living of his life but the giving of it. Read Mark 8:31, 10:45, 14:21 and John 12:23-28. Why did Jesus come? What was his perspective on the Cross?
Here are some ‘obvious’ reasons Jesus died on the Cross:
- A Sacrifice was Needed
Read the following passage: Hebrews 9:15,22
A shedding of blood is needed for forgiveness. Jesus was the perfect Passover lamb.
Interesting fact: it is possible that Jesus died at the very hour that all the lambs in Jerusalem were being slaughtered. - It was Prophesied and to Fulfill Scripture
Read the following passages: Hebrews 8. 9 & 10; Exodus 12, 24:8; Luke 22:37, 24:25-27; Psalm 22:1-2, 6-8, 12-18 and 31:5; Isaiah 53 and Matthew 26:26-36
- In Order to Usher in a New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-35 all nations
2 Corinthians 5:11-21 reconciliation with God
Revelation 5:4-6, 9-14 Jesus as triumphant and worthy to open the scroll
Hebrews 9:15-17 died as a ransom to set us free the sins committed under the first covenant
John 19:30 “It is finished”
Matthew 27:50-51 When Jesus said “It is finished” he used the word ‘tetelestai’ which translates “It has been and will forever remain finished.”What an amazing and encouraging thought!
Yet the explanation for the Cross goes beyond even these profound and meaningful reasons. There are very personal reasons for the Cross and ones that we must understand as Christians.
The Cross shows us:
- Our sin is horrible
Read Colossians 2/Isaiah 53/Ephesians 2:1-10
The Cross strips us. It shines the light into our lives. The only way that we could be forgiven was God taking it on himself. The Cross is the picture of what our sins deserve.
Take some time right now and personalize those passages you just read. Do you see your sin this way? The point of personalizing the Cross is not to go around burdened and guilt-ridden but rather, grateful and amazed. It helps us to understand how bad our sin is and how amazing it is that God would want to save us in the first place. It is what makes it possible to WANT to change constantly and for the rest of our lives. We can’t change what we won’t own. - God’s love is beyond comprehension
Read John 3:16/Isaiah 53:6,10 It was God’s WILL to crush him for us!
1 Peter 1:18-20a the precious blood of Jesus used to secure our rescue
1 John 3:16 Jesus laid down his life for us.
1 John 4:9, 10 God is the definition of love.
We must be moved by the love and grace we see at the Cross. God pursued us and showed us an incomprehensible love. - It’s a free gift
Titus 3:3-8 We are not justified by anything that we do. We cannot earn or even contribute toward our own salvation. We must obey and follow God’s plan, yes. But it is God who bought us, who purchased our pardon not because of anything we have done but because of his mercy!When do you struggle with your motivation? When was the last time you saw growth in your walk with God? Do you struggle with joy? Confidence? What motivates you to have deep relationships? To serve?
Write down or think about these questions… Be honest with yourself (God already knows you and loves you!). How can focusing on the Cross and putting it at the center of your life help you? Change you?
