Embracing God's Love: The Journey of the Cross
Summary
The cross is not merely a symbol; it is the ultimate testament to God's boundless love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating a love that is beyond comprehension. This love is not just about rewriting history; it is about rewriting our eternity. Today, we reflect on three pivotal statements made before, on, and after the cross, each revealing profound truths about our journey with God.
Before the cross, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." This moment of anguish teaches us that even Jesus, in His humanity, faced trials and sought relief. Yet, He submitted to the Father's will, reminding us that our trials are not without purpose. They refine us, preparing us for greater things and bringing glory to God.
On the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This cry of abandonment resonates with us in our darkest moments when we feel God is distant. Yet, it is a reminder that Jesus fully understands our suffering. Even when we feel forsaken, God is still sovereign, working behind the scenes for our good and His glory.
After the cross, the angel declared, "He is not here; He has risen." This statement of resurrection power assures us that no situation is beyond God's ability to redeem. What seems dead and buried in our lives can be resurrected by His power. We are reminded that God specializes in bringing life to dead situations, and His resurrection power is available to us today.
In every stage of our journey—before, on, and after the cross—God is faithful. Whether we are asking for the cup to pass, feeling abandoned, or witnessing resurrection, we are assured of His presence and power. We are encouraged to trust in His promises, knowing that He can do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think.
Key Takeaways:
- Submission in Trials: Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane teaches us the importance of submitting to God's will, even when we desire relief from our trials. Our struggles are not without purpose; they refine us and prepare us for greater things. Trusting God's plan, even when it's difficult, brings glory to Him and growth to us. [51:18]
- Understanding Abandonment: Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross reminds us that He fully understands our feelings of forsakenness. In our darkest moments, we can take comfort in knowing that God is still sovereign and working for our good, even when He seems distant. [55:37]
- Resurrection Power: The resurrection of Jesus assures us that no situation is beyond God's ability to redeem. What seems dead in our lives can be brought back to life through His power. We are called to declare His promises and trust in His ability to transform our circumstances. [01:01:27]
- Faith Amid Doubt: Even when others doubt our transformation, we must hold fast to what God has done in our lives. Our faith is not dependent on others' opinions but on the truth of God's work in us. We are encouraged to live out our faith boldly, knowing that God is with us. [01:04:17]
- Access to God: Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to God. We are invited to bring our requests to Him, knowing that He hears us and is able to do more than we can imagine. Our prayers are powerful and effective, and we are encouraged to pray with faith and expectation. [01:18:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:30] - The Cross: Proof of God's Love
- [00:03:45] - Before the Cross: Gethsemane
- [00:10:15] - Jesus' Prayer of Submission
- [00:15:00] - On the Cross: Feeling Forsaken
- [00:20:30] - Understanding Abandonment
- [00:25:45] - After the Cross: Resurrection Power
- [00:30:00] - The Angel's Declaration
- [00:35:15] - Faith Amid Doubt
- [00:40:00] - Access to God Through Prayer
- [00:45:30] - Trusting God's Promises
- [00:50:00] - Encouragement in Trials
- [00:55:15] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 26:38-40 - Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane.
2. Matthew 27:45-46 - Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross.
3. Matthew 28:5-6 - The angel's declaration of Jesus' resurrection.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' emotional state in the Garden of Gethsemane, and what did He ask of the Father? ([51:18])
2. How did Jesus express His feelings of abandonment on the cross, and what does this reveal about His experience? ([55:37])
3. What message did the angel deliver to the women at the tomb, and how does it signify the power of resurrection? ([01:01:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' submission to the Father's will in Gethsemane challenge our understanding of facing trials and suffering? ([51:18])
2. In what ways does Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross resonate with our own experiences of feeling forsaken by God? ([55:37])
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus provide hope and assurance in situations that seem beyond redemption? ([01:01:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current trial in your life. How can you practice submission to God's will, even when you desire relief? ([51:18])
2. When have you felt abandoned by God, and how can Jesus' experience on the cross offer comfort and understanding in those moments? ([55:37])
3. Identify a situation in your life that seems "dead." How can you invite God's resurrection power into that situation? ([01:01:27])
4. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness in every stage of your journey, whether before, on, or after the "cross" moments in your life? ([01:13:38])
5. Consider a time when others doubted your transformation or faith. How did you respond, and how can you hold fast to God's work in your life despite others' opinions? ([01:04:17])
6. How can you cultivate a prayer life that reflects the access to God granted through Jesus' sacrifice? What specific steps can you take to pray with faith and expectation? ([01:18:29])
7. Think of a person or situation that challenges your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before your next interaction to help you respond with grace and understanding? ([01:21:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Submission in Trials: Embracing God's Will
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced a moment of deep anguish, praying for the cup of suffering to pass from Him. Yet, He submitted to the Father's will, demonstrating the profound truth that our trials are not without purpose. They serve to refine us, preparing us for greater things and bringing glory to God. This act of submission is a powerful reminder that trusting God's plan, even when it's difficult, leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment. As we navigate our own struggles, we are encouraged to seek God's will above our own desires, knowing that His plans are for our ultimate good. [51:18]
Matthew 26:39 (ESV): "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing where you need to submit to God's will? How can you actively choose to trust His plan today?
Day 2: Understanding Abandonment: Finding God in Our Darkest Moments
On the cross, Jesus cried out in a moment of profound abandonment, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This cry resonates with us in our darkest moments when we feel distant from God. Yet, it serves as a reminder that Jesus fully understands our suffering and feelings of forsakenness. Even when God seems distant, He remains sovereign, working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. In these moments, we are called to trust in His presence and His plan, knowing that He is always with us, even when we cannot feel Him. [55:37]
Psalm 22:1-2 (ESV): "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest."
Reflection: When have you felt abandoned by God? How can you remind yourself of His sovereignty and presence in those moments?
Day 3: Resurrection Power: Trusting in God's Ability to Redeem
The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful testament to God's ability to bring life to what seems dead and buried. The angel's declaration, "He is not here; He has risen," assures us that no situation is beyond God's power to redeem. In our lives, we may face circumstances that appear hopeless, but we are reminded that God's resurrection power is available to us today. We are called to declare His promises and trust in His ability to transform our circumstances, knowing that He specializes in bringing life to dead situations. [01:01:27]
Ezekiel 37:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels dead or hopeless? How can you invite God's resurrection power into that situation today?
Day 4: Faith Amid Doubt: Holding Fast to God's Work in Us
Even when others doubt our transformation, we are called to hold fast to what God has done in our lives. Our faith is not dependent on others' opinions but on the truth of God's work in us. We are encouraged to live out our faith boldly, knowing that God is with us. This requires a steadfast commitment to the truth of His promises and a willingness to trust in His presence, even when faced with doubt and skepticism from others. By living out our faith with confidence, we become a testament to God's transformative power in our lives. [01:04:17]
James 1:6-8 (ESV): "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
Reflection: How can you boldly live out your faith today, even when others doubt your transformation? What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God's work in your life?
Day 5: Access to God: Praying with Faith and Expectation
Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to God, inviting us to bring our requests to Him with faith and expectation. Our prayers are powerful and effective, and we are encouraged to pray with confidence, knowing that God hears us and is able to do more than we can imagine. This access to God is a profound privilege, reminding us of the importance of maintaining a vibrant prayer life. As we approach God with our needs and desires, we are called to trust in His ability to exceed our expectations and to work in ways that bring glory to His name. [01:18:29]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What is one specific request you can bring to God today with faith and expectation? How can you cultivate a more vibrant prayer life, trusting in His ability to exceed your expectations?
Quotes
Sometimes we tend to think and we say that Jesus, you don't understand what it is I'm going through. But scripture tells us that he's acquainted with our struggles because he became human. And sometimes when we say, God, you don't understand, I think we miss the mark sometimes. Because Jesus became human. The scripture tells us in Hebrews 4:15, For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations. [00:50:32] (41 seconds)
Testing is to bring us for a place where you will be prepared. Testing is to bring out the glory for the glory and honor of God. James says it this way: To count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptations. Knowing that the trying of your feet will get patience. But let patience have its perfect way. That you may be perfect and entire and wanting nothing. [00:54:26] (31 seconds)
And we have to be reminded that even in our situations where we feel like we're on the cross, that we can still sing that in the good times and in the bad times, that God is still on the throne. That God is still working, he is still suffering, even though we're going through situations and circumstances. [00:59:05] (22 seconds)
And this is the statement we want to focus on here where the angel says that come and see where his body was lying. Because he is no longer there. He is alive. And so I want to say that there are times where we go through situations and it seems like all is lost. Because he went before the cross, on the cross, and now after the cross. [01:00:28] (30 seconds)
The prophet in the Old Testament, God says, can these dry bones live again? And he says, speak to it. Speak to the situation. Speak to the bones and let it come up. And then flesh began to come up upon it. And so I need some believers who would understand that we serve a big and true and living God. The one who will resurrection power operates. [01:02:19] (22 seconds)
The scripture also tells us that we are troubled on every side, yet we are not distressed. We are perplexed, but not despaired. We are persecuted, but not forsaken. Cast down, but not destroyed. And I love how the NLT puts it. It says, we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed. Perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not abandoned. [01:04:47] (31 seconds)
And so I want to encourage just as well not to claim things that do not align with God's word but to claim promises because the promises are yes and amen. There are some things that may be difficult but it's for the honor and the glory of God. Amen. Jew tells us now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. [01:09:12] (33 seconds)
But here's the reality. It says a day is like a thousand years for God. And so even though it might look like Friday and Sunday, sometimes it's over a period of years, it's over a period of weeks. But do know that Sunday is coming. You see, sometimes it can be the school, the job, the family situation or the friendship or even business. [01:14:04] (27 seconds)
And so today I want to remind us that we have access to resurrection power. And no matter which part of the journey that you are in, whether it's before the cross, on the cross, or after the cross, God is still well able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we could ever ask or think. If we would just trust Him. [01:16:06] (30 seconds)
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