Facing the Cross: Jesus' Example of Sacrifice

 

Summary

In Mark 8, we journey with Jesus as He prepares for the cross, a path marked by profound suffering and ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, aware of the miracles and teachings that drew crowds, begins to reveal the necessity of His suffering, rejection, and death. Peter, unable to comprehend this, rebukes Jesus, focusing on earthly concerns rather than divine purposes. Jesus responds by emphasizing the importance of setting one's mind on the things of God, highlighting the gravity of human sin and the reality of our appointment with God. This understanding is crucial to grasping why Jesus must endure the cross.

Jesus' determination is further illustrated in Luke 9:51, where He sets His face towards Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that awaits. Isaiah 50:7 provides a vivid image of Jesus' resolve, describing His face as set like flint, symbolizing unwavering determination. This imagery contrasts with the tender and compassionate face of Jesus, full of love and understanding. Yet, when facing the cross, His resolve is unyielding, demonstrating both His toughness and tenderness.

Jesus' journey to the cross is a model for facing suffering. He confronts His fears head-on, teaching us that a fear faced is a fear diminished. This principle is vital for Christians, as avoiding reality only increases fear. Jesus' example encourages us to face our challenges with courage, knowing that God is near and will vindicate us.

As we approach Holy Week, we reflect on the depth of Jesus' suffering: at the hands of friends, enemies, and ultimately, His Father. His suffering was not just physical but spiritual, as He bore the weight of our sins. This sacrifice underscores the gravity of our offenses against God and the necessity of the cross.

Jesus calls us to follow Him by denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and embracing a life of discipleship marked by sacrifice and suffering. This path is not easy, but it leads to true life. We are reminded that discipleship begins with a death to self, symbolized in baptism, and requires a resolve as firm as flint. In our weakness, we can draw strength from Christ, who offers His flint-like determination to us.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' journey to the cross highlights the importance of setting our minds on the things of God, recognizing the gravity of our sins and the reality of our appointment with God. This understanding is crucial to grasping the necessity of the cross. [01:44]

- Jesus' determination to face suffering is a model for us. He sets His face like flint, confronting His fears head-on, teaching us that a fear faced is a fear diminished. This principle encourages us to face our challenges with courage, knowing that God is near. [12:07]

- Jesus' suffering was multifaceted, involving betrayal by friends, physical torment by enemies, and spiritual anguish as He bore our sins. This underscores the depth of His sacrifice and the gravity of our offenses against God. [18:08]

- Discipleship requires self-denial and taking up our cross, embracing a life of sacrifice and suffering. This path is not easy, but it leads to true life, as we follow Jesus' example of unwavering resolve. [24:15]

- In our weakness, we can draw strength from Christ, who offers His flint-like determination to us. By relying on His strength, we can face our challenges with courage and perseverance, knowing that He who vindicates us is near. [38:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Walking with Jesus
- [00:53] - The Necessity of the Cross
- [01:44] - Setting Our Minds on God
- [03:05] - Jesus' Determination
- [04:44] - Prophecy of Isaiah
- [06:34] - The Face of Jesus
- [09:11] - Facing Suffering
- [12:07] - Fear Faced, Fear Diminished
- [14:39] - The Suffering of Christ
- [18:08] - Bearing Our Sins
- [24:15] - The Call to Discipleship
- [28:45] - Losing Life to Save It
- [33:04] - Death to Self
- [38:30] - Drawing Strength from Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 8:31-34
- Luke 9:51
- Isaiah 50:7

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 8:31, what does Jesus begin to teach His disciples about His future? How does Peter react to this teaching? [01:08]

2. According to Luke 9:51, what significant decision does Jesus make as He approaches Jerusalem? What does this reveal about His character? [04:01]

3. Isaiah 50:7 uses the imagery of setting one's face like flint. How does this imagery help us understand Jesus' determination? [05:58]

4. What are the different types of suffering Jesus experiences as described in the sermon? [14:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of setting one's mind on the things of God rather than on earthly concerns, as seen in His response to Peter? [01:44]

2. How does Jesus' determination to face suffering serve as a model for Christians today? What does it mean to set one's face like flint in the context of personal challenges? [12:07]

3. The sermon describes Jesus' suffering as multifaceted, involving betrayal, physical torment, and spiritual anguish. How does this understanding deepen our appreciation of His sacrifice? [18:08]

4. What does it mean to deny oneself and take up one's cross in the context of discipleship, according to Jesus' teaching in Mark 8:34? [24:15]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you focused more on earthly concerns than on the things of God. How can you shift your focus to align more with God's purposes? [01:44]

2. Jesus faced His fears head-on, teaching that a fear faced is a fear diminished. Identify a fear you are currently facing. How can you confront it with courage, knowing that God is near? [12:07]

3. Consider the depth of Jesus' suffering for our sins. How does this understanding impact your view of sin and the necessity of the cross in your life? [18:08]

4. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. What specific area of your life requires self-denial and a commitment to follow Jesus more closely? [24:15]

5. In moments of weakness, how can you draw strength from Christ's flint-like determination? Identify a specific challenge you are facing and how you can rely on His strength to persevere. [38:30]

6. As we approach Holy Week, how can you intentionally reflect on the significance of Jesus' journey to the cross in your daily life? What practices can help you stay focused on His sacrifice?

7. Jesus' example of facing suffering with resolve is a powerful model. How can you apply this principle in your relationships, work, or ministry when faced with difficulties? [14:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Setting Our Minds on Divine Purposes
Jesus' journey to the cross underscores the importance of aligning our thoughts with God's purposes. In Mark 8, Jesus begins to reveal the necessity of His suffering, rejection, and death, which Peter struggles to comprehend. Jesus emphasizes the need to focus on divine rather than earthly concerns, highlighting the gravity of human sin and the reality of our appointment with God. This understanding is crucial to grasping why Jesus must endure the cross. By setting our minds on the things of God, we can better understand the necessity of the cross and the depth of Jesus' sacrifice. [01:44]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: What is one earthly concern that often distracts you from focusing on God's purposes? How can you intentionally shift your focus to align with God's will today?


Day 2: Facing Suffering with Courage
Jesus' determination to face suffering serves as a model for us. In Luke 9:51, He sets His face towards Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that awaits. Isaiah 50:7 describes His face as set like flint, symbolizing unwavering determination. This imagery contrasts with the tender and compassionate face of Jesus, yet His resolve is unyielding when facing the cross. Jesus teaches us that a fear faced is a fear diminished, encouraging us to confront our challenges with courage, knowing that God is near. [12:07]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: Identify a fear or challenge you are currently facing. How can you confront it today, trusting in God's presence and strength?


Day 3: The Depth of Jesus' Sacrifice
Jesus' suffering was multifaceted, involving betrayal by friends, physical torment by enemies, and spiritual anguish as He bore our sins. This underscores the depth of His sacrifice and the gravity of our offenses against God. As we approach Holy Week, we reflect on the profound suffering Jesus endured, not just physically but spiritually, as He carried the weight of our sins. This sacrifice highlights the necessity of the cross and the immense love Jesus has for us. [18:08]

Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV): "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: Reflect on the depth of Jesus' sacrifice for you. How does understanding His suffering change the way you view your own struggles and sins?


Day 4: Embracing a Life of Discipleship
Discipleship requires self-denial and taking up our cross, embracing a life of sacrifice and suffering. This path is not easy, but it leads to true life, as we follow Jesus' example of unwavering resolve. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, symbolizing a death to self and a commitment to a life of discipleship. This journey begins with baptism and requires a resolve as firm as flint, drawing strength from Christ. [24:15]

Luke 14:27 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice self-denial to follow Jesus more closely? What steps can you take today to embrace this aspect of discipleship?


Day 5: Drawing Strength from Christ
In our weakness, we can draw strength from Christ, who offers His flint-like determination to us. By relying on His strength, we can face our challenges with courage and perseverance, knowing that He who vindicates us is near. Jesus' journey to the cross teaches us that we are not alone in our struggles. His unwavering resolve and strength are available to us, empowering us to face our fears and challenges with confidence. [38:30]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel weak or overwhelmed? How can you rely on Christ's strength to face this challenge today?

Quotes


Jesus says these astonishing words he began to teach them verse 31 that the son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and by the chief priests and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again and we saw last week how peter took jesus aside and he rebuked the bible says the son of god imagine that he's saying jesus what are you talking about so much good is being done in the ministry you're the one with the good teachings you're the one who draws the crowds you're the one who does the miracles what do you mean that you're going to suffer and be rejected and killed [00:51:28]

You are not setting your mind on the things of god but on the things of men peter here's your problem you're consumed with the things of this world your relentless schedule how you're going to carve out a place for yourself in the world you're not thinking about god and because you're not thinking about the things of god that is why you don't see the need for the cross and we tried to take to heart last week this statement of jesus you are not thinking about the things of god what are the things of god so it boils down to this it begins here the gravity of our offenses against god and the reality of our appointment with god [00:98:32]

Jesus knows what awaits him in jerusalem he's already said it he's going to suffer he's going to be rejected and he's going to be killed and the people who love jesus and the people who jesus loves are all saying don't go there but he listens to his father not to his followers and so here's his response he sets his face to go to jerusalem that's the first verse the second verse we turn backwards in the bible to the old testament and to the book of isaiah in chapter 50. isaiah and chapter 50. isaiah of course is writing centuries before uh the coming of the lord jesus christ [04:50:319]

Isaiah speaking in advance tells us this is what that looked like jesus set his face like a flint flint now take a moment with me to ponder the face of the lord jesus christ we read about him with his face being filled with joy read about that on many occasions for example when his disciples came back from that mission and reported the wonderful works of god that they had seen and jesus faced radiated joy joy and then think of the times that we're told about the face of the lord jesus and the compassion that was in his face when he saw the crowd they were like sheep without a shepherd and he had compassion on them [06:380.319]

The face of jesus is full of love it is full of tenderness he was full of pity he was full of sympathy he was full of understanding that was why people came to him jesus had such a soft and tender heart picture him as the disciples are sending children away oh you don't want to be bothered with children and jesus says no no no let the children come to me because of such is the kingdom of heaven don't hinder them the compassion the love the sympathy the pity in the face of the lord jesus now think with me for a moment about the face of jesus like flint what does that look like [07:433.039]

When jesus sets his face towards jerusalem what does that mean it means he's looking at what lies ahead of him the suffering the rejection and the being killed he's looking at it straight in the face there's no avoidance here there there's no well you know i'm just trying not to think about it no the time has come and when the time has come he braces himself he steals himself he prepares himself for a massive effort of will suffered rejected killed suffer many many things and there is not a hint of avoidance or of denial here no christ sets his face towards these things he does not look away [11:676.24]

A fear suppressed is a fear increased a fear faced is a fear diminished a fear suppressed you try and say well i'm just trying not to think about it you know that is actually a fear increased you try and push it down it just multiplies itself that's just how it is you don't face the reality but a fear that is really faced is a fear that is diminished you don't gain strength by avoiding reality you don't gain strength by saying you know i have to go through this treatment for cancer but i'm just trying not to think about it no that is not the example of jesus [12:738.639]

What it was that jesus faced what he suffered and why what it was that he looked straight at when he set his face like a flint towards jerusalem i found it helpful to think of the suffering of the lord jesus christ in three parts it began with christ suffering at the hands of his friends it was no small thing to our lord jesus christ that those who were closest to him could not understand him when they gathered for the last supper and he began to unfold what was ahead of him showing the full extent of his love what it would really mean for him to go to the cross [14:876.56]

Jesus suffered for our sins he was and he is the son of god who came into the world to seek and to save the lost he came into the world he tells us on his father's business he came among us all consumed with the things of man and he comes into the world concerned with the things of god what are they the gravity of our offenses against god and the reality of our appointment with god and here's what he did on the cross he became the sin bearer he bore our sins in his body on the tree the bible says the lord laid on him the iniquity of us all [18:1116.32]

If anyone would come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me now you see what jesus is saying peter's taking him aside hey we really don't want any of this suffer rejected and killed but you know let's just carry on with what we've been doing because that's doing so much good in the world and jesus says no no i am going to suffer and to be rejected and to be killed if you had your mind on the things of god you would understand why that has to be there is a cross for me [23:1427.919]

If you are going to be a follower of jesus don't expect a comfortable life not in this world expect to suffer expect that there will be other time and there will be times when other disciples let you down disappoint you terribly as happened of course to jesus and that when that happens god is calling you to love them still as christ did expect that god will lead you into painful experiences in which you may call out as jesus did my god my god why and you will not be able to come to an answer and god is calling you to trust him still in the darkness [28:1732.08]

If you want to follow jesus then you're going to have to set your face like flint and you may be saying in this very last moment now here's the problem i don't have any flint in me i'm like sandstone that crumbles breaks apart how do i have that kind of strength i don't have any flint in me i lack courage i find myself embarrassed i don't have that kind of strength i don't have the flint in me and i'm saying to you jesus christ has flint in him and he offers himself to you so come to this christ in all of your weakness and all of your cowardice and all of your fear [37:2265.44]

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Transcript
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