Jesus' Sacrifice: The Completion of God's Redemption Plan
Summary
On this Palm Sunday, we gather to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' journey to the cross and His triumphant declaration, "It is finished." As we remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, we are reminded of His humility and the immense love He has for us. This love led Him to endure suffering and death, not as a king in worldly terms, but as a sacrificial lamb, fulfilling God's plan for our redemption. The cross was not a reaction to sin but God's plan from the beginning, demonstrating His desire to redeem us.
The phrase "It is finished" signifies the completion of Jesus' work for our salvation. Through His perfect life and sacrificial death, Jesus bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. This act of love and sacrifice means that we no longer need to strive for God's favor through our works; Jesus has done it all. The tearing of the temple veil at His death symbolizes the removal of the barrier between us and God, granting us direct access to His presence.
As believers, we are called to live in the power of Jesus' finished work. This power enables us to overcome sin and live in righteousness, not by our strength but through the Spirit dwelling within us. Our identity is no longer defined by our past or our failures but by the completed work of Christ. We are invited to rest in the assurance of our salvation, knowing that Jesus' sacrifice was sufficient.
For those who have not yet placed their trust in Jesus, the invitation is open. Salvation is not about our efforts or good deeds but about accepting the free gift offered through Jesus' death and resurrection. By repenting and believing in Him, we can experience forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.
As we enter Holy Week, let us be continually reminded of the power and significance of Jesus' sacrifice. May it transform our lives, motivate us to make disciples, and fill us with peace and confidence in His love.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Plan of Redemption: The cross was not a reaction to sin but God's plan from the beginning. Jesus' declaration, "It is finished," signifies the completion of everything needed for our salvation. This plan demonstrates God's immense love and desire to redeem us. [25:45]
- The Power of Jesus' Sacrifice: Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. His work means we no longer need to strive for God's favor through our efforts; it is finished. This truth should bring us rest and peace. [40:24]
- Direct Access to God: The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the removal of the barrier between us and God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to His presence, allowing us to approach Him with confidence and assurance of our reconciliation. [59:01]
- Living in the Power of the Spirit: As believers, we are empowered by the Spirit to overcome sin and live in righteousness. Our identity is defined by Jesus' finished work, not our past or failures. This power is available to us today, transforming how we live. [01:10:06]
- Invitation to Salvation: For those who have not yet trusted in Jesus, salvation is a free gift offered through His death and resurrection. By repenting and believing, we can experience forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life. Jesus' work on the cross was sufficient for all. [01:18:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Gratitude and Encouragement
[05:30] - Prayer Requests and Community Support
[10:00] - Acts 2:42-47: A Model for Community
[15:00] - Palm Sunday Reflection
[20:00] - The Significance of "It is Finished"
[25:45] - God's Plan of Redemption
[30:00] - The Good News of the Gospel
[35:00] - Jesus' Sacrificial Death
[40:24] - The Power of Jesus' Sacrifice
[45:00] - The Tearing of the Temple Veil
[50:00] - Direct Access to God
[55:00] - Living in the Power of the Spirit
[01:00:00] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:05:00] - Reflecting on Jesus' Sacrifice
[01:10:06] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 19:28-30
2. Matthew 27:50-51
3. Romans 8:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' statement "It is finished" in John 19:30 signify about His mission and purpose? [40:24]
2. In Matthew 27:50-51, what is the significance of the temple veil tearing from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death?
3. According to Romans 8:1, what is the implication for those who are in Christ Jesus regarding condemnation?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus' sacrifice in bridging the gap between humanity and God? [48:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the tearing of the temple veil symbolize the new relationship between God and humanity through Jesus' sacrifice? [59:01]
2. What does the phrase "It is finished" reveal about the completeness and sufficiency of Jesus' work on the cross for our salvation? [40:24]
3. How does Romans 8:1 provide assurance and hope for believers struggling with sin and guilt?
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers are empowered to live in righteousness through the Spirit? [01:10:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the phrase "It is finished." How does this truth impact your understanding of salvation and your daily walk with God? [40:24]
2. The sermon mentions that Jesus' sacrifice gives us direct access to God. How can you cultivate a more intimate relationship with God in your daily life? [59:01]
3. Romans 8:1 states there is no condemnation for those in Christ. How can this truth help you overcome feelings of guilt or shame from past mistakes?
4. The sermon emphasizes living in the power of the Spirit. What specific steps can you take to rely more on the Spirit's power in overcoming sin? [01:10:06]
5. How can the assurance of Jesus' finished work on the cross bring you peace and confidence in times of uncertainty or trial? [01:16:06]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel you are striving for God's favor through your efforts. How can you shift your focus to rest in the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice?
7. The sermon invites those who have not yet trusted in Jesus to accept the free gift of salvation. If you have not yet made this decision, what questions or concerns do you have about taking this step? [01:18:29]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Redemption Plan Fulfilled
The cross was not a reaction to sin but a part of God's plan from the beginning. Jesus' declaration, "It is finished," signifies the completion of everything needed for our salvation. This plan demonstrates God's immense love and desire to redeem us. Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by humility and love, as He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not as a worldly king but as a sacrificial lamb. His suffering and death were the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, bridging the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. [25:45]
Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
Reflection: How does understanding God's redemption plan from the beginning change your perspective on your personal struggles and challenges today?
Day 2: Resting in Jesus' Completed Work
Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. His work means we no longer need to strive for God's favor through our efforts; it is finished. This truth should bring us rest and peace, knowing that our salvation is secure in His completed work. The tearing of the temple veil at His death symbolizes the removal of the barrier between us and God, granting us direct access to His presence. [40:24]
Hebrews 4:9-11 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still striving for God's favor? How can you begin to rest in the assurance of Jesus' completed work today?
Day 3: Direct Access to God Through Jesus
The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the removal of the barrier between us and God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to His presence, allowing us to approach Him with confidence and assurance of our reconciliation. This access is a profound gift, inviting us into a personal relationship with God, where we can experience His love, guidance, and peace. [59:01]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: How can you intentionally draw near to God today, knowing you have direct access to Him through Jesus?
Day 4: Living in the Power of the Spirit
As believers, we are empowered by the Spirit to overcome sin and live in righteousness. Our identity is defined by Jesus' finished work, not our past or failures. This power is available to us today, transforming how we live and enabling us to reflect Christ's love and righteousness in our daily lives. The Spirit dwelling within us is a source of strength and guidance, helping us to live out our faith authentically. [01:10:06]
Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the Spirit's power to overcome sin and live in righteousness?
Day 5: Accepting the Invitation to Salvation
For those who have not yet trusted in Jesus, salvation is a free gift offered through His death and resurrection. By repenting and believing, we can experience forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life. Jesus' work on the cross was sufficient for all, and the invitation to accept this gift is open to everyone. This invitation is not about our efforts or good deeds but about accepting the grace and love that Jesus offers. [01:18:29]
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Reflection: If you have not yet accepted Jesus' invitation to salvation, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share this invitation with someone in your life today?
Quotes
"we see you As Larry mentioned just a few minutes ago Just I just want to say again I talked to Debbie this morning She just wanted me again to To just thank you guys for everything that you guys have done And I know several of you went up this week and visited And when I talked to Ken last time He said that the thing that he needed most right now was visits So thank you guys for doing that and encouraging him And what a blessing What an answered prayer That he's home today And our continued prayer is that As he goes through radiation and chemo And they continue to do scans It's that Those things will kind of wipe out the rest of the cancer And that as they do scans They won't find anything else And so that's our continued prayer" [00:20:31] (51 seconds)
"And I just want to thank you guys as we take up this offering and, of course, say a prayer over that, that God would use it, multiply it, and be able to not just allow us to advance this kingdom, but take care of one another, because that's what we're here for, right? This is Acts chapter 2, verse 42 through 47. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And all came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common, and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all as any had need." [00:23:46] (38 seconds)
"Lord, thank you for allowing us to hear it. Lord, we get to come to you. We get to lay things at your feet. Not just giving them to you, but trusting that you will hear us and that you will answer those things in your own way, in your own timing. Lord, we praise you for Ken and hearing the prayers as we've lifted them up to you and just the things you've already done in his life. What an amazing testimony he's already had. Lord, we pray that you would just continue to work through that and bring healing to him. Lord, we pray that the chemo would work, the radiation would work, and that as they go and do scans, they wouldn't find anything." [00:26:13] (50 seconds)
"The good news this morning, Jesus being God, he came into this world. He came to his own. He took on flesh. The Bible says he lived a perfect life, which allowed him to be a perfect, innocent sacrifice for the sins of mankind. And being 100 % man on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for man's sins. And being 100 % God on the cross, he completely satisfied the wrath of God because of his own righteousness. And the best news, which we'll talk about on Easter Sunday, it's that through the person and work of Jesus, he provided the free gift of salvation for anyone that would repent and believe in the gospel." [00:38:34] (40 seconds)
"Listen, if you're keeping up with your calendars today, it marks Palm Sunday. It's the day that starts off Holy Week, the day that, as I mentioned a little while ago, that Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. He knew how the rest of the week would go. He knew that Thursday night he'd be arrested. He knew that Friday morning he would be nailed to the cross. He'd be crucified. He knew that Friday afternoon he'd die. Listen, as Jesus came riding in on the donkey, Jesus did that confidently because he knew that on Sunday he'd rise to life again. He knew that the grave couldn't hold back the son of man." [00:39:13] (42 seconds)
"Jesus came to do what we couldn't do for ourselves. We actually just sang those lyrics in a song. He bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. We'll talk about that in our second point. But by His perfect sinless life and by His sacrificial death, He was victorious over sin, the wages of sin, meaning from that point on, there was no longer anything left for man to do to earn God's favor. Jesus' life and Jesus' death, it was completely and entirely satisfying to God. Listen, the good news of the gospel is that mankind no longer needs to do anything to work for their salvation. Jesus did it all." [00:47:40] (42 seconds)
"Now, obviously, knowing who we are at our core, that we're all sinners, that we all fall short of God's glory, we've covered that over the last two weeks, there's no way that the Old Testament law was sustainable for us. If you go back and read it, there's no way that we can keep all of those things on our own. Guys, that's the point of the Old Testament. It's meant to be a mirror for us, to show us that we all fall short, that we're all inwardly focused, that we are all sinful, wicked, that none of us are righteous. It was meant to show us that we needed something more permanent. We needed a Messiah. We needed a Savior." [00:49:21] (37 seconds)
"Listen, while the veil was a very real thing in the temple of God, it also symbolizes the separation that's caused by sin. And according to scripture, when Jesus died, again, the veil, it tore. It tore from top to bottom, right? It didn't tear from bottom to top, which bottom to top, it would show that it was done by human effort. It tore from top to bottom, showing that it was a divine effort. It was showing us that it was God and God alone bringing reconciliation to his people, bridging the gap to us. It was through Jesus' sacrifice, his sacrifice made a way for all of God's people to approach him directly." [00:58:23] (39 seconds)
"And so when Jesus said, it is finished, it's showing us a high priest in capital letters was now here. We no longer needed a man to serve in that role for God's people. Jesus, who again, remember, is God himself, he took on that role and he became the mediator for us. And he tore the veil. And again, remember, the main point of the high priest in the Old Testament entering into the Holy of Holies, is it was to atone for the sins of Israel. That's why he would go into the Holy of Holies once a year. He would sacrifice, make a sacrifice, and he would atone for the sins of Israel." [00:59:18] (37 seconds)
"Listen, as we close this morning I just want us to all reflect on the moment that Jesus uttered those words make if you i know it's hard for us to place ourselves there at calvary where he says it is finished i want you to focus on that just for a second when he gave up his spirit so he died on the cross right i want you to think about that and listen i want you to think about all the things you're walking through you might feel burdened this morning maybe you feel lost or confused maybe your your situation whatever it may be you feel like it's just hopeless because i want you to understand that when you cling to the fact that it is finished that the god of the universe went through such length to be nailed to a cross to take on our sin to give his life" [01:13:00] (44 seconds)
"when you cling to those words it is finished through the spirit of god it empowers you to live as a new creation in christ and with that as a result you're filled with peace you're confident in his love your past your failures your fears none of that defines you anymore your circumstances as a believer it's jesus's finished work alone that defines you that's it those words it's finished that's what now defines you as a person jesus's finished work that empowers you it's his finished work that's that sets you free allows you to enter into the very presence of a holy god i want you to remember his work it's final his work has reconciled you his work it gives you real actual power" [01:14:25] (55 seconds)
"Through Jesus, the way back to God, it's open. The gap, it's been bridged. The veil's been torn. And today, you don't have to wonder where you stand with God. You can know with all certainty where you stand. The Bible says in Romans 10, 9, if you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Listen to this. You will be saved. It's that simple. That's it. It's not about what you can do for God. It's about what Jesus has already done for you. When he said it is finished, he thought of you." [01:17:45] (42 seconds)
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