Looking to Jesus: The Path to True Repentance
Summary
In reflecting on Zechariah 12:10, we are reminded of the profound prophecy concerning the Jewish people and their eventual recognition of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. This prophecy assures us of the restoration and conversion of Israel, a promise that fills our hearts with hope and expectation. However, this message is not just for the Jewish people; it speaks to us today, urging us to look upon the One whom we have pierced and to mourn for our sins.
A common misconception is that we must first mourn for our sins before we can look to Christ. Yet, the scripture teaches us that it is by looking to Jesus that true repentance is born. This repentance is not a prerequisite for faith but a result of it. Just as a surgeon aims to bring an eruption to the surface to heal a disease, so faith in Christ brings our hidden sins to light, leading to genuine repentance.
The sight of Jesus on the cross is a powerful catalyst for mourning. His suffering, both physical and spiritual, is a testament to the depth of His love for us. The purity of His character, the selflessness of His actions, and the enormity of His sacrifice should move us to tears. It is our sins that nailed Him to the cross, and this realization should break our hearts and lead us to repentance.
True mourning for sin is characterized by a deep, personal sorrow akin to the grief of losing a beloved child. It is a sorrow that is practical, leading us to shun sin in all its forms. This repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process, a lifelong journey of turning away from sin and turning towards Christ.
Ultimately, our connection to Jesus is through a simple yet profound act of looking to Him in faith. This look requires no merit or preparation; it is accessible to all, regardless of our past or present state. It is a personal and immediate act, one that we are called to make today, not tomorrow. As we look to Jesus, we find salvation, comfort, and the strength to live a life of repentance and faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Prophecy of Restoration and Conversion: The prophecy in Zechariah 12:10 assures us of the future restoration and conversion of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises. This serves as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ and the certainty of His plans for His people. [00:21]
2. Repentance as a Result of Faith: True repentance is not a prerequisite for faith but a result of it. By looking to Jesus, we are led to genuine repentance, as faith brings our hidden sins to light and compels us to turn away from them. [03:06]
3. The Suffering of Christ as a Catalyst for Mourning: The sight of Jesus on the cross, His physical and spiritual suffering, should move us to tears and lead us to repentance. It is our sins that nailed Him to the cross, and this realization should break our hearts. [08:11]
4. The Nature of True Mourning for Sin: True mourning for sin is characterized by a deep, personal sorrow akin to the grief of losing a beloved child. It is a continual process, leading us to shun sin in all its forms and live a life of repentance. [31:34]
5. The Simplicity and Necessity of Looking to Jesus: Our connection to Jesus is through a simple act of looking to Him in faith. This look requires no merit or preparation and is accessible to all. It is a personal and immediate act, one that we are called to make today. [38:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Zechariah 12:10
- [00:41] - Prophecy of Israel's Restoration
- [01:17] - The Coming Recognition of the Messiah
- [02:16] - Misconceptions About Repentance
- [03:06] - The True Order of Faith and Repentance
- [04:15] - Repentance as a Result of Faith
- [06:20] - The Sight of the Pierced One
- [07:11] - The Suffering of Christ
- [08:11] - The Depth of Christ's Agony
- [10:58] - The Purity and Sacrifice of Jesus
- [13:46] - The Personal Impact of Christ's Suffering
- [21:35] - Christ's Suffering for Us
- [31:34] - The Nature of True Mourning for Sin
- [38:15] - The Simplicity of Looking to Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Zechariah 12:10
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Zechariah 12:10 prophesy about the Jewish people and their future recognition of Jesus as the Messiah? How does this prophecy relate to the restoration and conversion of Israel? [00:21]
2. According to the sermon, what is the common misconception about the order of repentance and faith? How does the sermon clarify this misconception? [03:06]
3. How does the sermon describe the physical and spiritual suffering of Jesus on the cross? What imagery is used to convey the depth of His agony? [08:11]
4. What is the nature of true mourning for sin as described in the sermon? How is it compared to the grief of losing a beloved child? [31:34]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Zechariah 12:10 serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises? What implications does this have for believers today? [00:21]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that looking to Jesus leads to genuine repentance? How does this perspective challenge traditional views on repentance and faith? [03:06]
3. What role does the suffering of Christ play in moving believers to repentance, according to the sermon? How does this understanding affect one's view of sin and its consequences? [08:11]
4. How does the sermon describe the continual process of repentance? What does this lifelong journey entail for a believer? [31:34]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the prophecy of Israel's restoration and conversion. How does this promise of God's faithfulness inspire hope in your own life and spiritual journey? [00:21]
2. Consider the misconception that repentance must precede faith. How has this belief affected your spiritual life, and how might embracing the sermon’s perspective change your approach to faith and repentance? [03:06]
3. The sermon describes the sight of Jesus on the cross as a catalyst for mourning. How can you incorporate this imagery into your daily life to deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice and its impact on your actions? [08:11]
4. True mourning for sin is likened to the grief of losing a beloved child. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of sorrow for sin in your life, and what practical steps can you take to shun sin in all its forms? [31:34]
5. The sermon emphasizes the simplicity and necessity of looking to Jesus. What barriers might be preventing you from fully looking to Him in faith, and how can you overcome them today? [38:15]
6. Reflect on the continual process of repentance described in the sermon. How can you make repentance a regular part of your spiritual practice, and what specific areas of your life require ongoing repentance? [31:34]
7. How can the realization that our sins nailed Jesus to the cross transform your daily interactions and decisions? What specific changes can you make to align your life more closely with the teachings of Christ? [08:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Promise of Israel's Restoration
The prophecy in Zechariah 12:10 speaks of a future time when the Jewish people will recognize Jesus Christ as their Messiah. This promise of restoration and conversion is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His people. It serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that God's plans are certain and His promises are sure. This prophecy is not only a message for the Jewish people but also for all believers, encouraging us to trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. As we reflect on this promise, we are reminded of the hope we have in Christ and the assurance of His plans for His people. [00:21]
Zechariah 12:10 (ESV): "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn."
Reflection: How does the promise of Israel's future restoration and conversion inspire hope in your own life? In what ways can you trust God's faithfulness in your current circumstances?
Day 2: Faith Leading to Repentance
A common misconception is that repentance must precede faith, but the truth is that genuine repentance is a result of faith. By looking to Jesus, we are led to true repentance as our faith brings hidden sins to light and compels us to turn away from them. This understanding shifts the focus from our efforts to the transformative power of faith in Christ. Just as a surgeon brings a disease to the surface to heal it, faith in Jesus reveals our sins, leading to genuine repentance. This process is not about earning God's favor but about responding to His grace. [03:06]
Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to allow faith in Jesus to bring hidden sins to light? How can you actively respond to this revelation with genuine repentance today?
Day 3: Mourning at the Cross
The sight of Jesus on the cross, enduring both physical and spiritual suffering, is a powerful catalyst for mourning. His sacrifice is a profound demonstration of His love for us, and it is our sins that nailed Him to the cross. This realization should break our hearts and lead us to repentance. The depth of Christ's agony and the purity of His character should move us to tears, prompting us to mourn for our sins with a deep, personal sorrow. This mourning is not just an emotional response but a call to shun sin and live a life of repentance. [08:11]
Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "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: As you reflect on the suffering of Christ, what specific sins come to mind that you need to mourn and turn away from? How can this mourning lead to a deeper commitment to live a life of repentance?
Day 4: The Journey of True Mourning
True mourning for sin is characterized by a deep, personal sorrow akin to the grief of losing a beloved child. It is a continual process, not a one-time event, leading us to shun sin in all its forms and live a life of repentance. This journey requires us to be honest about our sins and to continually turn away from them, seeking God's grace and strength. Mourning for sin is not about wallowing in guilt but about recognizing the gravity of our actions and the need for ongoing transformation. It is a lifelong journey of turning away from sin and turning towards Christ. [31:34]
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Reflection: What does true mourning for sin look like in your life? How can you make this a continual process, allowing it to lead you to shun sin and live a life of repentance?
Day 5: The Simplicity of Faith
Our connection to Jesus is through a simple yet profound act of looking to Him in faith. This act requires no merit or preparation and is accessible to all, regardless of our past or present state. It is a personal and immediate act, one that we are called to make today, not tomorrow. By looking to Jesus, we find salvation, comfort, and the strength to live a life of repentance and faith. This simplicity of faith is a reminder that God's grace is available to all who seek Him, and it is through this faith that we are transformed. [38:15]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to look to Jesus in faith today? How can this simple act of faith transform your life and lead you to a deeper relationship with Him?
Quotes
True repentance is real and often intense in its bitterness. The text tells us it is a sorrow like that of one who weeps for his son. A son is a boon from God, a good son especially is a treasure to his father's heart, but here is a dead son before me. [00:31:31]
True repentance is continual. A man does not repent for a few weeks and then have done with it. Roland Hill said that repentance was one of the sweetest earthly companions, and the only regret he had in the thought of going to heaven was that his dear friend repentance could not go with him there. [00:34:32]
True mourning for sin is the work of the Spirit of God. There is no mourning until first the Spirit is poured out. Then men look and then they mourn. Repentance is to choice a flower to grow in nature's garden. If thou hast one sigh after Christ, if thou hast one particle of hatred of sin, God the Holy Spirit must have given it to thee. [00:28:48]
Repentance is in no sense a title to faith in Christ. It is, on the other hand, a legitimate consequence of faith. In certain diseases, the surgeon aims at producing an outward eruption, which carries off the internal poison and so assists in the cure. [00:03:34]
The prophecy in Zechariah 12:10 assures us of the future restoration and conversion of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises. This serves as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ and the certainty of His plans for His people. [00:00:21]
True sorrow for sin is eminently practical. No man may say he hates sin if he lives in it. It will make us see the evil of sin, not merely as a theory but experimentally. As a burnt child dreads fire, we shall be as much afraid of it as a man who has lately been stopped and robbed is afraid of the thief upon the highway. [00:33:31]
The sight of Jesus on the cross, His physical and spiritual suffering, should move us to tears and lead us to repentance. It is our sins that nailed Him to the cross, and this realization should break our hearts. [00:08:11]
The nature of true mourning for sin is characterized by a deep, personal sorrow akin to the grief of losing a beloved child. It is a continual process, leading us to shun sin in all its forms and live a life of repentance. [00:31:34]
Our connection to Jesus is through a simple act of looking to Him in faith. This look requires no merit or preparation and is accessible to all. It is a personal and immediate act, one that we are called to make today. [00:38:15]
Repentance is the bringing into our own sight the sin which lurks within. It is a result of the medicine of faith, but we should be foolish indeed if we refuse to believe until we saw in ourselves that repentance which only faith can produce. [00:04:15]
The suffering of Christ for us can be attributed to nothing else than His own marvelous love towards us, who was so undeserving. What could have brought Christ from on high except motives of pure affection? [00:24:48]
The pierced one pierces the heart. A sermon preached by C.H. Spurgeon, Lord's Day, June 19th, 1864. This prophecy first of all refers to the Jewish people, and I am happy that it confirms our hearts in the belief of the good which the Lord will do unto Israel. [00:00:28]
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