The Cross: A Journey of Love and Redemption
Summary
The message of the cross is a profound and timeless truth that has been shared for over 2,000 years. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption that never loses its power. Today, we gather to reflect on this journey, which began long before Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha. It started in the Garden of Eden, where God created humanity not out of need, but out of a desire to extend His grace and love. Despite the perfection of Eden, Adam and Eve chose to rebel, leading to separation from God. Yet, even in their disobedience, God did not abandon them. Instead, He promised a Savior who would bridge the gap between humanity and Himself.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see foreshadowings of this Savior. From the sacrifice of innocent animals to cover Adam and Eve's shame, to Abraham's faith in God's provision, and the sacrificial system established through Aaron, each story points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to fulfill these promises. He lived a sinless life, demonstrating God's love and compassion, and ultimately gave His life as a ransom for many.
As Jesus approached His crucifixion, He faced unimaginable suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He wrestled with the weight of the world's sin, yet chose to submit to the Father's will. On the cross, He bore the wrath of God meant for us, offering forgiveness even to those who mocked Him. His final words, "It is finished," signified the completion of His mission to reconcile us to God.
The cross is a bridge between sinful humanity and a holy God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to the Father and the promise of eternal life. This message challenges us to examine our hearts and choose humility and faith over pride and resistance. As we reflect on the cross, may we remember that Jesus paid it all, and through Him, we are made righteous.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey to the cross began in the Garden of Eden, where humanity's rebellion led to separation from God. Yet, God's love and promise of a Savior were evident even then, as He provided a way for reconciliation through Jesus. [03:19]
- Throughout the Old Testament, the sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Innocent blood was shed to cover sin, pointing to the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. [08:09]
- Jesus' life and ministry demonstrated both His humanity and deity. He showed compassion to the broken and exercised authority over sickness, nature, and the spiritual realm, affirming His identity as the Son of God. [23:20]
- In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced the weight of the world's sin and chose to submit to the Father's will, exemplifying ultimate obedience and love. His sacrifice on the cross was the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption. [35:50]
- The cross is a bridge between sinful humanity and a holy God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to the Father and the promise of eternal life. This message challenges us to choose humility and faith over pride and resistance. [01:00:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - Spiritual Journey
- [01:19] - Understanding the Cross
- [02:38] - The Journey Begins in Genesis
- [03:19] - God's Purpose for Creation
- [04:39] - The Fall and Separation
- [05:21] - God's Love in the Midst of Rebellion
- [06:02] - The Blame Game
- [07:24] - Promise of a Savior
- [08:09] - The First Sacrifice
- [08:51] - Abraham's Faith and Promise
- [10:04] - The Test of Abraham
- [11:46] - Isaac's Trust
- [13:20] - The Substitute Sacrifice
- [14:56] - The Significance of Mount Moriah
- [16:28] - The Old Testament Sacrificial System
- [18:43] - The Day of Atonement
- [20:14] - The Scapegoat and Jesus
- [22:38] - Jesus' Ministry and Deity
- [25:23] - John the Baptist's Declaration
- [26:49] - Jesus' Mission and Sacrifice
- [28:49] - The True Oppressor
- [30:05] - The Passover and Jesus' Entry
- [31:34] - The Last Supper
- [33:01] - Gethsemane: The Olive Press
- [35:50] - Jesus' Submission to the Father's Will
- [37:22] - Jesus' Arrest and Deity
- [39:27] - The Illegal Trials
- [41:21] - Pilate's Dilemma
- [43:18] - The Scourging and Mockery
- [45:59] - The Choice Between Jesus and Barabbas
- [47:27] - The Way to Golgotha
- [49:37] - The Cross: A Detestable Death
- [51:05] - The Pain of Crucifixion
- [54:02] - Jesus' Willing Sacrifice
- [55:42] - The Prophecy Fulfilled
- [58:01] - Jesus' Willing Sacrifice
- [01:00:52] - The Cross: A Bridge to God
- [01:03:28] - Jesus Paid It All
- [01:07:25] - Communion and Reflection
- [01:08:10] - The Darkness and Wrath
- [01:09:45] - The Exchange on the Cross
- [01:12:10] - It Is Finished
- [01:13:40] - The Veil Torn
- [01:15:11] - The Gift of Eternal Life
- [01:17:31] - The Thieves on the Cross
- [01:18:54] - A Call to Humility and Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:15
2. John 1:29
3. Mark 10:45
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the first sacrifice in Genesis, and how does it foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus? [08:09]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate both His humanity and deity during His ministry, according to the sermon? [23:20]
3. What was the significance of Jesus' final words, "It is finished," on the cross? [01:12:10]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Old Testament sacrificial system in pointing to Jesus' sacrifice? [21:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the promise of a Savior in Genesis 3:15 set the stage for the entire biblical narrative of redemption? [07:24]
2. How does John the Baptist's declaration in John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," encapsulate Jesus' mission? [25:23]
3. What does Mark 10:45 reveal about Jesus' understanding of His mission and how it contrasts with the expectations of a militant Messiah? [26:49]
4. How does the concept of Jesus as a ransom for many challenge our understanding of sacrifice and redemption? [26:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that the journey to the cross began in the Garden of Eden. How does this perspective change your understanding of God's plan for redemption? [03:19]
2. Jesus' life and ministry demonstrated compassion and authority. How can you embody these qualities in your daily interactions with others? [23:20]
3. The sermon challenges us to choose humility and faith over pride and resistance. Can you identify a specific area in your life where pride might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you address this? [01:18:54]
4. Jesus' submission to the Father's will in the Garden of Gethsemane exemplifies ultimate obedience. Is there a situation in your life where you need to submit to God's will, even if it's difficult? [35:50]
5. The cross is described as a bridge between sinful humanity and a holy God. How does this understanding impact your relationship with God and others? [01:00:52]
6. Reflect on the statement "Jesus paid it all." How does this truth influence your approach to forgiveness and grace in your own life? [01:03:28]
7. Consider the two thieves on the cross. Which thief do you relate to more, and how does this reflection challenge you to respond to Jesus' sacrifice? [01:17:31]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Love and Promise of Reconciliation
The journey to the cross began in the Garden of Eden, where humanity's rebellion led to separation from God. Despite this separation, God's love and promise of a Savior were evident even then. In the midst of disobedience, God did not abandon humanity but instead provided a way for reconciliation through Jesus. This promise was a testament to His unwavering love and desire to restore the broken relationship between Himself and His creation. [03:19]
Genesis 3:15 (ESV): "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt distant from God. How can you embrace His promise of reconciliation in your life today?
Day 2: The Foreshadowing of Sacrifice
Throughout the Old Testament, the sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Innocent blood was shed to cover sin, pointing to the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. These sacrifices were a temporary measure, highlighting the need for a perfect and final atonement. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfilled these foreshadowings, offering a permanent solution to the problem of sin. [08:09]
Hebrews 10:1-4 (ESV): "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?"
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in your life. How does understanding the foreshadowing of the Old Testament sacrifices deepen your appreciation for His atonement?
Day 3: Jesus' Humanity and Deity
Jesus' life and ministry demonstrated both His humanity and deity. He showed compassion to the broken and exercised authority over sickness, nature, and the spiritual realm, affirming His identity as the Son of God. His actions and teachings revealed the heart of God and His desire to bring healing and restoration to a fallen world. [23:20]
Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what ways can you reflect Jesus' compassion and authority in your interactions with others today?
Day 4: Submission to the Father's Will
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced the weight of the world's sin and chose to submit to the Father's will, exemplifying ultimate obedience and love. His sacrifice on the cross was the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption, demonstrating His willingness to endure suffering for the sake of humanity. [35:50]
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 area of your life where you find it difficult to submit to God's will? How can you take a step towards surrendering that area to Him today?
Day 5: The Cross as a Bridge to God
The cross is a bridge between sinful humanity and a holy God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have direct access to the Father and the promise of eternal life. This message challenges us to choose humility and faith over pride and resistance, recognizing that Jesus paid it all and through Him, we are made righteous. [01:00:52]
Ephesians 2:13-14 (ESV): "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: How can you actively choose humility and faith in your daily life, acknowledging the bridge that Jesus' sacrifice has created for you?
Quotes
The story of the cross starts the journey to the cross way before this, thousands of years back. We have to go all the way back to the very first book of the Bible, in the book of Genesis, when God created Adam and he created Eve, he created humanity. Now we need to know that God did not need us. God wasn't lonely and was like, I need to make someone so I can hang out with them. What we should understand is God wanted us, someone to extend his grace to, someone to extend his love to. [00:02:59]
Despite the beauty and splendor of this garden and the perfect relationship with God and with one another, we know that Satan came and tempted them, and they became discontent, and they picked their way. They rebelled against God, right, because they had the choice, rebelled against him, and as a result, as God had promised, there was a separation that happened just as God told them, and there was a penalty for their sin. Remember, it's death, it's separation. [00:04:36]
What we see in this Genesis story is how God doesn't just because of their rebellion wipe the man and woman out, start over with a new man and woman. What we see is God inserts himself in his love into the middle of the mess, even in their brokenness, in their shame, in their hiding. God comes in, and God is walking in the cool of the day when he would normally walk with them. God understood what had happened. [00:05:24]
God promises a solution in chapter 3 of Genesis, verse 15, a solution to the separation. We see that God is going to say that there will come a savior one day who will take care of this from the seed of woman. So God takes animals, and he slays these animals. This is the first time, I want you to think about this, that innocent blood was shed to cover the shame of Adam and Eve. [00:07:27]
Abraham trusts God that God is the provider. Now, this would have required this sacrifice. Abraham would have needed to cut a tree down at this point because he was going to need wood for the burnt offering. The Bible says that Abraham took the wood, and he put the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac's shoulders while he himself carried the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together. [00:11:12]
Isaac also, and I want you to hang on to this thought, had to at some point trust and rest in the will of his father. And there's going to be one who would later also, who is struggling with the enormity of a cost of a sacrifice, who would have to trust and rest with his in the will of his father. Isaac, I believe, gets up on this altar, and just as Abraham is getting ready to go forward with this, the scripture tells us that God cries out. [00:14:00]
Throughout scripture, we see this powerful picture of innocent blood that is being shed for those that are guilty so that we can have fellowship with a perfect and holy God, that fellowship that we're made to have. Innocent animals would be put on an altar, and their blood would be shed, and it would pay for sin because God said there would be a payment for sin, and it's death. [00:16:22]
Jesus consistently would tell his disciples who he was and why he came. Jesus said, look, I'm the king, but you need to understand the king did not come to be served, but I came to serve. And then he said this in Mark 10:45, I came to give my life away. I came to serve, not be served, to give my life, and this is the word he used, as a ransom for many. [00:26:39]
Jesus makes his way towards Jerusalem. Now his disciples are beside themselves. They even rebuke him. Peter's like, "Lord, this isn't the way. There's got to be another way to do this. You're going about it wrong, Lord." And in this process, Jesus tells Peter, "Get behind me, Satan." Right, you're looking at things from man's perspective. I need you to start looking at things from God's perspective. [00:28:32]
The Passover was this looking back many, many years earlier when God had delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Remember, they had cried out for a Messiah for 400 years. They were enslaved by the Egyptians. God sends Moses. Now, one of the things that happened was there was one of the plagues was called the death angel who would come, the last plague. [00:29:56]
Jesus leaves this meal with his disciples, and he goes to one of his favorite places where he would love to spend time with his father. It's the place, it's the olive orchard outside the city gates there at the base of the Mount of Olives. It's called Gethsemane. Gethsemane, the word Gethsemane, it literally means olive press. They would harvest olives there. Those trees are still there today. [00:33:03]
Jesus is on the cross, okay, and now who is God's wrath being poured out upon? Is it the Roman soldiers who crucified him? Is God's wrath being poured out upon them? Is God's wrath being poured out upon the Jewish leaders, the people that rejected him? Is God's wrath being poured out upon us? No. When it goes dark, the wrath of God, the cup of suffering that Jesus was struggling to drink in the garden of Gethsemane, he was drinking of this. [00:41:11]
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