The Cross: Fulfillment, Sacrifice, and Our Call to Follow
Summary
In today's reflection on Luke 18:31-34, we delve into the profound significance of Jesus' foretelling of His death to His disciples. This passage marks the third time in Luke's Gospel that Jesus explicitly prepares His followers for the impending events in Jerusalem. Despite the clarity of His words, the disciples struggle to comprehend the gravity of what He is saying. This lack of understanding is not due to a deficiency in intellect but rather because the reality of Jesus' mission does not align with their expectations. They anticipate a triumphant, earthly kingdom, not the suffering and crucifixion of their Messiah.
Jesus' journey to the cross was not a series of unfortunate events but a fulfillment of divine prophecy. The Old Testament prophets, like Isaiah, had long foretold the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. Jesus' crucifixion was the culmination of God's redemptive plan, a plan that required His willing submission to the Father's will. This submission was not passive but an active participation in the divine purpose, demonstrating that even in apparent defeat, Jesus was in control.
The cross is central to our faith, not just as a symbol of suffering but as the means of our redemption. It is through Jesus' death that we are reconciled to God, a reconciliation that was achieved not by our merit but by His grace. The resurrection is indeed a cause for celebration, but it is the crucifixion that makes it possible. Without the cross, there would be no resurrection, no victory over sin and death.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace the cross in our own lives. This means a willingness to submit to God's will, to serve others selflessly, and to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel. It is a call to live a life of faith, trusting in the power of the cross to transform us and to bring us into a right relationship with God.
Key Takeaways:
- The Cross as Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' crucifixion was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan as foretold by the prophets. His willing submission to this plan demonstrates His control and purpose even in suffering. [05:45]
- The Centrality of the Cross: The cross is the focal point of our faith, representing the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. It is through Jesus' death that we are reconciled to God, highlighting the necessity of the crucifixion for our salvation. [31:35]
- Understanding Through Faith: The disciples' struggle to grasp Jesus' words reflects our own challenges in understanding God's ways. True comprehension comes not through human wisdom but through faith in the divine plan. [18:30]
- The Call to Follow: Embracing the cross means a life of submission, service, and suffering. As Jesus submitted to the Father's will, we are called to follow His example, trusting in the transformative power of the cross. [24:24]
- The Simplicity of the Gospel: The message of the cross is simple yet profound: Jesus Christ crucified. This truth is the foundation of our faith and the message we are called to share with the world. [38:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - Preparing for Jesus' Death
- [02:42] - The Significance of Good Friday
- [03:55] - Prophecies Fulfilled
- [04:38] - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
- [05:45] - The Plan of Redemption
- [06:39] - Connecting the Dots
- [07:14] - The Importance of Christ's Death
- [08:08] - Isaiah's Prophecy
- [09:51] - The Lord's Good Plan
- [10:40] - Betrayal and Suffering
- [12:10] - The Role of the Jewish Leaders
- [13:25] - The Humiliation of Jesus
- [14:48] - The Painful Death
- [15:39] - The Resurrection Promise
- [16:31] - The Value of His Death
- [17:24] - Disciples' Misunderstanding
- [18:30] - Counter to Expectations
- [21:41] - The Rich Man's Dilemma
- [22:18] - Total Commitment
- [24:24] - Following Jesus
- [25:22] - The Foolishness of the Cross
- [26:10] - Human Wisdom vs. Divine Plan
- [28:24] - The Right Time for Redemption
- [29:18] - Reconciliation Through Death
- [30:13] - The Permanency of His Sacrifice
- [31:35] - The Cross as Priority
- [32:33] - The Message of the Cross
- [33:32] - The Mediator
- [34:08] - The Simplicity of Salvation
- [35:06] - The Perfect Sacrifice
- [36:15] - Once for All Time
- [37:25] - The Priority of His Mission
- [38:06] - Paul's Simple Message
- [38:51] - The Core of Our Faith
- [39:45] - The Test of Faith
- [40:45] - The Priority of Our Message
- [41:43] - The Struggle with Suffering
- [42:51] - Serving Others
- [43:41] - The Cost of Following
- [44:22] - The Journey of Faith
- [45:31] - Submission and Joy
- [46:16] - Crucified with Christ
- [46:54] - The Gift of Grace
- [48:04] - The Work of the Cross
- [48:54] - The Plan for Us
- [49:47] - The Scene at the Cross
- [50:19] - The Criminals' Dialogue
- [50:48] - The Promise of Paradise
- [51:36] - The Power of Forgiveness
- [52:41] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 18:31-34
- Isaiah 53:3-5
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
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#### Observation Questions
1. What specific events does Jesus predict will happen to Him in Jerusalem according to Luke 18:31-34? [03:55]
2. How do the disciples react to Jesus' prediction of His death, and what might this indicate about their understanding? [17:24]
3. According to the sermon, how does Jesus' crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecy? [05:45]
4. What does 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 emphasize about the importance of Jesus' death and resurrection?
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might the disciples have struggled to understand Jesus' prediction of His death, despite His clear words? [18:30]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' willing submission to the crucifixion as part of God's redemptive plan? [05:45]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the message of the cross is both simple and profound? [38:51]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Jesus' crucifixion and the concept of reconciliation with God? [31:35]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your expectations of how God should act did not align with His actual plan. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [18:30]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing the cross in our lives. What does this look like for you personally, and how can you actively submit to God's will this week? [24:24]
3. Consider the idea that Jesus' crucifixion was not a tragic accident but a fulfillment of prophecy. How does this perspective change your understanding of suffering in your own life? [05:45]
4. The sermon calls us to serve others selflessly. Identify one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week, even if it requires personal sacrifice. [42:51]
5. How can you keep the message of "Jesus Christ crucified" central in your daily life and conversations with others? What practical steps can you take to share this message? [38:51]
6. Reflect on the concept of reconciliation through Jesus' death. Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation, and how can you take a step towards healing it this week? [31:35]
7. The sermon mentions the simplicity of the Gospel message. How can you simplify your understanding and communication of your faith to make it more accessible to others? [38:51]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross as Prophetic Fulfillment
The crucifixion of Jesus was not a random event but a fulfillment of divine prophecy. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah spoke of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. Jesus' journey to the cross was a deliberate act of obedience to the Father's will, demonstrating His control and purpose even in the midst of suffering. This fulfillment of prophecy underscores the intentionality of God's redemptive plan, revealing that Jesus' death was a necessary step in the salvation of humanity. By willingly submitting to this plan, Jesus exemplified the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. [05:45]
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: Consider a time when you struggled to see God's plan in your life. How can you trust in His divine purpose even when circumstances seem contrary to your expectations?
Day 2: The Centrality of the Cross
The cross stands at the heart of Christian faith, representing the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. It is through Jesus' death that believers are reconciled to God, highlighting the necessity of the crucifixion for salvation. While the resurrection is a cause for celebration, it is the crucifixion that makes it possible. Without the cross, there would be no victory over sin and death. This centrality of the cross calls believers to reflect on the depth of God's love and the grace that has been extended to them through Jesus' sacrifice. [31:35]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How does the reality of the cross shape your understanding of God's love and grace? In what ways can you live out this understanding in your daily interactions with others?
Day 3: Understanding Through Faith
The disciples' struggle to comprehend Jesus' words about His impending death reflects the challenges believers face in understanding God's ways. True comprehension of divine plans comes not through human wisdom but through faith. The disciples expected a triumphant earthly kingdom, not the suffering and crucifixion of their Messiah. This disconnect between expectation and reality serves as a reminder that God's ways often transcend human understanding. Believers are called to trust in God's plan, even when it defies logic or expectation. [18:30]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are struggling to understand God's plan. How can you practice trusting in His wisdom and timing today?
Day 4: The Call to Follow
Embracing the cross means a life of submission, service, and suffering. As Jesus submitted to the Father's will, believers are called to follow His example, trusting in the transformative power of the cross. This call to follow involves a willingness to serve others selflessly and endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel. It is a call to live a life of faith, trusting that through the cross, believers are brought into a right relationship with God. [24:24]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
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 this area to Him today?
Day 5: The Simplicity of the Gospel
The message of the cross is simple yet profound: Jesus Christ crucified. This truth is the foundation of Christian faith and the message believers are called to share with the world. The simplicity of the Gospel underscores the accessibility of God's grace to all who believe. It is a reminder that salvation is not achieved through human effort but through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. This simplicity calls believers to focus on the core message of the Gospel in their witness to others. [38:51]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: How can you simplify your understanding and communication of the Gospel to effectively share it with someone in your life today?
Quotes
1. "Today, Jesus is talking to his disciples, but he's going to talk about his death that's coming. And this isn't the first time that he's telling them about this. This is the third time in the book of Luke that he's telling them directly about his death. Is he preparing them for what's going to happen? This is the seventh time in the book of Luke where he's talked about it directly or indirectly to a crowd or the groups that he was teaching. This is really a big point of Jesus's work. This is why he came." ([00:00:43] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "But to think about Jesus' death, what makes it even harder for us is that we caused it. We're responsible for it. This is what Jesus wants us to remember. This is, we're reminded when we take communion, he says, he took the bread and gave thanks and said, this is my body, which was broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." ([00:02:57] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "He will be handed over to the Romans. He'll be mocked, treated shamefully and spit upon. They will flog him with a whip and kill him. But on the third day, he will rise again. But they didn't understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them. And they failed to grasp what he was talking about." ([00:04:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "That the Jewish leaders are in control. They've arrested him. That Rome is in control. That they're crucifying him. But he's saying, no, I'm submitting to a plan that I'm aware of. I'm participating. I'm participating in this on my own accord. I am in control. He's telling them, listen, see this. Start to connect the dots of what you know from the prophets." ([00:06:09] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Jesus willingly submitted to the will of the Father. But this wasn't an easy plan because in verse 32 and 33, we see Jesus gives detail. He elaborates on what they're gonna witness. What they're gonna see happen. He will be handed over to the Romans. He will be betrayed by his own people." ([00:11:34] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "His suffering was because of us. A few months ago, Joe filled in for me and he said something that just resonated with me when I listened to the message after. And he said, Jesus didn't die for you. He died because of you. It was our sins that he carried. He died because of us." ([00:15:15] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "The message of the cross is simple. It's Jesus Christ crucified. It's Jesus died so you and I can live. That we can live with peace and harmony with our creator. Everything we need to know, everything we want to know about Jesus, we can find at the cross." ([00:48:12] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "We come to the cross guilty, every one of us. And we can leave forgiven, redeemed, reconciled and alive, all because of what he did for you and for me. And all we need to know is Jesus Christ crucified." ([00:51:28] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "He was faithful to his call. He fulfilled his mission. And he's given us this message of hope that in his death, in his crucifixion, there is life. And when he said, I'm the way, the truth, and the life, it wasn't some kind of promotion. It was the truth. He's the one mediator. He's the only one." ([00:52:14] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "So help us to follow you no matter what, that we would strive to be as committed to you as you have been to us. And may we live a life of gratitude for the goodness you've given that we don't deserve." ([00:53:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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