The Transformative Power of the Cross
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound significance of the cross, particularly as we enter Holy Week. The cross, a symbol of humiliation and death, was transformed by Jesus into a beacon of hope and redemption. We explored three key aspects: the nature of the cross, the reasons Jesus went to the cross, and what He accomplished there. The cross was a Roman instrument of execution, designed to instill fear and demonstrate power. Yet, Jesus willingly endured this suffering, not as a victim of circumstance, but as part of a divine plan to redeem humanity.
Jesus' journey to the cross was driven by love and a mission to pay the ransom for sinners. We delved into the concepts of redemption and propitiation, understanding that Jesus' sacrifice was about buying back what was already His and turning away God's righteous anger against sin. This act of love was not about appeasing a wrathful deity but about a God who is deeply invested in the restoration of His creation. The cross is where justice and mercy meet, where God's love is most vividly displayed.
As we read from John 19, we saw the fulfillment of prophecies and the profound symbolism of Jesus' final moments. His declaration, "It is finished," was not a cry of defeat but a victorious proclamation that the debt of sin was paid in full. This moment marked the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of a new covenant with humanity. The cross is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers freedom and hope to all who believe.
In response, we are invited to bring our burdens and sins to the foot of the cross, trusting in the finished work of Christ. This act of faith is not about earning salvation but accepting the gift that has already been given. As we nail our symbolic burdens to the cross, we are reminded that our past does not define us, and our future is secure in Christ. This Holy Week, let us focus on the cross, allowing its truth to transform our lives and draw us closer to the heart of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Cross as a Symbol of Redemption: The cross, once a tool of humiliation, became the ultimate symbol of redemption through Jesus' sacrifice. It represents God's love and justice, where Jesus paid the ransom for our sins, offering us freedom and hope. [57:15]
2. Understanding Propitiation: Propitiation is the act of turning away God's wrath through a sacrificial gift. Jesus' death on the cross satisfied God's righteous anger against sin, demonstrating that love and wrath are not opposites but part of God's passionate commitment to justice and mercy. [01:01:51]
3. The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled numerous prophecies, underscoring the divine plan behind His sacrifice. His cry of "It is finished" signifies the completion of His mission and the fulfillment of God's promises, offering us assurance of salvation. [01:07:55]
4. The Power of the Cross: The cross is central to the gospel, representing the intersection of God's love and justice. Jesus' sacrifice erased the debt of sin, offering us a new identity and relationship with God. This truth invites us to live in freedom and grace. [01:13:47]
5. Responding to the Cross: We are called to bring our burdens to the cross, trusting in Jesus' finished work. This act of faith is about accepting the gift of salvation and allowing the truth of the cross to transform our lives, freeing us from guilt and shame. [01:15:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [49:25] - Introduction and Prayer
- [51:44] - The Anxiety of Open Loops
- [53:20] - Reading from John 19
- [57:15] - The Nature of the Cross
- [59:40] - The Suffering of Jesus
- [01:01:51] - Why Jesus Went to the Cross
- [01:04:25] - Theological Insights on God's Wrath
- [01:07:55] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [01:11:39] - The Significance of Hyssop
- [01:13:47] - The Accomplishment of the Cross
- [01:15:59] - Invitation to Respond
- [01:18:05] - Reflection and Prayer
- [01:20:06] - Prayer of Salvation
- [01:32:04] - Closing and Invitation to Trust
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 19:17-30
- Romans 5:6-8
- Psalm 22:1, 15
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Observation Questions:
1. What does John 19:17-30 reveal about the events leading up to and during Jesus' crucifixion? How does this passage highlight the fulfillment of prophecy? [53:20]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned the significance of the sign above Jesus' head on the cross. What was written on the sign, and why was it significant? [57:15]
3. How does the pastor describe the physical suffering Jesus endured on the cross, and what was the purpose of this suffering according to the sermon? [59:40]
4. What does the term "Tetelestai" mean, and why is it significant in the context of Jesus' crucifixion? [01:11:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of redemption, as explained in the sermon, deepen our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? [01:01:51]
2. The sermon discusses the idea of propitiation. How does this concept help us understand the relationship between God's love and His wrath? [01:04:25]
3. In what ways does the fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in John 19 and Psalm 22, affirm the divine plan behind Jesus' crucifixion? [01:07:55]
4. How does the pastor's explanation of "Tetelestai" challenge or affirm your understanding of what Jesus accomplished on the cross? [01:11:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the pastor's invitation to bring your burdens to the cross. What specific burdens or sins do you feel called to lay down at the foot of the cross this week? [01:15:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes that the cross is where justice and mercy meet. How can you embody this balance of justice and mercy in your interactions with others this week? [01:01:51]
3. Consider the pastor's discussion on the anxiety of "open loops" in our lives. What unfinished tasks or unresolved issues are causing you stress, and how can you find peace in the finished work of Christ? [51:44]
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of trusting in Jesus' finished work rather than trying to earn salvation. In what areas of your life are you still trying to "earn" God's favor, and how can you shift your mindset to one of acceptance and trust? [01:18:05]
5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' crucifixion strengthen your faith in God's promises? What promises from God are you holding onto in your current season of life? [01:07:55]
6. The sermon invites us to live in the freedom and grace offered by the cross. What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully in that freedom and grace? [01:13:47]
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to trust Jesus with your life. What areas of your life are you hesitant to surrender to Him, and what steps can you take to trust Him more fully? [01:20:06]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional.
Quotes
"You see, the cross is central to our understanding of what Jesus did because the why of the cross is essential for us to understand as well. Why did Jesus go to the cross? Well, we know that Jesus came to earth to die. And there are two key words that we need to understand when it comes to what Jesus was doing on the cross and why the cross was necessary. See, Jesus went to the cross to pay the ransom for sinners." [01:00:34] (32 seconds)
"Redemption means buying back something that you already own. That's what redemption means. So just kind of think with me about what that might look like today. Imagine somebody stole your phone and sold it to somebody else. But you hadn't put the thing that your phone had been like stolen yet. You actually used to find my phone and you went and found your phone. And you bought it back from that person. That's the idea of redemption. God bought his people back at the cross." [01:01:13] (37 seconds)
"Now, I know a lot of us don't like this idea of God being angry. We're like, shouldn't God just be nice all the time? Like, shouldn't he just be a version of Santa Claus? Just jolly all the time. But the Bible tells us that God is angry at sin and at the brokenness of the world, which is something that is really good. Because I talk to people all the time who are going through tragedy, and they go, where is God? Does God not care that this terrible thing is happening?" [01:02:56] (30 seconds)
"God is angry because he loves. And you do this all the time too. When you're passionate about something, your emotions flare. When you love somebody greatly, anger can be a part of the equation. For example, when my children fight and one hits the other, which may or may not happen sometimes. Hey, listen, your kids probably do it too. Don't look at me like mine are crazy, okay? But when that may or may not happen, guess who gets angry? Me!" [01:03:40] (36 seconds)
"You can not have the gospel without the cross. It is the instrument of God's love for his people. Look with me at Romans chapter 8 verse 5. You see this very clearly. Romans 8, Romans 5 verse 6 says, for while we were still helpless at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. So what that means is like you couldn't save yourself, you were helpless, Christ died for you." [01:05:01] (28 seconds)
"That's what the gospel says. It says, man, you were not a good person, although maybe somebody would die for a good person, but while you were sinners, which by the way the Bible tells us sin is rebellion against God. Saying, God, we want your stuff. We don't want you. That's ultimately what sin is. God, we love you. I have the people you created, the stuff you created, the planet you created, but we don't want you in it. It's rebellion. Cosmic treason." [01:05:50] (31 seconds)
"And God's wrath was turned aside. That's the idea of propitiation. That the blood of Jesus that he shed on the cross now covers us so that when God looks upon those who believe that Jesus Christ can and will save them, that when God looks upon you, if you choose to make that decision, which some of you will have an opportunity to make a decision like that today if you've never made one." [01:06:23] (25 seconds)
"At the cross, Jesus says, you don't have the resources to pay it. I'm paying it for you. That's the power of the cross. In fact, Colossians 2 .14 says, he erased the certificate of debt with its obligations that was against us and opposed to us and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. That's what Jesus accomplished. And he said, it is finished." [01:14:42] (33 seconds)
"Why do we still think I need to be perfect in order to get to heaven? Why do we still feel like we have an open loop with our baggage? Why do we feel the anxiety of our sin? Perhaps it's because we've never really fully trusted Christ with all of it. Listen, you can be religious. You can be somebody who claims to be a Baptist in the South or a Christian or just somebody who believes in God and never actually take the step of trusting God with your guilt and with your shame." [01:15:18] (39 seconds)
"And the thing that you think that will disqualify you from coming close to God. You may be feeling like, hey listen, I'm here. I'm just glad the walls didn't come down in on me. Or if my spouse ever found this out about me, they would leave me. Or if anybody really knew what I'm really like, I would never be loved again. Listen, all of us have baggage. All of us do. There are no perfect people in this room or in any room." [01:15:50] (27 seconds)
"Listen, if you prayed that prayer, you need to tell somebody. And I would love for you to tell me first. So if you want to tell somebody, just so we can help you, walk with you, you can talk to me after the service. But if you have the courage to do it right now, just raise your hand if you prayed that prayer. I'd love to see it just so we can help you and our team can help you. Anybody? I see you. Anybody else? I see you in the back. I see you. Anybody else? Made that choice. I'm saying it's finished. Maybe for the first time." [01:20:59] (30 seconds)
"As we're leaving This morning's worship gathering I just wanted to give you One last opportunity To trust Jesus Christ You know The idea of trusting God Is sometimes A scary thing Because it means That we're not In control anymore But that's the point Jesus knows us Better than anybody else And part of our condition As people who are far from God Is that we're putting our trust In other people Or other things Rather than the God Who made us and created us And following Jesus Comes down to this decision Of saying I'm not in charge anymore I need to trust Jesus With my life With everything I've ever done All the times I've messed up All the times I've trusted other things And put my trust firmly On Jesus Christ" [01:33:13] (44 seconds)
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