The Cross of Christ
This study is for anyone who needs gratitude and conviction for God’s saving us in Christ
Theme: Jesus suffering on the cross
Purpose: To produce gratitude and conviction for God’s saving us in Christ
Introduction
Jesus said that once he was “lifted up” he would draw all men to himself (John 12:32). The power of the Cross to transform someone’s attitude and life should not be underestimated! The aim: to produce conviction and gratitude for God’s saving us in Christ. Note: ask your friend to read Matthew 26-27 in advance. The heart of our message is lost when we rely on our own human wisdom, make baptism the main issue (1 Corinthians 1:17-18), or fail to focus on the cross. As Christians we should be moved by Christ’s death. Make sure you have conviction when leading the study, and don’t be afraid to show your emotions.
Main Study
- Matthew 26:39 Jesus had a choice, and he chose to die for us.
- Matthew 27:46 We are “Barabbas”!
- 1 Peter 2:24 “Die to sins, live for righteousness” is our response to the cross.
- You'll read the Medical Account for the next study
- • Acts 2:36-37 The cross cuts us to the heart, producing a readiness to obey God.
Christ died for our sins. Analogies:
Soldier: A soldier dives onto a grenade about to explode. In dying, he saves his fellow soldiers from certain death.
Train: The little boy was playing on the railroad tracks, unbeknownst to his father. By the time the father noticed him, it was too late: he looked with horror as he saw two passenger trains speeding towards each other from different directions; they were on a collision course! The only way to prevent the collision was to redirect one of the trains off onto another track, where the boy was playing. The father had to act fast—it was only seconds before the collision, but he loved his son! What did he do? He threw the switch, saved the passengers, but in doing so he sacrificed his little boy’s life. God threw the switch. It was the only way to save us. He watched his son die for our sins. Yet most of the world carries on along its selfish course, unaware and unappreciative of the sacrifice that God made for us.
Matthew’s account (shorter version, Mark 15:16-39)
- 26:36-46: Jesus is dreading the cross—prays for the right attitude.
- 26:66-68: Beaten, mocked.
- 26:69-75: Denied. Have you ever denied Jesus? (Luke 9:23).
- 27:26: Flogged.
- 27:27-31: Mocked, crowned with thorns, spat upon, beaten.
- 27:32: Crucified
- 27:46: Abandoned by God. He bore not only the punishment due us, but also the actual guilt.
- He was separated from God (Isaiah 59:2, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Matthew 26:36-46—Jesus had a choice: “drink the cup” or not; he chose to die for us.
- Matthew 27:46 (27:11-50)— Like Barabbas, we don’t deserve to be set free. Jesus bore our
- guilt.
Medical account:Become familiar with the Medical account. Read it several times to gain understanding.
Our personal response to the cross:
1 Peter 2:21-25 (additional: Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Die to sins and live for righteousness!
Do you have a personal response to the Cross?
Conclusion
Acts 2:22-38 (additional: Romans 5:6)—You are a sinner; you crucified Christ, you don’t deserve salvation.
The Cross always produces commitment in an open heart.
How are you going to respond? How should you respond?