Crucifixion and Resurrection

12-7-11

Key Points to Know  We deserve to die, but Jesus, an innocent and Holy King humbled Himself to death on a cross so that we could have eternal life. True life is found in obedient relationship with Jesus.
Key Passages
Matthew 27:11-56 Key Themes: 1.        Jesus traded himself for us (18-26) -Jesus an innocent man -Barabbas deserving of death -Jesus willing handed Himself over to be killed                 -didn’t defend himself 2.  The Humility of Jesus on Display(27-39) -suffered unjustly at the hands of men                 -publicly humiliated                 -innocent and holy identified as a criminal 3.  New Life, True Life comes from Death(40-56)                 -to redeem us Jesus had to die, gave his life willingly (v50)                 -life coming from death doesn’t make sense to us                                 -vs 43 we are meant to follow in Jesus footsteps, not promised an easy life                                 -new life out of our death, we need to do this but it requires our trust in God                 -v46 We will never be forsaken by God because Jesus did that for us                 -v52 new life comes from Jesus death(first born from among the dead Col 1)	Luke 24 Key Themes: 1.        Jesus is risen(1-12) -New life isn’t found in the payment for sin -we won’t ever experience the life Christ died for if we look for him among the dead (v5-6) 2.  Jesus is alive and with us (13-32)                 -Jesus desires us to live life with Him (v 15, 17)                 -Jesus wants to be at work in our lives                 -We can’t put life in proper perspective w/out Him(scriptures) v. 27, 32 3.  Jesus gives us(v 33-44)                 -Peace, freedom from the burden of sin (John 14:27)                                 -only comes from and through Jesus                 -Confidence, in Jesus Himself                                 -He’s for real                                 -He desires our trust                 -Real life                 -not burdened, distracted and without purpose                 -freedom and purpose found in Him Side notes: ·         V45: Desires our minds to be transformed.  Only happens when we allow Him to renew our minds through the power of His Word ·         Can’t truly understand the gospel apart from Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit 4.  Jesus Commands us (v 45-53)                 -To preach repentance in His name to all nations beginning with where we are                 -To go forth clothed with power from on high
Reflective Discussion Questions: 1.        How do we remind ourselves about the truth of Jesus sacrifice on the cross? Why he had to die? 2.       How do we maintain an attitude of humility knowing Christ humbled himself and that an innocent man died in our place? 3.       Is it necessary for us to know that we deserve to die? 4.       What does it mean to follow Jesus in death? 5.       Why is it hard to follow Jesus in death? 6.       How can we encourage ourselves and each other to die to self and trust Jesus with our lives? 7.       How do we interact with Jesus in our daily lives? 8.       How can we treat Jesus like a living person in our life instead of a machine or thing 9.       How can we make Jesus a bigger part of our lives? 10.   Do you have a tendency to continue returning to sin and living as a slave instead of living as a free person? 11.   What does it mean to live with the peace Jesus wants to give us? 12.   How do we show Jesus we trust Him? 13.   Are we obeying God's command to preach repentance? 14.   What does it mean to preach repentance? 15.   How are we preaching repentance in our daily lives? 16.   Where and who are we preaching repentance to?
Application
Individual Challenge 1.  How would my life be different if I treated Jesus like a real person in my life and trusted Him enough to obey Him?
Community Challenge 1.  How could our small group impact our community if we held each other accountable for preaching repentance?