The Cross and Resurrection Study Notes Summer 2018
The Cross and Resurrection Introduction to the series The world is full of books on the meaning of the cross and the meaning of the resurrection. In one sense this is not surprising because there is no more important event in all of human history. And yet despite all of the church s philosophising and debate over which is the most important aspect of the atonement or the resurrection, often our daily lives and behaviour seem largely unaffected. We argue about the meaning of words like justification and sanctification while happily omitting to forgive our brother or our sister! Each week this Life Group Series does two things to help us address this problem. Firstly, it re-connects the cross and the resurrection. Jesus died for us on the Friday and rose again for us on the Sunday The same weekend! The two go together. When we pull them apart they lose their power, therefore we will look at some of the many passages which show us the Good News of Jesus through the twin lenses of His death and resurrection. Secondly, rather than starting with the many wonderful outcomes of the cross and resurrection and working backwards, we will always work forwards from an aspect of who Jesus is to build a Christ-like picture of what his death and resurrection mean for the whole of creation and for you and me. Each study has a companion video please watch these on the New Life Baptist Church Northallerton YouTube channel; or our website www.nlbc.org.uk/homegroup-notes.
I. JESUS THE SON Watch the video found on NLBC s YouTube channel and our website Let s have a look at how Jesus explains that Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Man to Nicodemus: Jesus is the Son of Man: No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. John 3: 13-15 The Son of Man was Jesus favourite title for himself. This in itself tells us something amazing about God: He is comfortable in our skin! Think about it. Jesus, the Son of Man, the Second person of the Trinity, has become a human being for all of eternity. He is the Last Adam who conquered everything this life and death had to throw at him and consequently God has blessed him with an upgrade, the Human Being Mark II version we all long for. Philippians 2: 5-11 1. Pick one or two passages from the Bible which describe the suffering of Jesus. How does Jesus identification with the human condition help? 2 2. Does our faith depend on the bodily resurrection of Jesus? See Luke 9:22. What other scriptures can you find to support this? What physical aspects of the resurrection are you looking forward to? What scriptures help us to recalibrate our hope to a more physical understanding of eternal life? PTO
3 3. Nicodemus didn t fully understand but he understood enough to care for the body of Christ on Good Friday. Who is the Lord calling you to reach out and care for in the body of Christ today? Jesus is the Son of God: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God s one and only Son. John 3:16-18 1. What does this teach us about the Father heart of God? Think together about what it cost the Father and the Son to deliver the gift of eternal life My God My God, why have you forsaken me? Matt 27:46. How does that make you feel? 2. The world and whoever Discuss the global and personal nature of God s salvation. Has the evangelical church got the balance right? Is there more to being born again than just the sinner s prayer and if so what? 3. What does belief in the name of God s one and only Son look like in real life? How do we mind the gap between what we say we believe about God s Son and what we actually believe? Like Paul, what does it mean for us to be set apart for the gospel of God. See Romans 1: 1-4 What are the non-negotiables of our belief in terms of the death and resurrection of Christ and why? Glen Cormack
II. JESUS THE MESSIAH Watch the video found on NLBC s YouTube channel and our website This study will look at how Jesus responded to being proclaimed as the Messiah before and after his death, and also how the early church started to grasp the enormity of Jesus Messianic Mission. We pick up the story after the resurrection on the Emmaus Road. Read Luke 24: 13-49 Wouldn t it have been great to sit-in on Jesus illuminating OT bible study? 4 1. Pick out some prophetic passages from the OT which point to his suffering and his glory. God s people had poured over these scriptures for centuries, but they still needed the Lord to open their eyes to their meaning. What does this teach us about our own attempts? Ask the group to share some fresh insights the Lord has been showing them in His Word about Himself. 2. Luke 24: 13-24 Discuss the effect Jesus death had on them before they knew about the resurrection. What does the Apostle Paul say about the cruciality of the resurrection? 3. Have a look at Martha s Messianic conversation with Jesus in John 11. Martha clearly had great faith in Jesus. How does he flesh out her understanding of the resurrection and how does this encourage you today? PTO
5 4. Luke 24: 30-49 It wasn t until he broke bread with them gave thanks and shared their fish supper that the disciples recognised Jesus. Look back at the Last Supper and the feeding of the five thousand to see the memories that these meals would have brought flooding back. How do our own memories of Jesus sacrifice for us and his miracle work in our lives help us see the Messiah for who he truly is? Finally Compare Peter s pre-cross confession in Matthew 16: 13-23 with his post resurrection confession in 1 Peter 1: 3-11. Quite a contrast. What has he learned about the suffering and the glory of the Messiah and what it means for us? Glen Cormack
III. JESUS THE SAVIOUR Watch the video found on NLBC s YouTube channel and our website Read Luke 2: 8-12 There is a clue in this sign (the vulnerability of a new born baby) which hints that this Saviour/Messiah is going to do things differently. I think we are kidding ourselves however if we think we would have figured it out any better than God s people back then. No-one would have predicted how this story would end. Go to biblegateway.com and do a search for the word Saviour and look at some of the Old Testament references to God the Saviour. 1. What kind of Saviour would you have expected? 6 2. How does this image of a vulnerable Saviour help us today? Read Matthew 27: 38-44 3. Discuss the irony of this passage. Look back at John 2 where the quote comes from. God s people have a habit of squeezing God out of proceedings. Often we don t even notice we are doing it. We can even do it when we are debating which is the most important aspect of the Atonement! Now there s irony for you. Our Christology may well be on the money but if we fail to take up our cross and follow him we have completely missed the point. Look at one or two great Christian examples from history to inspire you to dream big salvation dreams for the Kingdom of God. PTO
7 The Apostle Paul is an interesting example. Initially he thought the death of Christ was good news not because of salvation but because Jesus was dead! Not only that he decided to spread this good news by killing lots of Jesus followers as well. It was only after Paul was confronted by the risen Christ that he started to see the good news of the cross in a different light. What a transformation in the man. He changed from being a cruel and vengeful person into one of the most pastoral and caring people that have ever walked this earth. 4. Explore 2 Timothy 1: 1-14 What are the clues in the passage which point us to why his purpose and character changed so dramatically? What implications does this have for us? Let s leave the last word to Jesus. Read Luke 9: 22-24 Why not use Jesus words to guide you in a time of prayer, laying down your lives afresh at the feet of the Saviour. Glen Cormack
IV. JESUS THE LORD Watch the video found on NLBC s YouTube channel and our website Pray: invite Jesus into your discussions tonight, and ask him to show you the wonder of his Lordship. 8 The term lord is not one we use in everyday non-religious speech these days, so before you go any further, it might be useful to begin by finding together out what you understand in general by the word lord. How comfortable are you with using it? We do in contrast very frequently use the word Lord in our Christian language: in worship songs and in our prayers; and all through the New Testament from the gospels to Revelation, Jesus is given the title Lord. But do we fully understand its significance? Do we sometimes use it simply as a label, part of his name Lord Jesus, in the same way as we might talk about Mr Smith? The word Lord in the New Testament is the Greek word Kyrios, which comes from the root word kuros which means authority, supremacy; so the word Lord implies someone who has power and authority. It is a title of honour, respect and reverence. Let s explore together what it means if Jesus is indeed our Lord; and how his crucifixion and resurrection has an impact on this. 1. Jesus is Lord over sin and death and over all creation Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. How do we see Jesus authority here? What is Paul s reaction and why does he react in this way? PTO
9 Read the description of the vision of heaven given to John, where we see the risen Christ, the Lamb who was slain, in Revelation 5:1-14. How do we see the authority and power of Jesus here? What reactions do we see to the Lamb? Who is reacting and why? What is your response to these two passages? 2. Jesus is our personal Lord Read John 20:24-29. How does Thomas s attitude change in this passage? Why does it change? The five words Thomas utters in verse 28 are simple but so full of impact. Explore what Thomas is saying to the risen crucified Jesus here. Share any times when you ve encountered Jesus in such a way that your reaction has been like that of Thomas. 3. Response Take some time to respond to Jesus personally and together as a
group. Perhaps you want to say that Jesus is your Lord for the first time; maybe you need to reaffirm this; maybe you aren t yet sure. Whatever your reaction talk to Jesus about it. 10 Jesus is Lord! O er sin the mighty conqueror, from death He rose and all His foes shall own His name. Jesus is Lord! God sends His Holy Spirit to show by works of power that Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord! Praise Him with Hallelujahs, for Jesus is Lord! Susanna Hinton PTO
V. JESUS THE REDEEMER Watch the video found on NLBC s YouTube channel and our website 11 We have been looking at Jesus and the work he accomplished in the Cross and Resurrection. We have looked at Jesus as Messiah, Saviour & Lord. Tonight we are looking at Jesus the Redeemer. In the intro video I shot in Assam, India, I spoke of a tribe leader from a head-hunting tribe who found Jesus after committing atrocities himself. His life was redeemed in a dramatic way but we have all been redeemed if we have found Jesus our Saviour. Redemption can be seen in two ways. (a) Setting free a prisoner by payment of a ransom. (b) Buying back something by paying the full price. Jesus is our Redeemer. He bought us back but he was also the ransom. His blood was the full payment. 1 Peter 1:18ff explains to us that our redemption was not a monetary thing that can be corrupted. Rather we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ - as of a lamb without blemish or spot. Peter then links this sacrificial blood on the cross, which was ordered before the world even began, with his resurrection from the dead so that our faith is in God. In the Old Testament there is a lovely prophetic picture of redemption in the story of Ruth & Boaz. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer who had to be both a close relative and had to pay the full price. Read Ruth chapter 4 There are many Old Testament Scriptures that look ahead to Christ the Redeemer. Isaiah 63:16 Job 19:25 Isaiah 49:26 In Luke 1:68 Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied the coming of the Redeemer.
Today we will concentrate on several verses in the New Testament which refer to Jesus our Redeemer. 12 1. Mark 10:45 talks about the ransom price of redemption in the context of service. What does that mean for us today? 2. Acts 20:28 shepherding the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. How can we model this? 3. Romans 8:2 for the law of the Spirit of Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin & death. What does it mean to be free? 4. Galatians 4:4 & 5 we were in bondage, now set free. His redemption gave us adoption as sons. What does that mean? 5. Ephesians 1:7 Redemption gives us forgiveness of sins but in 1:14 the Holy Spirit is our seed of a future redemption. What does that mean? PTO
13 6. 1 Timothy 2:6 Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all. Who are the all in Northallerton? What is the link between verse 6 and verse 7? 7. Titus 2:14 Redeemed - from every lawless deed; purified to be his own - zealous for good works. What are these good works? Our discussion, therefore, in this Lifegroup, reflecting on the Scriptures above, centres around this overall question: In Northallerton, and further afield, what does the Redemption of Jesus Christ mean for us and where does it lead us? God bless you today! Kingsley Armstrong
VI. JESUS THE PRIEST Watch the video found on NLBC s YouTube channel and our website. The word priest is widely used in the Bible and in many sections of the church today. What does it mean? How is a priest different, if at all, from any other church leaders a minister, pastor etc? Take a few minutes to share your first reaction thoughts. Don t get bogged down in complex theology and ecclesiology yet! 1. Priesthood in the Old Testament Melchizedek is the first named priest of the Living God (Genesis 14:15), but the role of priest in the tabernacle/temple is first fully laid out by God in Exodus 28 when Aaron (who was of the tribe of Levi, Exodus 4:4) is called to serve as priest. 14 What was special about the curtain of the tabernacle/ temple where the priest served (Leviticus 26:31-33)? Read/skim through Exodus 28-29 and Leviticus 8-9 which detail the clothing and the consecration/purification of the priest. Wherever you look in these chapters, there is blood: the role of the priest is inextricably linked to bloody sacrifice. This all seems very gruesome to us! What strikes you about the priest s garments? Why was Old Testament priesthood so tied up with bloody sacrifice? Hebrews 9:15-22 may give a useful perspective. But even with all this, the priest couldn t go into God s presence at will. PTO
15 What do Leviticus 10:1-3, 16:39 and 2 Chronicles 5:1-6 tell us about the separation between sinful man and a Holy God? What was the role of priest in this relationship? 2. Priesthood at the Cross and Resurrection The early Christian Jews, to whom the book of Hebrews was written, would have known of all this; and the writer presents the crucified and resurrected Jesus as the new and ultimate High Priest who ends the need for this treadmill of blood. What is special about the priesthood of Jesus? Why did we need a different kind of priest (Hebrews 10:1-8)? What was different about the sacrifice Jesus offered (Heb 7:26 28, 9:12, 9:19-26)? Why was his death and resurrection necessary? At the point of Jesus death on the cross, the temple curtain was torn in two, top to bottom, and the way to God was opened (Matt 27:51) What is the message of the torn curtain? Who tore it?
16 What does it mean for us today, that Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 9:13-15, 10:19-25)? 3. Spend some time giving thanks that our High Priest, the Resurrected Christ, is our once for all, Living Way to God! (Heb 10:19-24). You might like to use the words of the song At The Cross (YouTube version with lyrics here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=af-5ao2gyiy). Some of the words say: At the cross I bow my knee Where Your blood was shed for me There's no greater love than this You have overcome the grave Your glory fills the highest place What can separate me now? You tore the veil You made a way When You said that it is done Phil Hinton PTO
VII. JESUS THE KING Watch the video found on NLBC s YouTube channel and our website This study will help us consider Jesus the King and how he responded to others calling him King during the passion. At the beginning of this session, why not discuss what Jesus the King means to you? Is this a phrase you use to describe Jesus often or is it something you take as a given? Discuss this in your group for a few minutes. In order to consider Jesus the King, why not read Matthew 2:1-6 which is the account of the Magi looking for the King of the Jews. This passage shows us that from the very beginning of his life on earth, Jesus was and is the King. Considering Jesus had the title King even from birth, we can assume when standing before Pilate this was not a new occurrence. Try and find some other passages in scripture which describe Jesus as King. 1. Read Matthew 27: 11-14. This passage is the account of the interaction between Jesus & Pilate. Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. 17 Considering this passage, would you say there was a possibility Pilate believed Jesus to be King of the Jews? Think about what this would have meant to Pilate, especially in the light of what he was going to do next. 2. Read Matthew 27:27-31. In this passage, the soldiers mock Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head and staff in his hands. They hail Jesus as King of the Jews, while tormenting him. What was Jesus reaction to this? What can we learn from Jesus example here how we react to others trying to hurt or offend us?
18 3. Read Matthew 27:27-31. Once again Jesus is given the name King. This time Pilate proclaims his sovereignty writing a sign above the cross. How do you proclaim Jesus as sovereign of your life? Do others know Jesus is King of your life by your words and actions? Think about this in your group and discuss. 4. Read John 20:1-18. Discuss how Jesus is revealed as King over death and how this effects us today. 5. So often as Christians we claim Jesus as King of our lives, however it s not as simple as that. In order for Jesus to be truly king, we must hand over the kingdom of our hearts to him completely. Discuss areas of your life you find hard to hand over. Maybe take some time at the end to pray through those struggles you have shared. 6. EXTRA READING IF REQUIRED: Read John 19:1-16. The Jewish leaders are professing Caesar as King instead of God. What does this tell us about the Jewish leaders? What can we learn from this passage about Jesus as king of the lives of those who wanted him dead? Jen Holder PTO
Page Study Author 2 Jesus the Son Glen Cormack 4 Jesus the Messiah Glen Cormack 6 Jesus the Saviour Glen Cormack 8 Jesus the Lord Susanna Hinton 11 Jesus the Redeemer Kingsley Armstrong 14 Jesus the Priest Phil Hinton 17 Jesus the King Jen Holder New Life Baptist Church 52-54 High Street Northallerton DL7 8EG www.nlbc.org.uk info@nlbc.org.uk 01609 775396