Beyond the Weekend: Road to Resurrection
The Passion of Jesus defines the events leading up to Easter and is the biggest holiday season celebrated by Christians around the world. The milestones of this season include Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, Good Friday, and Easter. But why do the events of Jesus’ Passion matter? Do they even have significance in our lives today?
In this 3-week series ROAD TO RESURRECTION leading up to Easter, Sr. Pastor Aaron Buer will teach about the biblical and cultural significance of the events of Jesus’ Passion and share the impact of Jesus’ sacrifice for our eternity.
Week 1: Matthew 21:1-11
Week 2: Matthew 27:45-53
Week 3: Luke 24:13-35
The Cross
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:31
Read: Matthew 27:32-53 Listen: Matthew 27
TODAY'S MESSAGE
Good Friday and Easter are the central elements of the Bible. The books of the Bible either look forward to the cross or look back at it. The Old Testament is primarily a story of longing for the promised Messiah. The New Testament starts with the story of Jesus and primarily shows the implications of the cross for Jesus's followers. The crucifixion is the central event of humanity.
Today, it seems like crosses are everywhere—cross necklaces, t-shirts, tattoos, and friendship bracelets. Part of this is because of how significant the cross is. There’s also a downside to the cross being everywhere. We can take it for granted, or even worse, it can become a cultural symbol without real meaning. This week calls us to remember the life-changing nature of the cross. It’s not something we should ever get over or move past. What Jesus did on the cross should regularly awaken us to a depth of gratitude and love for God, leading to obedience and trust in him. The cross of Jesus offers forgiveness, righteousness and restoration. We have no greater need than that.
TODAY: Commit to focusing on the amazing gift of Jesus’s willingness to go to the cross. Consider how you can incorporate times of gratitude and reflection for the forgiveness, righteousness and restoration offered through the cross into your routine going forward.
JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Read Hosea 6-7. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note details that may allude to Jesus’s resurrection.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
