The Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross

Lessons

In this engaging and enlightening series, Doug Welch, a seasoned New Testament faculty member at Ozark Christian College, takes participants on a deep dive into the profound message of the cross. With compassion and wisdom, he addresses the struggles and uncertainties faced by many Christians, providing clarity and understanding on the true nature of salvation. By unraveling the significance of the final seven statements uttered by Jesus on the cross, Welch guides individuals on a transformative journey from ignorance to empathy, failure to hope, isolation to family, abandonment to confidence, weakness to control, ambition to contentment, and ultimately, surrendering their lives into the hands of God. Through each session, participants will be equipped to navigate the complexities of their faith, discover renewed purpose, and experience the profound freedom that comes from embracing the way of the cross.

Session 1

Father, Forgive Them: From Ignorance to Empathy

What does it mean to grow in Christ? How to live in the way of Christ? What exactly Jesus is saving us from? How does Jesus free us from this ignorance?

Session 2

Today You Will be With Me: From Failure to Hope

To be on the cross is to be a failure. It was to be shamed. The cross enables us to be honest with ourselves - here we can be honest about our failures. But Jesus is setting us free from the shame of our failures. We have been reconciled to God through Him.

Session 3

Woman, Behold Your Son: From Isolation to Family

It might seem that the Way of the Cross is a very lonely journey. That’s often how we describe it. Jesus seems to be entirely alone on the cross, but, surprisingly, in other ways, He isn’t. In the midst of this isolating world, what kind of relationships can God’s people encourage? This session discusses how we are a family of disciples, taking this road trip together, following Jesus on the Way of the Cross.

Session 4

My God, My God: From Abandonment to Confidence

This session will cover what silence can do. It’s adding insult to injury but Jesus gives us confidence that He is participating with us in our suffering which we also need to do for one another.

Session 5

I Thirst: From Weakness to Control

The cross shows us that Jesus is weak., His body is failing and He needs help. But the paradox to this, He’s also completely in control. Whenever we feel weak and limited we try to see it from God’s point of view and see how all those limitations become opportunities for God to show us how we can trust Him, how we can depend on Him, and how He can use your frailty for His glory.

Session 6

It Is Finished: From Ambition to Contentment

Jesus says, “It is finished.” He has done it. He, no one else. But why are we so busy when it is already finished - when Jesus has already accomplished everything we really need for life and hope?

Session 7

Into Your Hand I Commit

This is the last saying of Jesus on the cross. And it’s a perfect way of summarizing Jesus’ life. But how intentionally do we really live? Are we really taking the long view with life, and maintaining a focus, a consistent direction? Or, are we just kind of wandering around, trying to just make it through today?