Study Files.zip

Study Files

Session 2 Video

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.

Classroom

- We shouldn’t want to be taking this journey — talking about being disciples in the way of the Cross through the 7 words of Jesus from the cross.
   - I don’t think we really fully appreciate what crucifixion meant in the time of Jesus.
   - It’s obviously a means of execution — but it’s more than that.
   - Generally, the Romans saved crucifixion for those they wanted to make an example of — specifically in a political way. It was generally reserved for those who were rebelling against Rome or inciting others to rebel.
   - So for these failed rebels, the Romans would execute them in a public way — outside the city along a major road, with a sign over the criminal’s head stating what they did.
   - It was basically Rome’s way of saying “Don’t mess with us. This is what happens to those who mess with us.”

- So 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.
   - Somehow, someway, that failed rebel saw victory when others only saw defeat. Saw a  coronation to a Kingdom when others only saw shame.
   - He understood (how? No idea) — the hopeful aspect of the Kingdom — that what God is doing in the world requires trust, it requires the kind of hope that sees beyond present suffering.

- And to this failed rebel, Jesus says the 2nd word from the cross: “Today, you will be with me in 
paradise.”
    - This word teaches us that Jesus is setting us free from the shame of our failures
   - In Romans 5:6-11 Paul reminds us who we used to be — here are the words he uses for us: “powerless,” “ungodly,” “sinner,” and “enemy.”
   - But it’s failures like us that God is restoring and reconciling to Himself

- And to that one failed rebel, that hope came “Today!”
  - The difference between a wish and a hope is how it affects you right now in the present.
   - We have been reconciled to God.

- We cannot bring about paradise by ourselves, despite how well things might be going at the moment.

Session 2

Venue

Sections

Downloads

About

Classroom Instructions

Classroom Instructions