Grow Groups: The Crucifixion

Luke 23:33–34 NKJV

33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

We are entering into the Easter season. We celebrate the resurrection of Christ every year, but His death, burial, and resurrection effects our daily life.

After living on earth for more than thirty-three years, Jesus fulfilled His assignment from God— to die on the cross for our sins. After being betrayed, denied, tried in court, beaten beyond recognition, Jesus hung on the Cross.

While on the Cross, people mocked His humiliation but He still displayed His love for them by asking the Father to forgive them.

One author describes the Cross this way:

Luke Pilate Hands Jesus Over to Be Crucified / 23:13–25 / 232

WHAT DOES THE CROSS MEAN?

The Cross is …

Reference

A place of ransom—Jesus made the payment for believers’ debt of sin.

Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 9:15

A place of substitution—Jesus took the punishment that everyone deserves.

John 6:51; Romans 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21

A place of propitiation—Jesus’ perfect sacrifice removed God’s punishment from those who believe.

Romans 3:25

A place of victory—Jesus’ sacrifice defeated Satan’s hold on humanity.

John 3:14–15; 8:28; 12:31–32; 18:32

A place of beginning—Jesus’ shed blood began the church.

Acts 20:28

A place of ending—Jesus’ sacrifice ended all other sacrifices for sin.

Hebrews 8–10

A place of separation—Jesus’ death is the basis on which God sets apart a people to be a holy community.

1 Peter 1:2, 18–25; 2:1–11

A place of mediation—Jesus became mediator between sinful humanity and holy God.

Galatians 3:13, 19–20

A place of reconciliation—Jesus reconciled God and sinners, and reconciled Jews and Gentiles

What does the Cross mean to you?

What does forgiveness mean to you?

How has your life changed because of the Cross?

Let’s pray and thank God for the Cross.

How can our Grow Group pray for you?