God as Redeemer God as Redeemer Lección # 3: Lección # 3:

Key Text:

“ ‘“ ‘Worthy is the Lamb who Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and strength and honor and glory and blessing!’ ” glory and blessing!’ ” (Revelation 5:12, NKJV).

Key Thought: Key Thought: The Triune God is our Creator and The Triune God is our Creator and Redeemer.Redeemer.

Closely related to God as Closely related to God as Creator is His role as our Creator is His role as our Redeemer. Sin is so bad, Redeemer. Sin is so bad, so hostile to the created so hostile to the created world, that only the Crea-world, that only the Crea-tor Himself could solve tor Himself could solve the problem. the problem.

““But now in Christ Jesus But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off you who once were far off have been brought near have been brought near by the blood of Christ” by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13, NKJV). (Eph. 2:13, NKJV).

It is not through works, nor through anything we could ever It is not through works, nor through anything we could ever do, but it is through His grace, manifest at the Cross that we as do, but it is through His grace, manifest at the Cross that we as sinners can be redeemed by the Lord and be “sinners can be redeemed by the Lord and be “brought near”brought near” to to Him. Christ bore God’s wrath so that none of us would ever, Him. Christ bore God’s wrath so that none of us would ever, ideally, have to. ideally, have to.

Closely related to God as Closely related to God as Creator is His role as our Creator is His role as our Redeemer. Sin is so bad, Redeemer. Sin is so bad, so hostile to the created so hostile to the created world, that only the Crea-world, that only the Crea-tor Himself could solve tor Himself could solve the problem. the problem.

““But now in Christ Jesus But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off you who once were far off have been brought near have been brought near by the blood of Christ” by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13, NKJV). (Eph. 2:13, NKJV).

It is not through works, nor through anything we could ever It is not through works, nor through anything we could ever do, but it is through His grace, manifest at the Cross that we as do, but it is through His grace, manifest at the Cross that we as sinners can be redeemed by the Lord and be “sinners can be redeemed by the Lord and be “brought near”brought near” to to Him. Christ bore God’s wrath so that none of us would ever, Him. Christ bore God’s wrath so that none of us would ever, ideally, have to. ideally, have to.

Paul also tells the church Paul also tells the church in Corinth that in Corinth that “the message “the message of the cross is foolishness to of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it to us who are being saved it is the power of God” is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18, NKJV). (1 Cor. 1:18, NKJV).

The scandal of the Cross is that it appears so absurd: God, The scandal of the Cross is that it appears so absurd: God, the infinite, holy Creator, becomes a sacrifice for the sake of the infinite, holy Creator, becomes a sacrifice for the sake of twisted human souls, even His avowed enemies, taking upon twisted human souls, even His avowed enemies, taking upon Himself the penalty for their sins so that they wouldn’t have to Himself the penalty for their sins so that they wouldn’t have to face that penalty themselves! The atonement is so deep, so face that penalty themselves! The atonement is so deep, so heavy, so profound, that we grasp only what we can. Beyond heavy, so profound, that we grasp only what we can. Beyond that, thinking stops, and all we can do is worship. that, thinking stops, and all we can do is worship.

Paul also tells the church Paul also tells the church in Corinth that in Corinth that “the message “the message of the cross is foolishness to of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it to us who are being saved it is the power of God” is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18, NKJV). (1 Cor. 1:18, NKJV).

The scandal of the Cross is that it appears so absurd: God, The scandal of the Cross is that it appears so absurd: God, the infinite, holy Creator, becomes a sacrifice for the sake of the infinite, holy Creator, becomes a sacrifice for the sake of twisted human souls, even His avowed enemies, taking upon twisted human souls, even His avowed enemies, taking upon Himself the penalty for their sins so that they wouldn’t have to Himself the penalty for their sins so that they wouldn’t have to face that penalty themselves! The atonement is so deep, so face that penalty themselves! The atonement is so deep, so heavy, so profound, that we grasp only what we can. Beyond heavy, so profound, that we grasp only what we can. Beyond that, thinking stops, and all we can do is worship. that, thinking stops, and all we can do is worship.

1.-1.-At the CrossAt the Cross “But God com-mendeth his

love toward us, in that, while we

were yet sinners, Christ

died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

What is this text saying to us?

“But God com-mendeth his

love toward us, in that, while we

were yet sinners, Christ

died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

What is this text saying to us?

At the cross, in the most humiliating, inconceivable manner At the cross, in the most humiliating, inconceivable manner imaginable, God triumphs over and shames the enemy. Love, imaginable, God triumphs over and shames the enemy. Love, justice, and compassion fuse in a singular dynamic act. God justice, and compassion fuse in a singular dynamic act. God forgives sinners by paying in Himself the price of sin and forgives sinners by paying in Himself the price of sin and absorbing into His own suffering Self the penalty of that sin. absorbing into His own suffering Self the penalty of that sin. On Calvary, God reveals how extremely costly forgiveness is.On Calvary, God reveals how extremely costly forgiveness is.

At the cross, in the most humiliating, inconceivable manner At the cross, in the most humiliating, inconceivable manner imaginable, God triumphs over and shames the enemy. Love, imaginable, God triumphs over and shames the enemy. Love, justice, and compassion fuse in a singular dynamic act. God justice, and compassion fuse in a singular dynamic act. God forgives sinners by paying in Himself the price of sin and forgives sinners by paying in Himself the price of sin and absorbing into His own suffering Self the penalty of that sin. absorbing into His own suffering Self the penalty of that sin. On Calvary, God reveals how extremely costly forgiveness is.On Calvary, God reveals how extremely costly forgiveness is.

Christ didn’t die in order to Christ didn’t die in order to create love in God’s heart for us. create love in God’s heart for us. No, Jesus insists that the No, Jesus insists that the Father’s love is the source, not Father’s love is the source, not the consequence, of the the consequence, of the atonement atonement (John 3:16, 17). (John 3:16, 17). God God doesn’t love us because Christ doesn’t love us because Christ died for us; Christ died for us died for us; Christ died for us because God loved us. The because God loved us. The atonement of Christ was not atonement of Christ was not offered to persuade the Father to offered to persuade the Father to love those whom He otherwise love those whom He otherwise hated. The death of Christ did hated. The death of Christ did not bring forth a love that was not bring forth a love that was not already in existence. Rather, not already in existence. Rather, it was a manifestation of the love it was a manifestation of the love that was eternally in God’s heart. that was eternally in God’s heart. Jesus never had to persuade the Jesus never had to persuade the Father to love us.Father to love us. Notice how He Notice how He insists on this truth in insists on this truth in John 3:16, John 3:16, 17; 16:26, 27. 17; 16:26, 27.

Christ didn’t die in order to Christ didn’t die in order to create love in God’s heart for us. create love in God’s heart for us. No, Jesus insists that the No, Jesus insists that the Father’s love is the source, not Father’s love is the source, not the consequence, of the the consequence, of the atonement atonement (John 3:16, 17). (John 3:16, 17). God God doesn’t love us because Christ doesn’t love us because Christ died for us; Christ died for us died for us; Christ died for us because God loved us. The because God loved us. The atonement of Christ was not atonement of Christ was not offered to persuade the Father to offered to persuade the Father to love those whom He otherwise love those whom He otherwise hated. The death of Christ did hated. The death of Christ did not bring forth a love that was not bring forth a love that was not already in existence. Rather, not already in existence. Rather, it was a manifestation of the love it was a manifestation of the love that was eternally in God’s heart. that was eternally in God’s heart. Jesus never had to persuade the Jesus never had to persuade the Father to love us.Father to love us. Notice how He Notice how He insists on this truth in insists on this truth in John 3:16, John 3:16, 17; 16:26, 27. 17; 16:26, 27.

The real tragedy is that we The real tragedy is that we have lost much of the have lost much of the knowledge of God, against knowledge of God, against whom we have sinned. We whom we have sinned. We do not even feel that we have do not even feel that we have much to repent of, because much to repent of, because we’re not always sure about we’re not always sure about just how much we have just how much we have offended God with our sins. offended God with our sins. We can become dull to just We can become dull to just how bad sin really is. Modern how bad sin really is. Modern religious sentimentality often religious sentimentality often minimizes repugnance minimizes repugnance toward sin. And because sin toward sin. And because sin doesn’t anger us anymore, doesn’t anger us anymore, perhaps it becomes harder perhaps it becomes harder to realize that sin arouses to realize that sin arouses the wrath of a Holy God.the wrath of a Holy God.

Paul is not Paul is not afraid to afraid to discuss the discuss the wrath of wrath of God. How God. How does he does he express it in express it in Romans Romans 1:181:18??

This strong statement sets the tone for the This strong statement sets the tone for the lengthy treatment of the universal sway of sin on lengthy treatment of the universal sway of sin on which Paul continues to elaborate for the next which Paul continues to elaborate for the next two chapters two chapters (through (through Romans 3:20).Romans 3:20).

This strong statement sets the tone for the This strong statement sets the tone for the lengthy treatment of the universal sway of sin on lengthy treatment of the universal sway of sin on which Paul continues to elaborate for the next which Paul continues to elaborate for the next two chapters two chapters (through (through Romans 3:20).Romans 3:20).

An astounding aspect of the gospel is the fact that God is both An astounding aspect of the gospel is the fact that God is both the victor over our sin and the victim of it. And, as a result of the victor over our sin and the victim of it. And, as a result of this dual role, our holy God can keep His covenant with sinful this dual role, our holy God can keep His covenant with sinful

covenant breakers. covenant breakers. God’s love does not lead to a bland God’s love does not lead to a bland tolerance of sin and evil but to a triumphant victory over it. tolerance of sin and evil but to a triumphant victory over it. It is It is precisely because God is love that He opposes sin and evil, for precisely because God is love that He opposes sin and evil, for

these realities corrupt and destroy His beloved children. The these realities corrupt and destroy His beloved children. The death that God endured on the cross is the price His love pays death that God endured on the cross is the price His love pays

for taking sin seriously while still loving sinners. for taking sin seriously while still loving sinners.

An astounding aspect of the gospel is the fact that God is both An astounding aspect of the gospel is the fact that God is both the victor over our sin and the victim of it. And, as a result of the victor over our sin and the victim of it. And, as a result of this dual role, our holy God can keep His covenant with sinful this dual role, our holy God can keep His covenant with sinful

covenant breakers. covenant breakers. God’s love does not lead to a bland God’s love does not lead to a bland tolerance of sin and evil but to a triumphant victory over it. tolerance of sin and evil but to a triumphant victory over it. It is It is precisely because God is love that He opposes sin and evil, for precisely because God is love that He opposes sin and evil, for

these realities corrupt and destroy His beloved children. The these realities corrupt and destroy His beloved children. The death that God endured on the cross is the price His love pays death that God endured on the cross is the price His love pays

for taking sin seriously while still loving sinners. for taking sin seriously while still loving sinners.

How seriously do you How seriously do you take the sin in your take the sin in your

life? And what life? And what criteria do you use to criteria do you use to justify your answer?justify your answer?

How seriously do you How seriously do you take the sin in your take the sin in your

life? And what life? And what criteria do you use to criteria do you use to justify your answer?justify your answer?

REFLECTION:REFLECTION:

When is the first When is the first promise of salvation promise of salvation given, and what does given, and what does it mean? it mean? Gen. 3:15.Gen. 3:15.

When is the first When is the first promise of salvation promise of salvation given, and what does given, and what does it mean? it mean? Gen. 3:15.Gen. 3:15.

The language here is striking. Adam and Eve have sinned. Now The language here is striking. Adam and Eve have sinned. Now the great controversy is announced to them through the strong the great controversy is announced to them through the strong

language of language of “enmity” “enmity” between two opposing sides. between two opposing sides. This is a This is a precious promise for human hearts now attracted to sin. precious promise for human hearts now attracted to sin. We We

are also assured that this major conflict will not be eternal, for are also assured that this major conflict will not be eternal, for the head of the enemy will one day be crushed. In these verses, the head of the enemy will one day be crushed. In these verses, not only is the great controversy first revealed, but we also are not only is the great controversy first revealed, but we also are

told how it is going to end.told how it is going to end.

The language here is striking. Adam and Eve have sinned. Now The language here is striking. Adam and Eve have sinned. Now the great controversy is announced to them through the strong the great controversy is announced to them through the strong

language of language of “enmity” “enmity” between two opposing sides. between two opposing sides. This is a This is a precious promise for human hearts now attracted to sin. precious promise for human hearts now attracted to sin. We We

are also assured that this major conflict will not be eternal, for are also assured that this major conflict will not be eternal, for the head of the enemy will one day be crushed. In these verses, the head of the enemy will one day be crushed. In these verses, not only is the great controversy first revealed, but we also are not only is the great controversy first revealed, but we also are

told how it is going to end.told how it is going to end.

2.-The Gospel in The Gospel in the Old Testamentthe Old Testament

Paul took courage from Paul took courage from Genesis 3:15Genesis 3:15. How does . How does he express it in he express it in Romans Romans 16:2016:20? What point is he ? What point is he making?making?

In In Genesis 22:1–19Genesis 22:1–19, Moses , Moses also narrates an amazingly also narrates an amazingly graphic atonement picture. graphic atonement picture. What can we learn about What can we learn about the future atonement of the future atonement of Christ from this narrative?Christ from this narrative?

Note the many mentions of Note the many mentions of “father and son”“father and son” and how the two and how the two go to the mountain of sacrifice together. The son carries the go to the mountain of sacrifice together. The son carries the wood and the father the instruments of sacrifice (fire and wood and the father the instruments of sacrifice (fire and knife). Isaac, much younger than his father, could have knife). Isaac, much younger than his father, could have overpowered Abraham on the mountain of sacrifice. But, overpowered Abraham on the mountain of sacrifice. But, instead, we see two miracles: the father yielding his son, and instead, we see two miracles: the father yielding his son, and the son yielding his life. the son yielding his life.

Note the many mentions of Note the many mentions of “father and son”“father and son” and how the two and how the two go to the mountain of sacrifice together. The son carries the go to the mountain of sacrifice together. The son carries the wood and the father the instruments of sacrifice (fire and wood and the father the instruments of sacrifice (fire and knife). Isaac, much younger than his father, could have knife). Isaac, much younger than his father, could have overpowered Abraham on the mountain of sacrifice. But, overpowered Abraham on the mountain of sacrifice. But, instead, we see two miracles: the father yielding his son, and instead, we see two miracles: the father yielding his son, and the son yielding his life. the son yielding his life.

What a powerful representation What a powerful representation of the sacrificial death of Christ of the sacrificial death of Christ on our behalf. The scene, howe-on our behalf. The scene, howe-ver powerful and moving, was ver powerful and moving, was only a tiny foretaste of the time only a tiny foretaste of the time when—centuries later—another when—centuries later—another Father would offer His Son. This Father would offer His Son. This time, however, there would be time, however, there would be no animal to die instead of the no animal to die instead of the son. The Son Himself would die son. The Son Himself would die on the altar. The Father would on the altar. The Father would truly give up His Son, and the truly give up His Son, and the Son would give His life. Son would give His life.

There, on Mount Moriah, the world has been presented with There, on Mount Moriah, the world has been presented with a very powerful picture (but still only a picture) of the plan of a very powerful picture (but still only a picture) of the plan of salvation and what it cost to redeem fallen humanity from salvation and what it cost to redeem fallen humanity from the ruin of sin.the ruin of sin.

What a powerful representation What a powerful representation of the sacrificial death of Christ of the sacrificial death of Christ on our behalf. The scene, howe-on our behalf. The scene, howe-ver powerful and moving, was ver powerful and moving, was only a tiny foretaste of the time only a tiny foretaste of the time when—centuries later—another when—centuries later—another Father would offer His Son. This Father would offer His Son. This time, however, there would be time, however, there would be no animal to die instead of the no animal to die instead of the son. The Son Himself would die son. The Son Himself would die on the altar. The Father would on the altar. The Father would truly give up His Son, and the truly give up His Son, and the Son would give His life. Son would give His life.

There, on Mount Moriah, the world has been presented with There, on Mount Moriah, the world has been presented with a very powerful picture (but still only a picture) of the plan of a very powerful picture (but still only a picture) of the plan of salvation and what it cost to redeem fallen humanity from salvation and what it cost to redeem fallen humanity from the ruin of sin.the ruin of sin.

3.- 3.- Salvation in IsaiahSalvation in Isaiah3.- 3.- Salvation in IsaiahSalvation in Isaiah On the famous road to On the famous road to Emmaus, Jesus taught Emmaus, Jesus taught

the two despairing the two despairing disciples about the disciples about the

atonement from atonement from “Moses “Moses and all the prophets” and all the prophets”

(Luke 24:27).(Luke 24:27). What What prophetic materials prophetic materials

might Jesus have might Jesus have included in His study of included in His study of

the atonement?the atonement?

On the famous road to On the famous road to Emmaus, Jesus taught Emmaus, Jesus taught

the two despairing the two despairing disciples about the disciples about the

atonement from atonement from “Moses “Moses and all the prophets” and all the prophets”

(Luke 24:27).(Luke 24:27). What What prophetic materials prophetic materials

might Jesus have might Jesus have included in His study of included in His study of

the atonement?the atonement?

It’s very likely that Isaiah was among the prophets to It’s very likely that Isaiah was among the prophets to whom Jesus would have referred. Read whom Jesus would have referred. Read Isaiah 53Isaiah 53, which , which describes the describes the “Suffering Servant.” “Suffering Servant.” Describe the details Describe the details included there that help you to more fully grasp the included there that help you to more fully grasp the amazing atonement of Christ.amazing atonement of Christ.

It’s very likely that Isaiah was among the prophets to It’s very likely that Isaiah was among the prophets to whom Jesus would have referred. Read whom Jesus would have referred. Read Isaiah 53Isaiah 53, which , which describes the describes the “Suffering Servant.” “Suffering Servant.” Describe the details Describe the details included there that help you to more fully grasp the included there that help you to more fully grasp the amazing atonement of Christ.amazing atonement of Christ.

Although so much exists in this chapter, one point stands out Although so much exists in this chapter, one point stands out more than anything else, and that is the substitutionary role of more than anything else, and that is the substitutionary role of the Suffering Servant. Notice all the the Suffering Servant. Notice all the times that He is paying the price times that He is paying the price for the sins of others. Again for the sins of others. Again and again this theme and again this theme appears, and what appears, and what it teaches is that it teaches is that at the heart of at the heart of salvation, of salvation, of atonement, is the atonement, is the death of Jesus on our death of Jesus on our behalf. As sinners who behalf. As sinners who have violated God’s law, we can have violated God’s law, we can do nothing to make ourselves right with God. All of our good do nothing to make ourselves right with God. All of our good works cannot bridge the gap between us and God. The only way works cannot bridge the gap between us and God. The only way to save us was for Jesus to pay the penalty in our stead and then to save us was for Jesus to pay the penalty in our stead and then offer us His perfect righteousness, which we claim by faith. offer us His perfect righteousness, which we claim by faith.

Although so much exists in this chapter, one point stands out Although so much exists in this chapter, one point stands out more than anything else, and that is the substitutionary role of more than anything else, and that is the substitutionary role of the Suffering Servant. Notice all the the Suffering Servant. Notice all the times that He is paying the price times that He is paying the price for the sins of others. Again for the sins of others. Again and again this theme and again this theme appears, and what appears, and what it teaches is that it teaches is that at the heart of at the heart of salvation, of salvation, of atonement, is the atonement, is the death of Jesus on our death of Jesus on our behalf. As sinners who behalf. As sinners who have violated God’s law, we can have violated God’s law, we can do nothing to make ourselves right with God. All of our good do nothing to make ourselves right with God. All of our good works cannot bridge the gap between us and God. The only way works cannot bridge the gap between us and God. The only way to save us was for Jesus to pay the penalty in our stead and then to save us was for Jesus to pay the penalty in our stead and then offer us His perfect righteousness, which we claim by faith. offer us His perfect righteousness, which we claim by faith.

Had our works been able to make us right with Had our works been able to make us right with God in any way, then Jesus would not have God in any way, then Jesus would not have had to die for us. The fact that He did, that it had to die for us. The fact that He did, that it took nothing less than His death in order to took nothing less than His death in order to make atonement, should be all the proof we make atonement, should be all the proof we

need that we cannot earn our salvation. It is, need that we cannot earn our salvation. It is, instead, wholly a gift of grace. instead, wholly a gift of grace.

Had our works been able to make us right with Had our works been able to make us right with God in any way, then Jesus would not have God in any way, then Jesus would not have had to die for us. The fact that He did, that it had to die for us. The fact that He did, that it took nothing less than His death in order to took nothing less than His death in order to make atonement, should be all the proof we make atonement, should be all the proof we

need that we cannot earn our salvation. It is, need that we cannot earn our salvation. It is, instead, wholly a gift of grace. instead, wholly a gift of grace.

Read Read 1 Peter 1:19, 2:21–251 Peter 1:19, 2:21–25. How does Peter draw on . How does Peter draw on Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 in his explanation of Christ’s atoning death on in his explanation of Christ’s atoning death on our behalf?our behalf?

Read Read 1 Peter 1:19, 2:21–251 Peter 1:19, 2:21–25. How does Peter draw on . How does Peter draw on Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 in his explanation of Christ’s atoning death on in his explanation of Christ’s atoning death on our behalf?our behalf?

Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 presents what’s perhaps the clearest presents what’s perhaps the clearest theological explanation of the Cross, showing theological explanation of the Cross, showing unequivocally that, whatever else the Cross represents, it unequivocally that, whatever else the Cross represents, it represents Christ dying on our behalf, bearing in Himself represents Christ dying on our behalf, bearing in Himself the punishment that we deserve. the punishment that we deserve.

Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 presents what’s perhaps the clearest presents what’s perhaps the clearest theological explanation of the Cross, showing theological explanation of the Cross, showing unequivocally that, whatever else the Cross represents, it unequivocally that, whatever else the Cross represents, it represents Christ dying on our behalf, bearing in Himself represents Christ dying on our behalf, bearing in Himself the punishment that we deserve. the punishment that we deserve.

Using Isaiah 53 as your text, Using Isaiah 53 as your text, think about the final scenes of think about the final scenes of Christ’s life. As you do, keep in Christ’s life. As you do, keep in mind that the person depicted mind that the person depicted there is our God, our Creator, there is our God, our Creator,

one part of the Godhead one part of the Godhead Himself. How do we get our Himself. How do we get our minds around this amazing minds around this amazing

truth? truth?

REFLECTION

4.- LOS EVANGELIOS Y LA CRUZ4.- LOS EVANGELIOS Y LA CRUZ

A pesar de la encarnación de A pesar de la encarnación de Cristo, su enseñanza profunda y Cristo, su enseñanza profunda y

los milagros que realizó, estos los milagros que realizó, estos no son el centro de la vida de no son el centro de la vida de

Cristo. En cambio, el pen-Cristo. En cambio, el pen-samiento dominante de Jesús samiento dominante de Jesús

es el de dar su vida.es el de dar su vida.

Por más milagrosos que hayan sido su nacimiento y su ministerio, Por más milagrosos que hayan sido su nacimiento y su ministerio, la gran misión de la vida de Cristo fue su muerte. la gran misión de la vida de Cristo fue su muerte. En los cuatro En los cuatro evangelios, Jesús procura preparar a sus discípulos para su evangelios, Jesús procura preparar a sus discípulos para su muerte. Pero, su devoción por Jesús y la esperanza de un Mesías muerte. Pero, su devoción por Jesús y la esperanza de un Mesías político les impidieron comprender lo que Jesús les decía.político les impidieron comprender lo que Jesús les decía.

A pesar de la encarnación de A pesar de la encarnación de Cristo, su enseñanza profunda y Cristo, su enseñanza profunda y

los milagros que realizó, estos los milagros que realizó, estos no son el centro de la vida de no son el centro de la vida de

Cristo. En cambio, el pen-Cristo. En cambio, el pen-samiento dominante de Jesús samiento dominante de Jesús

es el de dar su vida.es el de dar su vida.

Por más milagrosos que hayan sido su nacimiento y su ministerio, Por más milagrosos que hayan sido su nacimiento y su ministerio, la gran misión de la vida de Cristo fue su muerte. la gran misión de la vida de Cristo fue su muerte. En los cuatro En los cuatro evangelios, Jesús procura preparar a sus discípulos para su evangelios, Jesús procura preparar a sus discípulos para su muerte. Pero, su devoción por Jesús y la esperanza de un Mesías muerte. Pero, su devoción por Jesús y la esperanza de un Mesías político les impidieron comprender lo que Jesús les decía.político les impidieron comprender lo que Jesús les decía.

4.- The Gospel and the Cross

Lee Lee Marcos 10:32 al 45Marcos 10:32 al 45. ¿Cómo . ¿Cómo describió Jesús su ejecución tan describió Jesús su ejecución tan próxima? (próxima? (vers. 33, 34vers. 33, 34). ¿Qué ). ¿Qué había de malo en el pedido de había de malo en el pedido de Santiago y de Juan? (Santiago y de Juan? (vers. 35-37vers. 35-37). ). ¿Cuál fue la aguda respuesta de ¿Cuál fue la aguda respuesta de Jesús? (Jesús? (vers. 42-45vers. 42-45).).

The evening before He died, Jesus celebrated a Passover meal with His The evening before He died, Jesus celebrated a Passover meal with His disciples. He then gave instructions that this event should be observed disciples. He then gave instructions that this event should be observed until He returned again. until He returned again. This ordinance of Communion, instituted by the This ordinance of Communion, instituted by the Lord Himself—and the only commemorative act He personally Lord Himself—and the only commemorative act He personally authorized—is not a memorial of His incarnation, nor His miracles, nor authorized—is not a memorial of His incarnation, nor His miracles, nor His parables, nor His preaching, but only of His death. Christ Himself His parables, nor His preaching, but only of His death. Christ Himself wished above all else to be remembered by His death.wished above all else to be remembered by His death.

The evening before He died, Jesus celebrated a Passover meal with His The evening before He died, Jesus celebrated a Passover meal with His disciples. He then gave instructions that this event should be observed disciples. He then gave instructions that this event should be observed until He returned again. until He returned again. This ordinance of Communion, instituted by the This ordinance of Communion, instituted by the Lord Himself—and the only commemorative act He personally Lord Himself—and the only commemorative act He personally authorized—is not a memorial of His incarnation, nor His miracles, nor authorized—is not a memorial of His incarnation, nor His miracles, nor His parables, nor His preaching, but only of His death. Christ Himself His parables, nor His preaching, but only of His death. Christ Himself wished above all else to be remembered by His death.wished above all else to be remembered by His death.

Read Read Mark 10:32–45Mark 10:32–45. How did Jesus describe His coming execution? . How did Jesus describe His coming execution? ((vss. 33, 34vss. 33, 34). What was wrong with the request of James and John? ). What was wrong with the request of James and John? ((vss. 35–37vss. 35–37). What was Jesus’ pointed response? (). What was Jesus’ pointed response? (vss. 42–45vss. 42–45).).

In fact, in the four Gospel accounts of the Messiah’s life, the events In fact, in the four Gospel accounts of the Messiah’s life, the events surrounding and including the crucifixion carry the major emphasis. surrounding and including the crucifixion carry the major emphasis.

The staggering miracle of the Incarnation is mentioned only by The staggering miracle of the Incarnation is mentioned only by Matthew and Luke. Only two chapters in each of their Gospels record Matthew and Luke. Only two chapters in each of their Gospels record Christ’s conception and birth. Mark and John omit any comment on Christ’s conception and birth. Mark and John omit any comment on Christ’s birth at all and begin their Gospels with Jesus as an adult. Christ’s birth at all and begin their Gospels with Jesus as an adult.

In fact, in the four Gospel accounts of the Messiah’s life, the events In fact, in the four Gospel accounts of the Messiah’s life, the events surrounding and including the crucifixion carry the major emphasis. surrounding and including the crucifixion carry the major emphasis.

The staggering miracle of the Incarnation is mentioned only by The staggering miracle of the Incarnation is mentioned only by Matthew and Luke. Only two chapters in each of their Gospels record Matthew and Luke. Only two chapters in each of their Gospels record Christ’s conception and birth. Mark and John omit any comment on Christ’s conception and birth. Mark and John omit any comment on Christ’s birth at all and begin their Gospels with Jesus as an adult. Christ’s birth at all and begin their Gospels with Jesus as an adult.

All four Gospel writers, however, determinedly emphasize the last All four Gospel writers, however, determinedly emphasize the last week of Christ’s life and, of course, His death. Glance through week of Christ’s life and, of course, His death. Glance through

them and notice this pointed focus on just a few days of Christ’s them and notice this pointed focus on just a few days of Christ’s life. The last week of Jesus’ life, leading up to and including His life. The last week of Jesus’ life, leading up to and including His death, takes up from one-third to almost one-half of all Gospel death, takes up from one-third to almost one-half of all Gospel

accounts. Each reader is “forced” to rivet attention on the great accounts. Each reader is “forced” to rivet attention on the great redeeming act of God.redeeming act of God.

All four Gospel writers, however, determinedly emphasize the last All four Gospel writers, however, determinedly emphasize the last week of Christ’s life and, of course, His death. Glance through week of Christ’s life and, of course, His death. Glance through

them and notice this pointed focus on just a few days of Christ’s them and notice this pointed focus on just a few days of Christ’s life. The last week of Jesus’ life, leading up to and including His life. The last week of Jesus’ life, leading up to and including His death, takes up from one-third to almost one-half of all Gospel death, takes up from one-third to almost one-half of all Gospel

accounts. Each reader is “forced” to rivet attention on the great accounts. Each reader is “forced” to rivet attention on the great redeeming act of God.redeeming act of God.

Look at your life, your past, Look at your life, your past, your mistakes, your sins. Do your mistakes, your sins. Do you honestly think anything you honestly think anything you have done, or could do, you have done, or could do, could ever atone for them? could ever atone for them?

Why, then, should the death of Why, then, should the death of Jesus on your behalf be the Jesus on your behalf be the

central focus of your life? What central focus of your life? What hope would you have without hope would you have without

it?it?

REFLECTION:REFLECTION:

5.-5.-The Cry on The Cry on the Crossthe Cross

5.-5.-The Cry on The Cry on the Crossthe Cross

Nothing is more destructive to our Nothing is more destructive to our grasp of the atonement of Christ grasp of the atonement of Christ

than the sentimentality that some-than the sentimentality that some-times passes for Christianity in our times passes for Christianity in our

day (all in the attempt to make the day (all in the attempt to make the gospel conform to modern thin-gospel conform to modern thin-

king). However, we must ever hum-king). However, we must ever hum-bly acknowledge that anything we bly acknowledge that anything we say about God can never do God say about God can never do God justice, especially when we con-justice, especially when we con-

sider the atonement. We must sider the atonement. We must avoid the temptation to reduce avoid the temptation to reduce

Jesus’ death on the cross to Jesus’ death on the cross to merely an merely an “example of selfless “example of selfless love.”love.” It was certainly that, but It was certainly that, but

considering our situation as considering our situation as sinners, it would take more than sinners, it would take more than “an example of selfless love” “an example of selfless love” to to

redeem us. It would take, instead, redeem us. It would take, instead, our God bearing in Himself the full our God bearing in Himself the full brunt of His own wrath against sin.brunt of His own wrath against sin.

Nothing is more destructive to our Nothing is more destructive to our grasp of the atonement of Christ grasp of the atonement of Christ

than the sentimentality that some-than the sentimentality that some-times passes for Christianity in our times passes for Christianity in our

day (all in the attempt to make the day (all in the attempt to make the gospel conform to modern thin-gospel conform to modern thin-

king). However, we must ever hum-king). However, we must ever hum-bly acknowledge that anything we bly acknowledge that anything we say about God can never do God say about God can never do God justice, especially when we con-justice, especially when we con-

sider the atonement. We must sider the atonement. We must avoid the temptation to reduce avoid the temptation to reduce

Jesus’ death on the cross to Jesus’ death on the cross to merely an merely an “example of selfless “example of selfless love.”love.” It was certainly that, but It was certainly that, but

considering our situation as considering our situation as sinners, it would take more than sinners, it would take more than “an example of selfless love” “an example of selfless love” to to

redeem us. It would take, instead, redeem us. It would take, instead, our God bearing in Himself the full our God bearing in Himself the full brunt of His own wrath against sin.brunt of His own wrath against sin.

On the cross, Jesus cried out, On the cross, Jesus cried out, “ ‘My God, My God, why “ ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ ”have You forsaken Me?’ ” (Matt. 27:46, NKJV). (Matt. 27:46, NKJV). How are we How are we

to understand this? What was Jesus saying, why, and to understand this? What was Jesus saying, why, and how does this amazing cry help us understand what it how does this amazing cry help us understand what it

cost to save us from sin?cost to save us from sin?

““And now the Lord of Glory was dying, a ransom for the race. . . . Upon And now the Lord of Glory was dying, a ransom for the race. . . . Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He

was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. . . . The Saviour could not see through the condemnation of the law. . . . The Saviour could not see through the

portals of the tomb. . . . He feared that sin was so offensive to God that portals of the tomb. . . . He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal. . . . It was the sense of sin, bringing Their separation was to be eternal. . . . It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father’s wrath upon Him as man’s substitute, that made the cup He the Father’s wrath upon Him as man’s substitute, that made the cup He

drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God.”—drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God.”—Ellen G. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 752, 753.White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 752, 753.

““And now the Lord of Glory was dying, a ransom for the race. . . . Upon And now the Lord of Glory was dying, a ransom for the race. . . . Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He

was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. . . . The Saviour could not see through the condemnation of the law. . . . The Saviour could not see through the

portals of the tomb. . . . He feared that sin was so offensive to God that portals of the tomb. . . . He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal. . . . It was the sense of sin, bringing Their separation was to be eternal. . . . It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father’s wrath upon Him as man’s substitute, that made the cup He the Father’s wrath upon Him as man’s substitute, that made the cup He

drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God.”—drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God.”—Ellen G. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 752, 753.White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 752, 753.

Jesus addresses this prayer to “God,” instead of to the “Father” as He Jesus addresses this prayer to “God,” instead of to the “Father” as He always had done. Christ’s cries from the cross are not some always had done. Christ’s cries from the cross are not some exemplary display that He appears to go through in order to exemplary display that He appears to go through in order to

demonstrate that He loves us. No, demonstrate that He loves us. No, this is God giving Himself over this is God giving Himself over

to death so that our destiny wouldto death so that our destiny would not be determined by death. Thisnot be determined by death. This

is God Himself dying the death is God Himself dying the death from which we can be spared, the from which we can be spared, the

death that sin would otherwise death that sin would otherwise bring us all.bring us all.

Jesus addresses this prayer to “God,” instead of to the “Father” as He Jesus addresses this prayer to “God,” instead of to the “Father” as He always had done. Christ’s cries from the cross are not some always had done. Christ’s cries from the cross are not some exemplary display that He appears to go through in order to exemplary display that He appears to go through in order to

demonstrate that He loves us. No, demonstrate that He loves us. No, this is God giving Himself over this is God giving Himself over

to death so that our destiny wouldto death so that our destiny would not be determined by death. Thisnot be determined by death. This

is God Himself dying the death is God Himself dying the death from which we can be spared, the from which we can be spared, the

death that sin would otherwise death that sin would otherwise bring us all.bring us all.

Three Gospels record that Jesus cried out with a loud voice from the Three Gospels record that Jesus cried out with a loud voice from the cross as He was dying. These loud cries are even mentioned in the cross as He was dying. These loud cries are even mentioned in the book of Hebrews: book of Hebrews: “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death”who was able to save Him from death” (Heb. 5:7, NKJV). (Heb. 5:7, NKJV). Jesus’ Jesus’ “cry of “cry of dereliction” dereliction” is the most piercing cry in the Bible. There is no statement is the most piercing cry in the Bible. There is no statement in all the Gospels to rival this one from Jesus on the cross, and in that in all the Gospels to rival this one from Jesus on the cross, and in that cry we get a glimpse of what the Lord Himself was willing to go cry we get a glimpse of what the Lord Himself was willing to go through in order to bring us salvation.through in order to bring us salvation.

Three Gospels record that Jesus cried out with a loud voice from the Three Gospels record that Jesus cried out with a loud voice from the cross as He was dying. These loud cries are even mentioned in the cross as He was dying. These loud cries are even mentioned in the book of Hebrews: book of Hebrews: “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death”who was able to save Him from death” (Heb. 5:7, NKJV). (Heb. 5:7, NKJV). Jesus’ Jesus’ “cry of “cry of dereliction” dereliction” is the most piercing cry in the Bible. There is no statement is the most piercing cry in the Bible. There is no statement in all the Gospels to rival this one from Jesus on the cross, and in that in all the Gospels to rival this one from Jesus on the cross, and in that cry we get a glimpse of what the Lord Himself was willing to go cry we get a glimpse of what the Lord Himself was willing to go through in order to bring us salvation.through in order to bring us salvation.

Further Study: Further Study: “Oh, how “Oh, how inefficient, how incapable I inefficient, how incapable I am of expressing the things am of expressing the things which burn in my soul in which burn in my soul in reference to the mission of reference to the mission of Christ! . . .Christ! . . . I know not how to speak or I know not how to speak or trace with pen the large trace with pen the large subject of the atoning subject of the atoning sacrifice. sacrifice. I know not how to present I know not how to present subjects in the living power in subjects in the living power in which they stand before me. which they stand before me. I tremble for fear lest I shall I tremble for fear lest I shall belittle the great plan of belittle the great plan of salvation by cheap words.”—salvation by cheap words.”—Selected Messages, book 3, p. Selected Messages, book 3, p. 115.115.

Further Study: Further Study: “Oh, how “Oh, how inefficient, how incapable I inefficient, how incapable I am of expressing the things am of expressing the things which burn in my soul in which burn in my soul in reference to the mission of reference to the mission of Christ! . . .Christ! . . . I know not how to speak or I know not how to speak or trace with pen the large trace with pen the large subject of the atoning subject of the atoning sacrifice. sacrifice. I know not how to present I know not how to present subjects in the living power in subjects in the living power in which they stand before me. which they stand before me. I tremble for fear lest I shall I tremble for fear lest I shall belittle the great plan of belittle the great plan of salvation by cheap words.”—salvation by cheap words.”—Selected Messages, book 3, p. Selected Messages, book 3, p. 115.115.

“The infinite mercy The infinite mercy and love of Jesus, and love of Jesus, the sacrifice made the sacrifice made in our behalf, call in our behalf, call for the most serious for the most serious and solemn and solemn reflection. We reflection. We should dwell upon should dwell upon the character of our the character of our dear Redeemer and dear Redeemer and Intercessor. . . . As Intercessor. . . . As we thus we thus contemplate contemplate heavenly themes, heavenly themes, our faith and love our faith and love will grow stronger, will grow stronger,

“The infinite mercy The infinite mercy and love of Jesus, and love of Jesus, the sacrifice made the sacrifice made in our behalf, call in our behalf, call for the most serious for the most serious and solemn and solemn reflection. We reflection. We should dwell upon should dwell upon the character of our the character of our dear Redeemer and dear Redeemer and Intercessor. . . . As Intercessor. . . . As we thus we thus contemplate contemplate heavenly themes, heavenly themes, our faith and love our faith and love will grow stronger, will grow stronger,

and our prayers will and our prayers will be more and more be more and more

acceptable to God, acceptable to God, because they will be because they will be

more and more mixed more and more mixed with faith and love. with faith and love.

They will be intelligent They will be intelligent and fervent. There will and fervent. There will

be more constant be more constant confidence in Jesus, confidence in Jesus,

and a daily, living and a daily, living experience in His experience in His

power to save to the power to save to the uttermost all that uttermost all that

come unto God by come unto God by Him.”—Him.”—

Steps to Christ, p. 89. Steps to Christ, p. 89.

and our prayers will and our prayers will be more and more be more and more

acceptable to God, acceptable to God, because they will be because they will be

more and more mixed more and more mixed with faith and love. with faith and love.

They will be intelligent They will be intelligent and fervent. There will and fervent. There will

be more constant be more constant confidence in Jesus, confidence in Jesus,

and a daily, living and a daily, living experience in His experience in His

power to save to the power to save to the uttermost all that uttermost all that

come unto God by come unto God by Him.”—Him.”—

Steps to Christ, p. 89. Steps to Christ, p. 89.

ASSOCIATE truth – Why should I study this lesson?DISCOVER truth – What does the Bible say about this truth?APPLY truth – How can this truth affect my life today?PLAN using the truth – How can I use this truth today?TRANSFER truth to life – What changes do I need in my life?

ADAPT it! Teaching Approach

Effective for SMALL

GROUPS

Slideshare.net/chucho1943

We invite you to download and study each one of the 13 lessons about

“Glimpses of God”