Day 17: The Cross Bearer

All four of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) record the events surrounding Jesus crucifixion. In fact, proportionally they spend a lot more time surrounding these events than the rest of Jesus life. The Bible indicates that what we believe about the cross of Jesus and what happened on the cross is central to the message of God in the Bible. In fact Paul felt so strongly about it that he said in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” and in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” The message of the cross is central to faith in Jesus.
Read John 19:4-42

Q: What are the different responses to the message of Christ on a cross in our culture today? What are some responses that you have encountered? What is your response?

Q: Why do you think the message of Christ on a cross is offensive to some and foolishness to others?

Q: Why is the cross central to what I believe about Jesus?

Q: What does Christ on a cross communicate to us about the holiness of God? What does it communicate about the love of God? Why are the two inseparable?