Proclaiming Jesus' Death

Matt Williams | Dec 3, 2023 | Watch in español

Study Guide

John gives an eyewitness account of Jesus' death so that we might believe in the power of the risen Christ. And while the event is both tragic and chaotic, God is sovereign over every moment, orchestrating all things towards his good purposes.
Application

  1. The Jewish leaders miss Jesus because they have elevated their religion and agenda above everything else. What in your life may take on such importance that it causes you to miss Jesus (relationships, career, family, etc.)?

  2. When Jesus dies, his mother and disciples are heartbroken, and there is no comfort for them. Have you experienced a loss or circumstance that left you without hope? How can understanding God’s sovereignty help us in those moments?

Key Points

  • The Fall left us broken and searching for something to fill the void within our souls. Jesus both takes on our thirst and provides the only source of true life.

  • Ironically, the Jewish leaders are fearful that Jesus’ death will spoil the special Sabbath of the Passover celebration. In reality, Jesus is both our Sabbath and our Passover lamb.

  • Although the scene of Jesus' death is full of cruelty and chaos, God is sovereign over all of it, and he is working according to his good purposes.

  • If we desire to share in Jesus’ glory, then we must also share in his suffering. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus both commit to identifying with Jesus at great cost.

  • Every time we take communion, we proclaim the death of Jesus. He was pierced and striped for us, and he drank the cup of judgment that should have been ours.

Other Scripture References

John 4:13–14

Hebrews 4

1 Corinthians 5

Psalm 34

Romans 8:17

John 3

1 Corinthians 11

Scripture: John 19:28-42