The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the path for us to experience true life. In Christ’s work, we find our salvation and purpose.

• Some people followed Jesus simply for the benefit of associating with Him (John 2:23-25).
• Many of the disciples showed a type of spiritual amnesia as they forgot previous works (Matt. 14:13-21; 15:32-39).
• Jesus continued to point to His capability to do anything but call for the people’s belief (Mark 9:23).

The Invitation of the Christ 

• Jesus befriended sinners but never sinned Himself.
• Jesus showed great mercy to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11), the tax-collector in the tree (Luke 19:1-10), the woman of the city (Luke 7:31-50), and the men He called as disciples.
• Jesus told the religious leaders that the tax collectors and prostitutes were closer to the Kingdom of God than them (Matt. 21:31).

The Exhortation of the Christ 

• From His ministry’s beginnings, Jesus infuriated the religious leaders due to His claim to be God (Mark 2:7; John 8:58-59; 10:30-31).
• The Pharisees forsook the Word due to their commitment to their traditions (Matt. 15:7-9).
• The Pharisees were willing to work with the despicable Herodians due to their greater hatred of Jesus (Matt. 22:15-16).
• Jesus confronted the religious and comforted the rebellious.
• Jesus taught that despite the clout of the Pharisees, their examples were leading people to hell (Matt. 23:15).

The Dedication of the Christ 

• During Passion Week, Jesus showed awareness of the coming conflict and was undeterred from His plan.
• As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemene, He apparently was experiencing hematidrosis due to the extreme stress (Luke 22:44).
• Jesus was never fearful of His opponents, but He knew what awaited Him in the wrath of God.
• Jesus was committed to God’s will being done over His will being accomplished (22:42).

The Crucifixion of the Christ 

• Jesus was beaten to the point of death by highly trained soldiers even before the crucifixion.
• Jesus’ death was prophesied in the following ways: mourning for whom they have pierced (Zech. 12:10), pierced hands and feet, no broken bones, cast lots for clothing (Ps. 22:16-18), pierced for our transgressions (Isa. 53:5), 30 pieces of silver for betrayal (Zech. 11:13), close friend sharing bread betrays (Ps. 41:9), and much more.
• Jesus’ seven recorded statements from the cross tell us much about His mindset.
  • Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).
  • Today, you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43).
  • Behold your son…behold your mother (John 19:26-27).
  • My God, my God, why have you forsaken me (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)?
  • I thirst (John 19:28).
  • It is finished (John 19:30).
  • Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46).

The Resurrection of the Christ 

• God revealed Jesus’ resurrection at sunrise on the first day of the week.
• God allowed women to be the first people to realize the tomb was empty.
• Two angels sit in pivotal positions in the empty tomb (John 20:12).
• The empty tomb is pivotal to our faith (Matt. 28:6; 1 Cor. 15:14).
• The angels wanted to inform the disciples, but Jesus called them brothers (Matt. 28:7, 10).
• The establishment began a rumor that Jesus’ body was stolen to calm the city (Matt. 28:11-15).

The Commission of the Christ 

• Despite all that the disciples had experienced over 40 days, some were still unsure regarding Jesus (Matt. 28:17).
• Jesus has all authority, and therefore we should not fear to go in His name (Matt. 28:18).
• The Great Commission clarifies our work:
  • Go into all nations – not some of the nations
  • Make disciples – not converts
  • Baptizing them – not hidden
  • Teach all things – not some things
  • With us always – don’t have to ask for what He’s promised