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.
The Manifestation of the Christ
- 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
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.