THE CHRIST – a Journey Through Jesus’ Life, Death, and ResurrectionSample

Introduction

Two thousand years ago in Jerusalem, two thieves and a man charged with blasphemy were crucified on a hill called Golgotha.

The man charged with blasphemy hung on a cross between the thieves. He was severely beaten 39 times with a whip made of three pieces of leather and sharp stones. They pressed a crown of thorns onto His head and mockingly called Him the “King of the Jews.”

The religious leaders who demanded His death, along with the Roman authorities who carried it out, believed killing Him would extinguish the religious and cultural movement He started.

When the man on the middle cross breathed His last, He called, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46, NIV).

Suddenly, the veil in the temple, which separated humanity from the presence of God, was torn from top to bottom. The earth quaked, darkness fell, and three days later, His sealed tomb would be empty.

His resurrection would change the eternal destiny of every person willing to repent and believe in Him. His name is Jesus, the Son of God.

Over 300 Old Testament prophecies dating back to Genesis 3:15 were fulfilled with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Ironically, the Jewish leaders of the day let pride and self-righteousness cloud their understanding, and they failed to see the long-awaited completion of the Scripture they rigorously studied.

Jesus was not a tragic victim of their scorn. He was the anticipated Messiah, and what appeared to be defeat was actually the ultimate victory. His death and resurrection fulfilled God’s plan for salvation.

God’s desire for you began before time itself. It was foretold by the prophets, accomplished through Jesus’ death and resurrection, woven into your life at conception, and is fulfilled when you repent and believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for you.

It is the greatest love story ever told: a story of sacrifice and betrayal, suffering and hope, despair and triumph. A love story thousands of years in the making and fulfilled with the words, “It is finished” (John 19:30, NIV). Through Jesus’ victory over death and by the power of the Holy Spirit, you can know Him now and live with Him for eternity.

This story is not about your worthiness. It is instead a story about God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His relentless pursuit of His beloved: YOU!