[Sunday Sermon] The Gospel(4) - Jesus: The Cross and the Resurrection
“22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Today, we continue to focus on Jesus, specifically His role not just as a model to follow but as the one who restores our broken nature. Trying to follow Jesus on our own strength would lead only to frustration and despair. The issue of sin is not just about moral failings but a deep, intrinsic corruption—like a disease that requires healing. Thus, Jesus came not just to teach or inspire but to fundamentally restore us.
Jesus’ work of restoration involved two crucial actions: His redemptive death on the cross and His resurrection. The Gospels devote a significant portion to the final week of Jesus' life, emphasizing that His death was not incidental but central to His mission.
Jesus' death was not just an inspiring moral example; it was an actual, effective work of redemption. He died in our place, bearing the consequences of sin. From the beginning, sin led to death, and Jesus took upon Himself the ultimate consequence of our rebellion. Because He is both fully God and fully human, He alone was qualified to bear this burden. His humiliating death on the cross was a symbol of God's curse in Jewish tradition. Yet, paradoxically, the cross, once a symbol of shame, is now the ultimate sign of God's love and salvation.
Humanity was created in the image of God, with four foundational relationships—above with God, within ourselves, toward others, and over creation. Sin shattered these relationships, leaving us broken and estranged. Yet, through Jesus' death and resurrection, these relationships are restored. Christ suffered for the unrighteous to bring us back to God, making reconciliation with Him possible. Likewise, through Christ, we regain our true identity as God's handiwork (Ephesians 2:10) and are made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). No longer do we need to hide in shame; instead, we are embraced by God's love.
Christ’s blood not only reconciled us to God but also tore down divisions among people (Ephesians 2:13-14), uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body. The response to this restoration is faith—embracing Jesus' sacrifice personally and living in the renewed image of God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your death on the cross, not just as an example, but as a personal sacrifice for us. In our brokenness and sin, we often hide or pretend we don’t need help, but You died to restore us. Help us humbly stand before the cross, confess our need for Your grace, and follow You. May Your resurrection power work in our lives, bringing healing and renewal. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)