Jesus had to die for our sins so that God could be just and merciful at the same time.
Talking Points:
- Christianity is uniquely a religion of redemption, rooted in idea that people need to be saved, and only God can do that for us. 1 Peter 2:24
- Much of the Old Testament is devoted to the sacrificial system – with its temple, priests, and offerings – instituted through the Jewish law. The gruesome animal sacrifices required to cover sin taught how serious sin really is.
- Jesus was the one to whom the Passover and the whole sacrificial system had been anticipating. Jesus took on the wrath of God for us – as our substitute – on the cross. Isaiah 53:6
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe the problem Jesus died to resolve.
- Read 1 Peter 2:24. Compared to other faiths, how is Christianity uniquely a religion of redemption?
- Explain how the Old Testament sacrificial system set the stage for Jesus’ redemptive work.
- Read Exodus 12:1-13. Explain how the Passover anticipated Jesus’ saving work on the cross.
- Read John 1:29. Why do you think John identified Jesus as “the lamb of God” rather than “the Son of God”, “the Messiah”, or some other title?
- How did the cross reconcile both the justice and mercy of God?
- Could God have accomplished our salvation by some other means besides Jesus death? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
