Paige is teaching on the crucifixion, so on Monday and Tuesday I have some questions that I have pondered from the account of that terrible day when the wrath of God poured out on His only Beloved Son.
Sunday:
- Last week’s lesson was convicting, and I loved how our own Cheryl shared a story of her true repentance after being convicted by Paige’s message. While you may share about God’s blessing here, I’d also love to hear a time when His Word or Spirit convicted you to the point of true repentance, and any fruit that came from it.
Monday: A Greater Jonah
2. What similarities and differences do you see with Jonah and Jesus?
3. Jesus said that as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40) How can you count 3 days and 3 nights? (The photo above might help)
Tuesday: The Whole Earth Turned Dark
My friend Nancy said that she thought God turned the lights out from noon to three because it was too terrible a sign for us to see.
4. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and share your thoughts.
5. Read Matthew 27:49 and share your thoughts. Do you see possible faith — or not?
6. Read Matthew 27:51-53 and share your thoughts. Have you ever heard a sermon on the dead raised and going into the city? If so, what did you hear?
Wednesday: Begin Paige (Scroll to bottom for another way of doing Paige — my questions are in red.) Either way you do it is fine.
You can find her after she speaks tonight at You-Tube and type in Paige Brown, Scenes from the Final Week and Look for today’s date. (I’ll put the link in when I wake tomorrow!)
7. What stands out and why?
Thursday: Continue Paige
8. What stands out and why?
Friday: Finish Paige
9. What stands out and why?
Saturday:
10. What is your take-a-way and why?
Speed Summary of Events Leading Up to Crucifixion in all 3 Synoptic Gospels
- Read Luke 23:1-25 and share one thing that stands out to you either from this passage or something Paige pointed out (THIS IS WHERE SHE TALKS REALLY FAST AND WE WON’T SPEND MUCH TIME HERE)
THE BULK OF HER MESSAGE IS TAKEN FROM ONE OF HER DAD’S SERMONS: THE GOSPEL IN PREPOSITIONS – ABOUT THE 3 MEN ON 3 CROSSES
Dying FOR Sin – Cross of Redemption (Jesus)
Dying IN Sin – Cross of Rebellion (Thief # 1)
Dying TO SIN – Cross of Repentance (Thief # 2)
DYING FOR SIN
Paige said this is so horrible it’s hard to look. We tend to commit the sin of Peter: “No, no, no Lord! This cannot happen.” Liberal churches distort the message by saying He died as an example of sacrifice and love – and we should follow that example.
Richard Neibuhr described the theology of liberal churches from the early 1900’s:
A God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.
- How have you seen this theology in liberal churches today?
Ron read Isaiah 53:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 (2 of many passages she gave)
- Using these verses, explain why the above theology is wrong in your own words or in Paige’s words.
John Stott:“The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God. The essence of salvation is Christ substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God by and puts himself where only God deserves to be. God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone while God accepts the penalties which belong to man alone.
- Meditate on the above quote from John Stott and explain why Christ died.
Paige takes many quotes from Keller to explain the GREAT EXCHANGE.
HE WAS CURSED SO WE COULD BE BLESSED
HE WAS WOUNDED SO THAT WE COULD BE HEALED
HE WAS STAINED THAT WE MIGHT BE WASHED CLEAN
HE WAS CRUSHED SO THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE WHOLE
HE CARRIED OUR GUILT THAT WE MIGHT BE DECLARED RIGHTEOUS
HE WAS DEFEATED THAT WE MIGHT HAVE THE VICTORY
HE WAS PLUNGED INTO DARKNESS THAT WE MIGHT WALK IN THE LIGHT
HE DIED SO THAT WE MIGHT LIVE
HE TOOK MY PLACE SO THAT I CAN TAKE HIS PLACE
LUKE 23:32-43
- Comments and observations from the above
- Amidst all the hating, spitting and cursing, Jesus is praying. He does not slip quietly into death but prays. Find some of His prayers in this passage, and, if READ possible, comment.
- What was Paige’s point with her Custer’s Last Stand story and his wife’s diary?
DYING IN SIN – REBELLION
READ AGAIN LUKE 23:39
- Why did this thief think that Jesus could not be the King? What did he demand?
- Can you relate in any way?
- Paige told a story about two sorority sisters who had negative reactions to her story of a Klan member who had committed atrocities and was led to Christ by her dad. What were they?
- Why does the cross seem foolish to many?
- Do you know of any people who demanded some kind of sign like healing, or fixing finances, or whatever before they would believe? Have you ever been like that?
Tim Keller: We want God to be our assistant and not our King.
ur sin.
- C. Ryle: This man is proof that pain and suffering and the fear of death are not enough to convert a soul.
- Comments on either of the above quotes?
Dying to Cross of Repentance
- Read Luke 23:40-43. Comments? Her point with Alistair Begg story?
- Matthew and Mark show he was cursing too, but sometime in that time he was also listening to Jesus. What prayers of Jesus might have brought him to faith do you think?
- Paige said grace makes us skeptical. What was her point about her story of the immoral sorority sister telling her she had become a Christian? Can you identify at all?
- What is your take-a-way and why?
94 comments
Thank all who prayed for me as I threaded the needle between snowstorms to travel to a retreat. (They were going to zoom me in due to the weather, but had tech troubles, so I drove.) I did make it both ways safely, and between storms. I momentarily fell asleep at the wheel once coming home but jerked awake and pulled over for a catnap. Angels were with me. The snow came hard right after I returned home! Plus His anointing fell as I was speaking! Thank you so for your prayers my dear sisters.
I truly have been convicted about my thought life when I have been hurt, and He is helping me not to nurse malice in my heart by praying for the person and remembering the person’s good points.
Aww, Mama Dee, I’m so glad for God’s protection over you. He loves you so so much. Grateful!🥹
Praise God for watching over you and the anointing as you spoke. Dee, even though I answered your question about being convicted differently, I have experienced what you shared as well. “Not to nurse malice in my heart by praying for that person and remembering the person’s good points.” And today, our visiting pastor talked about loving well. At the end of his message, he asked us three questions. One of them was, “Right now, can you think of one person that you are having difficulty loving?” Boy, I could definitely say yes to that! And then our last song was “I surrender all”. God was talking to me loud and clear. I thank Him that He does not leave us in places of sin but offers us conviction, repentance, and forgiveness. He has been working on me in this area for a while now, and today’s message and your sharing here just brought His message home to my heart.
I praise God that He gave you safe travels, Dee. Praising God for His anointing over you as you spoke.
Thank you for sharing about your thought life. I pray that prayer for my heart, as well.
Thank you Patti and Bing — and all for praying. This has been THE LONG COLD SNOWY WINTER! MAY THE LORD BE WITH OUR NORTHEASTERN SISTERS.
So glad you made your events and home safely!
Good day everyoneeee! 🥹
I’ve missed you all, so so much.
Sunday:
So, there was this time I was convicted by the Holy Spirit about how I spend money. And He told me to rely on Him for provision and for wisdom on how to spend it too whenever I get it.
For everyone who’s praying for meeee, thank youuuu. I’ll be having my main course examinations this week. Thank youu.
God’s help and strength for everyoneeee!💜
Eunice, good to see you here. Praying for your examinations this week!
Amennn, thank youu Mama.
Dear Eunice,
Thank you for sharing how God spoke to you about handling money. I will be praying for you as you study for your upcoming exams.
Thank youuuu Mama.
FATHER, BRING TO EUNICE’S REMEMBRANCE WHAT SHE STUDIED DURING EXAMS!
Praying for good exams Eunice! 🙏🙏
Last week’s lesson was convicting, and I loved how our own Cheryl shared a story of her true repentance after being convicted by Paige’s message. While you may share about God’s blessing here, I’d also love to hear a time when His Word or Spirit convicted you to the point of true repentance, and any fruit that came from it.
One of our adult students had a stroke 3 weeks ago. Her prognosis was dire, but Go,d in His mercy, brought healing. The doctors are amazed by her recovery. Though she still has a long road to regain her mobility, she and her family are very grateful. She is a Christian, well-loved by many in our community. She is undergoing rehabilitation right now and is due to be discharged home toward the end of the month. I have been blessed to see so many in our community extending help to her and to her family.
We had an initial conversation about her being involved in a worship team for an April community service, 3 days before her stroke. I am prayerfully waiting to see how this turn of events will affect our initial plan. I know it will be for God’s glory.
The parable of the talents, as explained by Paige, convicted me of how I look at generosity from a “safe” place. Not hoarding, perhaps of my resources, but not using them well and to their fullest as a good steward of what God has given me. I repented of my tendencies to “play it safe”. God has given me more freedom, more intentionality, and I pray that He will guide me. I see the fruit of joy in my heart.
Monday: A Greater Jonah
2. What similarities and differences do you see with Jonah and Jesus?
Both had a specific task or missionl; Jesus was obedient, Jonah was not (1:3)
Both sacrificed themselves willingly for others: Jesus on the cross and Jonah for the ship’s crew (1:12)
Both cried out to God: Jesus “Why hast thou forsaken me” Jonah “I am cast out of thy sight” (2:4)
The difference is that Jesus was actually separated from the Father, but God had not left Jonah
Matthew 12:40 “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” I find it interesting that Jesus spoke as if the Jews knew how long Jonah was in the sea, but the timeframe isn’t spoken of in the book of Jonah.
Jesus was truly dead, no breath of life. I wonder if this might mean that Jonah drowned before being swallowed? Otherwise how can this be a true comparison?
Both were resurrected: Jesus from death to life, Jonah from the depths of the sea to dry land
We know that Jesus still bore the marks of His wounds after the resurrection. I wonder what Jonah looked like after being in the fish’s belly. A frightening thought, he would have made a scary appearance preaching repentence in Ninevah.
3. Jesus said that as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40) How can you count 3 days and 3 nights? (The photo above might help)
I would count it as daylight and darkness hours which would be different depending on the season of the year. I’ve always been a little confused about the three days and nights of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.
Cheryl, I appreciate your answers to #2! And your thoughts about what Jonah could have looked like after being out of the belly of the fish had me smiling. Jonah 1:17 did say, “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” Thanks for sharing!
LOL, Bing, how did I miss that? Plain as the nose on my face, as my mom would’ve said..
Hahaha, Cheryl! I have had a few of those misses. I have forgotten that expression, and you sure gave me a good laugh.
Amen to Bing, Cheryl. Such thoughtful answers!
Cheryl — I think it has to be counted by light and darkness and it must have been soo dark that Good Friday as to count as a night in the middle of the day.
I had not considered that before, Dee. Thank you.
Like an eclipse….
Monday: A Greater Jonah
1. What similarities and differences do you see with Jonah and Jesus?
Differences: Jonah ran away from God’s call; Jesus “ran” towards His call. Jonah later obeyed, but with resentment in his heart; Jesus, though He asked for the Father to take the cup away, submitted to the Father’s will willingly. Jonah was angry when he saw God’s compassion on the Ninevites; Jesus was God the Father’s compassion in the flesh.
Similarities: Jonah was in the belly of the fish the same number of days and nights as Jesus was in the heart of the earth.
2. Jesus said that as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40) How can you count 3 days and 3 nights? (The photo above might help)
I am not sure. I looked at the picture above and saw 3 varying degrees of light and darkness. Or is it more? When I checked a website, it said that a day counted could be any part of a day, a whole, a third, or a half. Could it signify death (darkest), deliverance ( middle dark), and resurrection (light), corresponding to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday? Hah- my brain hurts!
1. Last week’s lesson was convicting, and I loved how our own Cheryl shared a story of her true repentance after being convicted by Paige’s message. While you may share about God’s blessing here, I’d also love to hear a time when His Word or Spirit convicted you to the point of true repentance, and any fruit that came from it.
The lesson from Paige Brown, when she used the term, “It’s the heart, stupid!” really struck a chord with me, about my thoughts becoming actions. It brought me to repentance . I need to guard the place the thoughts start~ a seed can begin in my heart, then go to my attitude, then to my words, actions and my whole being. It was life changing and I repented for times when I did not stop and just reacted. I am so much more sensitive to all of this and how it can control my reactions to what others say to me, especially family members. I try to just stay quiet and pray for the Lord to quiet my hurting heart and help me to have His perspective. It has helped me to let go of things, that I used to hang on to and it diffuses situations.
Patti, I love this and will write it down. ” I need to guard the place the thoughts start~ a seed can begin in my heart, then go to my attitude, then to my words, actions and my whole being.” I was listening to a prayer on YouTube, and this caught my attention, as I have been struggling lately with things replaying in my mind: instead of letting the enemy camp in my mind as his playground, I speak to my thoughts, submitting to the authority of God. And yes, you are right. What is in our hearts go through our whole being. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I agree that the seed can take root and become so much more. Ugh!
2. What similarities and differences do you see with Jonah and Jesus?
Similarities:
Jonah was in the belly of the sea monster and Jesus was in the heart of the earth.
Jonah experienced 3 days in the sea monster and Jesus experienced 3 days in the heart of the earth.
Jonah was thrown into the sea to calm a storm to save the others on the boat and Jesus gave His life to the wrath of God to save our soul.souls.
Jonah and Jesus both delivered messages of repentance.
Differences:
Jonah’s punishment was because of his disobedience; Jesus punishment was His willing obedience to go to the cross for the sins of all
Jonah fled from God; Jesus willingly obeyed.
Jonah was angry about God showing mercy to others; Jesus rejoiced when sinners came to repentance.
Jonah’s was reluctant in his ministry; Jesus was deeply committed to draw all to the kingdom
GREAT CONTRASTS.
Patti, I agree with Dee! Great contrasts!
Love it!
3. Jesus said that as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40) How can you count 3 days and 3 nights? (The photo above might help)
In the footnotes in my Bible: A common Jewish reckoning of time is a day is including part of the first day and the last day.
Monday: A Greater Jonah
2. What similarities and differences do you see with Jonah and Jesus?
They were both sent by God to a people full of evil and wickedness. They were both hid for three days and three nights.
Jesus did exactly what God wanted him to do and He’s forever happy that people keep coming to knowledge of God’s love and not remain in their sin, Jonah did not, instead He was asking God to take away His life.
3. Jesus said that as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40) How can you count 3 days and 3 nights? (The photo above might help)
I don’t get this part.
Good job, Eunice. Think about counting days and nights in terms of light and darkness.
1. Last week’s lesson was convicting, and I loved how our own Cheryl shared a story of her true repentance after being convicted by Paige’s message. While you may share about God’s blessing here, I’d also love to hear a time when His Word or Spirit convicted you to the point of true repentance, and any fruit that came from it.
I have been blessed with spending time with my sister and her family (my nieces and nephews and their kids), and my friends the last few days. Thank You Lord, for keeping us safe.
Since I have been traveling, it has been difficult to have alone time to complete the questions. I am traveling until Wed (God willing we can catch our flight back due to the blizzard!) I’m sorry Dee. I think this is the first time I have wavered in 15 years.
I am ashamed to say that when I was 18 I had an abortion. I was a scared young woman (?!) who was not in touch with God. I had grown up in church but didn’t know Jesus. Then, a few yrs later I got married to my college boyfriend (not the one I had when I had the abortion). I had a miscarriage. I have asked God for forgiveness and truly felt sorrow and shame for making that horrible decision back then. I believe God gave me a second chance (the fruit) with my two grands. Thank You Lord, for being my Father.
Oh, Laura, I am so thankful for our God of second chances. Our God is compassionate with His forgiveness. He truly blessed you in a big way with your sweet grandchildren.
So wonderful to have this time with your sister and family. I pray that you will get your flight home.
Thanks Patti! How many inches in all for you?
Between 33-36” ! So thankful to have a warm home and power.
Oh we’ve been thinkinng of you in this blizzard, Laura. Praying for you.
Thank you for your hard sad story and for the story of second chances. I do have compassion for young pregnant girls under pressure when abortion is so easily accessed.
I’m reading a book someone sent me here on the blog. It called “Shepherds for Sale,” and one chapter is very enlightening about how evangelicals have not stood up for the Roe vs Wade decision. I was surprised and saddened to read who they were.
2. What similarities and differences do you see with Jonah and Jesus?
Jonah and Jesus were both “at rest” for three days and three nights. Jonah ran away from God but Jesus didn’t.
3. Jesus said that as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40) How can you count 3 days and 3 nights? (The photo above might help)
I’m not sure what you are getting to here. Is it as simple as morning sun and then darkness when there sun sets? Three times.
4. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and share your thoughts.
How sad. To feel the abandonment of your father. Hard.
5. Read Matthew 27:49 and share your thoughts. Do you see possible faith — or not?
I see a lack of faith in God. Why would they think a prophet could save Him? He was the one they saw save people. They called Him, the Messiah, the One who saves. Hours would some other prophet save Him?
6. Read Matthew 27:51-53 and share your thoughts. Have you ever heard a sermon on the dead raised and going into the city? If so, what did you hear?
I have not. But, doesn’t Revelation speak of this? When Jesus returns, all the saints, waiting under the alter will be raised.
Number 5 should say “how,” not “hours.”
There was an extra time of supernatural darkness on Good Friday.
I am thinking,but could be wrong, that those who were raised from their graves went on to live an extended natural life and then had another death. I’m going to do some checking into the saints under the altar crying out.
Sunday:
Last week’s lesson was convicting, and I loved how our own Cheryl shared a story of her true repentance after being convicted by Paige’s message. While you may share about God’s blessing here, I’d also love to hear a time when His Word or Spirit convicted you to the point of true repentance, and any fruit that came from it.
—This past Sunday our Pastor here in Texas has continued teaching about the subtle lies of Satan. This week’s lie was the thinking the enemy plants in our minds that “I’ll never be able to forgive that person. They don’t deserve it.”
He made the point by asking
“Why should we forgive?” With the answer being because we have been forgiven. He also commented that “Forgiven people forgive others”.
His total message was instructive and encouraging but at the end of the service slips of paper had been provided to write down a name or names of anyone we need to forgive and why. Then time was allowed for personal prayer to acknowledge forgiveness and as we left the church building at a couple of the main entrances there were fire pits being attended by deacons and we were welcome to thrown those papers into the fire signifying our forgiveness of whomever’s name was on the paper. Again it was a meaningful time for this church family to actively practice together a godly response to the lies of our enemy and an opportunity to respond rightly to God’s instructions for us.
My d-i-l has made it hard for me by her vocal condemnations of my son and I (just like many of you have shared here) was hashing it all over on my head and I was developing a hardness toward her. God had made it plain to me my role in being down here this year was to be quiet but I could feel the distance building between us. Sunday God used the message and application to soften my heart toward her. On Sunday afternoon I had opportunity to comfortably reengage with her. I recognize that I am responsible to keep practicing love toward her even though she has been difficult.
Oh, Bev! What a meaningful service of forgiveness. I love this and I love that they provided the fire pits for signifying the forgiveness of those whose names are written. This is a powerful lesson. What a beautiful heart you have toward her. Thank you for sharing this. I have been praying this very thing for my Texas family this morning.
I love this: I recognize that I am responsible to keep practicing love toward her even though she has been difficult.
Oh, Bev! That is very hard. I appreciate you sharing the conviction you felt about your DIL after the service. Our guest speaker this past Sunday talked about loving well. And one area he touched on was forgiveness. At the end of his message, he asked three questions, and one of them was the very same one your pastor asked! Who is one person that you are having a hard time forgiving? We did not write a name on paper, but you could hear a pin drop in the silence (well, maybe not the right expression to use here since our sanctuary is carpeted) and moments of reflection afterward. I love the fire pit experience. I want to do that! “Forgiven people forgive others.”
This is such a good testimony from Bev.
My d-i-l has made it hard for me by her vocal condemnations of my son and I (just like many of you have shared here) was hashing it all over on my head and I was developing a hardness toward her. God had made it plain to me my role in being down here this year was to be quiet but I could feel the distance building between us. Sunday God used the message and application to soften my heart toward her. On Sunday afternoon I had opportunity to comfortably reengage with her. I recognize that I am responsible to keep practicing love toward her even though she has been difficult.
Dear Bev,
I’m sorry for this difficult DIL. Your saying of forgiven people forgive others reminded me of one I have heard. Hurt people, hurt people.
Your DIL is no doubt hurting. This thought can help us have compassion, though it is hard when the offender keeps offending. Praying for your situation. May God give your family a breakthrough. Keep loving Bev, not in your own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit as he enables you. I don’t think all confrontation is bad-Sometimes it takes confrontation to bring out the heartache. Maybe this is what your DIL is after? Someone to help her bring out her hurt, but she doesn’t know how to do this in a gentle way? I wonder if she would agree to a quiet one on one with you where you have opportunity to tell her that you see her pain and want to help. I found this chart on feelings helpful. See what you think. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62e2d6c397d6ff1fd356ed8f/t/632cbee0b6a9703239cd018f/1663876832440/8+Feelings.pdf
4. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and share your thoughts.
Jesus became “sin” and the Father cannot look upon Him, because of the sin. Jesus knew that this was the cup that He needed to take, in order to save our souls. He did it, because He loved us. We are so unworthy, but He loved us. It is hard to comprehend His great love. He took on all of my sin. He took the cup of God’s wrath against all of our sins…that is a lot of sin…the divine judgment and punishment for all of us…and He freely did it, He who had no sin, to pay for our salvation. I need to keep this at the front of my sinful heart.
5. Read Matthew 27:49 and share your thoughts. Do you see possible faith — or not?
Some have written that they thought Jesus cried out to Elijah. It sounds mostly like mocking and scorn, yet one gave Him sour wine…the rest said “wait to see if Elijah rescues Him”…. It seems that they were confused to the last about who Jesus really was….the SON of GOD.
6. Read Matthew 27:51-53 and share your thoughts. Have you ever heard a sermon on the dead raised and going into the city? If so, what did you hear?
I have never heard a sermon on this.
I have always felt that the torn curtain in the Temple, the earth shaken and rocks split, were God’s wrath and immense sorrow against the unbelievers, as God watched what Jesus was willing to do for us sinners. The torn veil in the temple made me think of the Jewish tradition of tearing your clothing upon the death of one you loved. It also could signify our access to the Holy Place after Christ’s death. His death gave us access to the Holiness we do not deserve. Jesus was God’s beloved Son. The risen saints came out after His Resurrection. Was this to signify that we will experience that after our death, as well, if we believe in Him. I have never heard more about that event. Maybe I am doing too many rabbit trails.
I like this thought — and not a rabbit trail:
The risen saints came out after His Resurrection. Was this to signify that we will experience that after our death, as well, if we believe in Him.
Tuesday: The Whole Earth Turned Dark
My friend Nancy said that she thought God turned the lights out from noon to three because it was too terrible a sign for us to see.
1. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and share your thoughts.
Darkness may mean the Father had to turn away from Jesus because Jesus was carrying the sins of the world, and the Father couldn’t turn His light on the Son. Jesus bore the agony of Him being separated from the Father, and that is more than the pain He is physically experiencing on the cross. And because He willingly suffered that separation, I and we who belong to Christ do not have to experience that darkness of the soul and spirit. Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2. Read Matthew 27:49 and share your thoughts. Do you see possible faith — or not?
No. They still don’t understand who Jesus is.
6. Read Matthew 27:51-53 and share your thoughts. Have you ever heard a sermon on the dead raised and going into the city? If so, what did you hear?
I can vaguely remember a sermon on this. I would have loved to have seen a dead loved one raised then! But then would it have given me faith? I thought of the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, and of Abraham, who was in heaven. The rich man in Hades asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers on earth. But Abraham replied that if they did not listen to Moses and the Prophets (God’s Word), they would not be convinced even if someone rose from the dead. “The Bible is sufficient for salvation (sufficiency of the Scriptures), and miraculous proof is not needed for belief.”
Interesting reflections in your last paragraph — and sad, but true.
Tuesday: The Whole Earth Turned Dark
4. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and share your thoughts.
The fact that God actually turned His face away from Jesus because of the sin of the whole world that He was carrying at that moment, such that Jesus actually felt that God was no longer able to look at Him because of the sin. It shows the importance of that moment.
5. Read Matthew 27:49 and share your thoughts. Do you see possible faith — or not?
Hmmn…it was like the people were actually anticipating to see a sort of miracle from Him even while on the cross. But I feel it was a sort of anticipation born from doubt, and not faith in what Jesus could actually do or what He was doing at that moment —saving people from their sins.
6. Read Matthew 27:51-53 and share your thoughts. Have you ever heard a sermon on the dead raised and going into the city? If so, what did you hear?
That the veil separating the Holy from the Holiest of Holies was torn is very significant. That God no longer wanted anyone coming between Him and another man, but that He wanted and still wants a direct relationship with all men.
And no, I’ve not.
Beautiful responses, Eunice! Love your answer to 6.
4. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and share your thoughts.Biblically incorrect, but feel like the darkness of sin was being laid on the Light of the world and it was dark.
5. Read Matthew 27:49 and share your thoughts. Do you see possible faith — or not? So sad, mockery entered my mind when I read it. Perhaps His mother and the few of His own there were hoping for a miracle, but they knew He had told them He would die.
6. Read Matthew 27:51-53 and share your thoughts. Have you ever heard a sermon on the dead raised and going into the city? If so, what did you hear? What a scary time that would have been an earthquake, rocks splitting, and tombs opening. I wonder how long before His followers learned that the temple curtain was ripped from top to bottom. I don’t recall a sermon.
I agree it must have been a frightening time. I don’t think I realized it was completely dark for three hours — noon to three.
Sunday: God’s blessing this week for me is seeing my adoptive son being freed from his bad dreams through prayer. We attended Set Free Ministries and they have awakened us to better understanding how to pray against spiritual battles. Each night we now pray thanks to God that he is with Hunter in his room and everywhere he goes. We pray against the enemy and the bad dreams. He has had freedom and better sleep since we started. He is still afraid of the dark, so working on that.
OhChris, It is wonderfulk to read about the power of prayer for your son! Praise God for his freedom from bad dreams.
Chris, the power of prayer over our minds. May the Lord continue to have authority over these bad dreams for Hunter. And for us all, to have transformed and renewed minds.
What a wonderful answer to prayer, Chris. Thank you for sharing the way that you prayed. I need to know more how to pray against spiritual battles. This is so good. So thankful this is helping Hunter. Praying that he overcomes all his fears. So hard to overcome fears.
Tuesday: The Whole Earth Turned Dark
My friend Nancy said that she thought God turned the lights out from noon to three because it was too terrible a sign for us to see.
4. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and share your thoughts. So many possibilities for the darkness, It was a witness to the people that there was something about Jesus that was divine, even if they refused to acknowledge it before. It could be the darkness signified the struggle against evil and wickedness (sometimes referred to as darkness). The darkness symbolized the physical suffering and internal agony of Jesus on the cross. Whatever I think, it certainly made people stop and consider what was happening and who was this man on the cross. In verse 46 Jesus is crying out at His separation from the trinity, that perfect and complete Godhead, self existent and eternal. Taking our sins upon Himself, Jesus also bore the wrath of God in our place. I will never have to experience total separation from God (which is really hell) no matter what I experience/suffer. I will always have that living hope. 2 Co. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
5. Read Matthew 27:49 and share your thoughts. Do you see possible faith — or not? These men thought Jesus was calling for Elijah, who was supposed to be the forerunner of the Messiah (they had denied the ministry of John). This cry came after the supernatural darkness, so maybe the crowd was waiting to see if Elijah would really appear? Still seeking some kind of sign of proof other than what Jesus had already done.
6. Read Matthew 27:51-53 and share your thoughts. Have you ever heard a sermon on the dead raised and going into the city? If so, what did you hear? I think the veil being torn it two symbolizes that there would now be no further need for a human priest/mediator between God and men. I read in “People’s Bible Notes” Mt 27:51 The veil of the temple was rent. The curtain before the Holy of Holies separating it from the Holy Place.It took place about the time of the evening sacrifice and showed by symbol that the real atonement, of which the yearly atonement was only a type, had been offered and that the true High Priest had entered into the true Holy of Holies.
I think the earth shaking and rocks breaking symbolized the grief and anger of God, the naturl world joining the sorrow of what had taken place.
I have not heard a sermon about the resurrected bodies, but I have heard it mentioned. The graves opening happened after Jesus’ resurrection and would have given further proof to His diety. Can you imagine the scene, the fear and joy? I would love to hear a message about this.
All of these happenings further underscored that Jesus was the Son of God, Messiah, the Anointed One.
I would love to hear a sermon on that too, Cheryl.
Cheryl, thanks for sharing your notes on question #6 from “People’s Bible Notes.” It took place about the time of the evening sacrifice and showed by symbol that the real atonement, of which the yearly atonement was only a type, had been offered and that the true High Priest had entered into the true Holy of Holies.
And this: I think the earth shaking and rocks breaking symbolized the grief and anger of God, the natural world joining the sorrow of what had taken place.
Amen to Bing, Cheryl. Love those two points!
I agree with Bing on darkness because of grief and anger of God.
See what I added above for Paige after Saturday.
How insightful of your friend Nancy….I am loving your post.
Monday: A Greater Jonah
2. What similarities and differences do you see with Jonah and Jesus? Off the top of my head,
differences: Jonah did not want to follow God’s direction and ran away, Jesus did want the Father’s will and ran to do it. Jonah suffered in the belly of a whale for his own sin, Jesus suffered in hell for us. Jonah was angry about the Lord’s compassion for the people, Jesus gave his life for God’s grace to us.
Similarities: Jonah spoke against sin and told people to repent as did Jesus.
3. Jesus said that as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40) How can you count 3 days and 3 nights? (The photo above might help)
I’m not sure what to take from the photo. I always have taken it as 3 days (daylight) and 3 nights(evenings).
7. What stands out and why?
A couple of things stand out in the first 40 min.
– This idea of the saints coming out of the altar…I don’t remember reading this, ever. I need to go and check it out. Is it in one specific gospel?
– I never thought much about the contrast between us celebrating Jesus’ birth versus His death. We love Christmas (all year!). Not so much for Good Friday. Yet, He gives us the death to remember with Communion. His body, His blood. Wow.
That stood oout to me too. See what I added after Saturday.
Love this, too, Laura.
Last week’s lesson was convicting, and I loved how our own Cheryl shared a story of her true repentance after being convicted by Paige’s message. While you may share about God’s blessing here, I’d also love to hear a time when His Word or Spirit convicted you to the point of true repentance, and any fruit that came from it.
I clearly remember a time when I was “cussing out” my husband in my head. I thought that I was not sinning because I kept it to myself. At that moment, Matthew 5 was brought to my mind, and I was convicted that what I was doing in my head was just as sinful as if I was physically doing it.
Ever since then, when I find myself wandering down that path, I pray for that person instead .
What a good and godly way to handle negative thoughts, Dawn!
Dawn, Because of my speech difficulty I spend much of my time “inside” my head, making comments/observations, and yes arguing. Like you, because it’s not out loud I have not always recognized the underlying sin. Praying for the person instead is such a better way to handle this, thank you for sharing this.
I appreciate what you both have shared here about thoughts. It’s easy to excuse our thoughts thinking no one hears them, but God does… and our thoughts are so influential in our attitude/actions which follow. I’m trying to be much more careful.
Thursday: Continue Paige
8. What stands out and why?
—Paige’s reminder that crosses were common during that era of history and that the cross of Jesus was no different than the crosses right next to him that the criminals were dying on. We speak of “The Cross” singularly because of Who was on that cross. The eternal God man. The Son of God come as a man. The incarnate Son of God. The only perfect Man that had ever lived. He was the One who made it different. Over the centuries Christendom has set the cross of Jesus as one of three set up higher than the other two up on a hill and covered Jesus nakedness with a cloth. When in reality it was at the same level right on the side of the road where people could walk by basically at eye level and observe his death. In the context of all that Jesus was completely different. And actually the practice of communion takes on newer and deeper meaning for me personally in light of Paige’s comments. She said Jesus never says to commemorate his birth. He never says to commemorate his life or his miracles. But He says to again and again and again to commemorate nhis death.
She said everything in all of history was coming to this moment. His death was the point in all of time that everything changed. The phrase “The beauty of the Cross” has always seemed like such a conundrum but yet in that moment when Jesus died the most beautiful thing possible happened and that was my salvation. He died FOR my sin
Bev, I agree, communion takes on a newer and deeper meaning after hearing this:
And actually the practice of communion takes on newer and deeper meaning for me personally in light of Paige’s comments. She said Jesus never says to commemorate his birth. He never says to commemorate his life or his miracles. But He says to again and again and again to commemorate his death.
This is so true. We focus so much more on the birth, although I do LOVE a good Maundy Thursday service as well as Good Friday. It really does make a huge impact.
I listened to the first 20 minutes of Paige, and I’m once again greatly shocked at the depth of the hatred displayed at Jesus. Maybe shocked isn’t the right word. The Jewish rulers were so determined in their plots. All through the events Paige went through I kept thinking, “Stop! Someone stnad up and stope this!” But I know it won’t stop, and I know the glorious conclusion, even so, my heart is aching. The depth of their hatred for Jeusus was greater than the hatred they had for the Romans, “We have no king but Caesar!” I just am shaking my head.
One verse that Paige did not mention –
Matt. 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
The crowd was actually delighted to bear the responsibility, willing to even pass it on to their children. The outpouring of hate, anger, and blood lust is frightening.
Laura, Bev, and Cheryl — all good comments. Please see what I added after Saturday in case it helps you.
Yes, I agree, Cheryl.
8. What stands out and why?
Paige made a number of good points that I so want to remember!
Good Friday is a hard day to be joyful, as it was a day of sorrow. Yet, it is so important to take the time to reflect on the cost of the gift of Resurrection morning. We don’t like the cross, because we know it is our cross, yet Jesus accepted it for us.
I liked the quote by Richard Neber of Yale, of how we want to think about a God without wrath, to bring people without sin, to a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross. This is nothing, but sounds safe.
The truth is filled with wrath; the wrath of God that was mine, and it was poured out upon Jesus, who had no sin, but took the cup of wrath. He accepted it in the Garden. The Reality of Jesus is that His the Spiritual suffering is more difficult than the physical suffering. The Relationship with the Father will be broken. Jesus will be forsaken for all that we have done.
The Garden was the acceptance, the Cross is the accomplishment and we don’t want to look because it should have been us; it should have been me.
The modern Gospel is:
The Cross is the Revelation of the attributes of God; what God is like. The Supreme example of His love and His mercy. The Supreme inspiration coming from His kindness. We are to respond to all of this with our full love to God and that reconciles us to God. My faith becomes the center, not Christ on the Cross.
The very hub of the Cross is Substitutionary Atonement. On the Cross, Jesus was not moving our hearts, He was taking our place.
The three on the Cross. One dying for Sin =Jesus; one dying in sin=the unrepentant one; on dying to sin=the repentant thief
There are so many places, the Old Testament said what Jesus would do. It is what Jesus then said through His ministry~ still we failed to believe it deeply.
Love this one: Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become the curse for us.
John Stott:
The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God.
The essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.
Man asserts himself and puts himself where only God deserves to be.
God sacrifices Himself for man and puts Himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone, while God accepts the penalty which belongs to man alone.
God doesn’t forgive son, He forgives sinners. Sin has to be paid for. Because the sin has been paid for, He can forgive us.
He is so filled with Holiness and He can forgives us! Substitutionary Atonement.
8. What stands out and why? Her description of 3 men on cross. Center man died for sin, one man died in sin. Other man died to sin. Her dad said it was the gospel of prepositions. Why. The contrasts and the difference it made for one man on the cross and difference for me because of the man who died for sin.
Other was her description of Libby Custer snd the one perfect day. I have been given eternity and the perfect day that Jesus chose to die for my sins because He loved me warts, sins, mess and all of me.
I’d never heard that story of Custer’s last stand. Did he sacrifice men to get to her?
And I too loved the gospel of prepositions — such a unque way to look at it.
A God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.
How have you seen this theology in liberal churches today?
Normalizing and accepting sin. No longer honoring God’s Word; Manipulating scripture to fit, otherwise unacceptable behaviors. Creating a personal faith that is based on a personalized view of scripture, rather than the true scripture. We want a happy party church, not the real truth. We are repainting the scriptures to fit a feel good false gospel. It is not far from the money changers exploiting the house of prayer in Matthew 21:12-13.
Ron read Isaiah 53:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 (2 of many passages she gave)
Jesus, who had no sin, became all sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. He took what we deserve, so that we could gain what we could not accomplish.
Using these verses, explain why the above theology is wrong in your own words or in Paige’s words.
So well put, Patti about so many churches:
Normalizing and accepting sin. No longer honoring God’s Word; Manipulating scripture to fit, otherwise unacceptable behaviors. Creating a personal faith that is based on a personalized view of scripture, rather than the true scripture. We want a happy party church, not the real truth.
WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
I think I answered some of these, before they were posted. Sorry about being redundant.
LUKE 23:32-43
Comments and observations from the above
Amidst all the hating, spitting and cursing, Jesus is praying. He does not slip quietly into death but prays. Find some of His prayers in this passage, and, if READ possible, comment.
Jesus prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified Him and those mocking Him and casting lots for the garments. They were unknowingly fulfilling OT prophecy. The soldiers and bystanders mocked Him. One of the criminals mocked him and told Jesus He should save them and Himself. The other criminal knew that Jesus did not deserve punishment. He said “ we indeed are suffering justly for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but his man has done nothing.”….. “ Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom.” To this man Jesus replied “Truly, I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”l
Read Luke 23:1-25 and share one thing that stands out to you.
What stands out is how the people just decide Jesus needs to be crucified. Why? What made them want this so badly? This is what Paige said in her first 40 min. Crucifixion was the most heinous of Roman executions. Why did they want anyone to die this way?
2. How have you seen this theology in liberal churches today?
A God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.
I would say with the homosexual/LGBT movement. This is clearly sin. If the church believes God isn’t going to “act” then why bother reading the Bible? This sin is clearly stated in both the Old and the New Testaments. If these sinners are not judged then what was Jesus’ death all about? Why doesn’t matter? I am a daily sinner. I am judged for that and I try to repent often. Thank You Lord for taking my sin.
3. Using these verses, explain why the above theology is wrong in your own words or in Paige’s words.
I think I answered this above. Both of these verses tell us that He was sacrificed for us. He took our sin so we could be made right in God’s eyes. I love You Jesus.
4. Meditate on the quote from John Stott and explain why Christ died.
John Stott:“The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God. The essence of salvation is Christ substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God by and puts himself where only God deserves to be. God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone while God accepts the penalties which belong to man alone.”
Man wants to be like God and God steps in and saves him from himself.
Yes, why would anyone want someone to be crucified? Shows the great darkness we care capable of once we walk in the darkness and don’t repent.
Love this: Man wants to be like God and God steps in and saves him from himself! Laura! Amen! Thank you Jesus! Love your entire post!
What was Paige’s point with her Custer’s Last Stand story and his wife’s diary?
As his wife had her “perfect day,” we, too, will one day have our perfect day by Jesus coming to take us with Him.
Why did this thief think that Jesus could not be the King? What did he demand?
He wouldn’t save Himself. The thief demanded that if Jesus was the King then He should save Himself and the thieves right then.
Can you relate in any way?
Yes. I want for myself to be “saved” from my life. My family is a mess. I don’t know how to help them (and myself). I pray and pray, yet I must be missing the point, as I hear nothing from our Lord. Please Jesus! Save us.
Paige told a story about two sorority sisters who had negative reactions to her story of a Klan member who had committed atrocities and was led to Christ by her dad. What were they?
One girl couldn’t believe the Klan member could be saved because of the things he had done, and the other couldn’t believe he wasn’t saved from his deeds.
Why does the cross seem foolish to many?
I think it seems foolish because these people (some that I know as well) believe the sinner should be persecuted, not ever saved. They deserve their punishment, for goodness sakes!
Do you know of any people who demanded some kind of sign like healing, or fixing finances, or whatever before they would believe?
I know of a person who is willing to stop believing because his circumstances won’t change.
Have you ever been like that?
I have felt the frustration of a situation and begged the Lord to take it away. I have not heard from Him and have to continue to plod through, although the most difficult time I have ever endured. I have questioned, but not given up on His faithfulness. I try to remember Job.
My comment for this week is a song:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=isaiah+53+ray+boltz
Thank you, Cheryl, for this song. I have never heard it before.
What is your take-a-way and why?
Because I am so behind in my studies, I would just like to share my takeaway:
Dying FOR Sin – Cross of Redemption (Jesus)
My heart continues to be overwhelmed by Jesus love for me.
Dying IN Sin – Cross of Rebellion (Thief # 1)
He had a choice, and up to the end, he remained lost.
Dying TO SIN – Cross of Repentance (Thief # 2)
He had a choice, and toward his end, he was saved.
I also very much appreciate Paige’s story of Thief #2 getting to heaven and being asked by the angel why he thinks he can enter. He did not do anything to gain entry, “the man in the middle cross said I can come here.” (me in ugly cry) Welcome to your new home!
Thank you, Dee, for this side trip with Paige. I think when Jesus comes again, and all of us are in heaven, I would like to meet Thief #2!
LUKE 23:32-43
Comments and observations from the above
Amidst all the hating, spitting and cursing, Jesus is praying. He does not slip quietly into death but prays. Find some of His prayers in this passage, and, if READ possible, comment.
What was Paige’s point with her Custer’s Last Stand story and his wife’s diary?
I think I have skipped over the part in text where Jesus tells them to weep for themselves and their children. Jesus asked His Father to forgive them because they didn’t know what they were doing. I think it’s inconceivable for me to understand the magnitude of what happened that day. So much laid on Jesus and yet He remained focused and didn’t lash out as others did at Him. Then asks God to forgive them. Custers last stand story for me was that Jesus had one perfect day where He died for my sin.
Why did this thief think that Jesus could not be the King? What did he demand?Because was suffering the same punishment he a sinner was suffering. Save yourself and us.
Can you relate in any way? I can be disrespectful but ask forgiveness when I ask God why? Thinking of death of children.
Paige told a story about two sorority sisters who had negative reactions to her story of a Klan member who had committed atrocities and was led to Christ by her dad. What were they? One was why did that man deserved to be saved was the other that it really happened?
Why does the cross seem foolish to many? That it was even needed. We are not that bad.
Do you know of any people who demanded some kind of sign like healing, or fixing finances, or whatever before they would believe? Have you ever been like that? Yes. In my foolishness I told God once if He would heal my sil I would go to church and find out if He was real.
C. Ryle: This man is proof that pain and suffering and the fear of death are not enough to convert a soul.
Comments on either of the above quotes? Yes I think. We want God but on our own terms. We want to claim Him as God but stop short of living that He is Lord over our life.
Read Luke 23:40-43. Comments? Always love those words “today you will be with me in paradise.” Her point with Alistair Begg story? That we do nothing to deserve to be in heaven with Jesus and the Father. We can never earn that place. It is His grace. In Christ alone.
Matthew and Mark show he was cursing too, but sometime in that time he was also listening to Jesus. What prayers of Jesus might have brought him to faith do you think? When Jesus didn’t respond in kind to the insults but instead spoke to the Father to forgive them.
Paige said grace makes us skeptical. What was her point about her story of the immoral sorority sister telling her she had become a Christian? Can you identify at all? That we can want to judge other people’s sin instead of own and wonder how they can be on the right path they are on without going through the steps we have had. Yes. I think there are times when someone has been elevated in a Christian position and I think why them?
What is your take-a-way and why? With all that’s gone on this week in Christian news and world news to remember that the main thing is Jesus and what He the middle man on the cross accomplished for me.
I wasn’t able to finish all the questions but I did finish her sermon. I was stuck on this part about the repentant man on the cross how he knew nothing. I loved her day dream about arriving in heaven and the angel asking how did you get here? And he couldn’t say. “I don’t know… A man on the middle cross told me I could come.” It was really thought provoking. I wish everybody could hear this sermon. It’s too bad she doesn’t publish them or make them available.