prophecies that relate to calvary (1 corinthians 15:1-4)
Introduction:
1. In these verses Paul referred to the Gospel he had preached in Corinth. 2. Part of his message was that "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (vs.3b). 3. We pointed out this morning that Jesus died at Calvary, making it a very special place. 4. In our lesson we are examining 3 prophecies from the Old Testament that showed how Jesus would die for our sins [at Calvary]. 5. Let us begin with . . . Discussion: I. A PROPHECY FROM THE LAW OF MOSES (Genesis 3:15)
A. The serpent tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, she ate it, and Adam ate it. B. At this point sin entered the world, and God punished everyone involved. C. As God punished the serpent He foretold what would happen to the woman's seed. 1. He would suffer a temporary wound [His heel would be bruised]. 2. He would also deliver a fatal wound to the serpent by bruising his head. D. In connection with this verse, let us examine Galatians 4:4-5. 1. When the time was right, "God sent forth his Son, made of a woman" (vs.4). 2. (vs.5) By suffering as the woman's seed at Calvary, Jesus made it possible for us to be redeemed and become God's children. E. Let us next examine . . . II. A PROPHECY FROM THE PROPHETS (Isaiah 53)
A. In this chapter Isaiah wrote about "God's suffering servant." B. We know from Acts 8 that Isaiah wrote about Jesus and His suffering. C. Isaiah emphasized how Jesus would suffer for our sins [at Calvary]. D. Through His suffering at Calvary Jesus would provide some special blessings: spiritual healing, justification, and intercession. E. Isaiah also showed how God would prolong the days of His suffering servant. F. Let us turn our attention to . . . III. A PROPHECY FROM THE PSALMS (Psalm 22)
A. In this psalm David wrote about some difficulties He was facing (vs.1-2). B. David also wrote about Jesus and His suffering [at Calvary] (vs.7-8, 13-18). C. David mentioned something that Jesus would do with His followers after He suffered (vs.22; Hebrews 2:9-12). Conclusion:
1. The New Testament Scriptures identify Calvary as a very special place. 2. Years earlier, Old Testament prophecies indicated that Calvary would be a special place -- it would be the place where Jesus would die for our sins.
