Jesus' Death Reflects the Value of Your Soul (Matthew 16:26)
Introduction:
1. In this verse Jesus asked 2 questions to show that a person's soul is his most valuable possession. 2. Since our souls are so precious, saving them is extremely important. 3. There are many factors that relate to salvation. 4. Last week we studied "God's grace" [kindness or favor that God extends to people, even though we do not deserve it]. 5. A proper understanding of God's grace reflects the value of the soul. 6. Today we are studying another important subject that relates to salvation: "Jesus' death." 7. Like God's grace, a proper understanding of "Jesus' death reflects the value of your soul." 8. Let us begin by showing how . . . Discussion: I. JESUS SUFFERED GREATLY WHEN HE DIED
A. Jesus knew in advance what would happen to Him (Matthew 20:17-19). B. Before His arrest Jesus was troubled (Matthew 26:36-39; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 5:7). C. During His trials Jesus was severely abused (Matthew 26:67-68; 27:26, 29-31). D. Jesus was executed by crucifixion (Mark 15:25). E. After approximately 6 hours, Jesus died (Mark 15:34-37). F. The Lord's suffering helps us to appreciate how . . . II. GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS GRACE AND LOVE WHEN JESUS DIED
A. We learn from Hebrews 2:9 that God demonstrated His grace when Jesus died. 1. The first 2 chapters of Hebrews show how Jesus is superior to the angels. 2. According to Hebrews 2:9, Jesus "was made a little lower than the angels." 3. There was a reason for this -- "for the suffering of death." 4. Note: Jesus tasted death for every man "by the grace of God." 5. The writer continued in vs.14-15 by showing how we are blessed because Jesus died. B. We learn from Romans 5:6-8 that God demonstrated His love when Jesus died. 1. Jesus did not die for us because we deserved such a sacrifice. 2. He died: a. "for the ungodly" (vs.6) b. "while we were yet sinners" (vs.8). 3. Paul continued in vs.9-11 by showing how we are blessed because Jesus died. C. The Lord's death involved: 1. great suffering on His behalf 2. grace and love on God's behalf. III. JESUS' DEATH ALSO RELATES TO CHRISTIANS [Those who have been saved]
A. (1 Corinthians 11:26) When we eat the Lord's Supper each Sunday we "show the Lord's death." B. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) We are to stand in and keep in memory the Gospel that includes the Lord's death. C. (1 John 1:7) The Lord's blood that He shed in His death continues to cleanse those who "walk in the light." Conclusion:
1. The passages we have examined, as well as many others, show how Jesus' death relates to the salvation of our souls. 2. In closing, let us observe from Romans 6:3-7 how we contact Jesus' death to receive salvation from sin. 3. How valuable is your soul? 4. God's grace and Jesus' death answer this question.
