1. Two questions asked by Jesus, recorded in Matthew 16:26, indicate that a person's soul is his most valuable possession. 2. Since our souls are so precious, saving them is extremely important. 3. Last week we began a series of lessons relating to "salvation." 4. Our first lesson was a study of "God's grace" [kindness or favor that God extends to people, even though we do not deserve it]. 5. Today we are studying another important subject that relates to salvation: "Jesus' death." 6. 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. Jesus was troubled before His arrest (Matthew 26:36-39; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 5:7). C. Jesus was severely abused during His trials (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.
