In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Paul declares that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is of first importance. Therefore it should thoroughly excite us that we are studying the most important event and teaching in Scripture, and we should expect to experience the power of God as we focus on the cross of Christ.
Our intention in this study is to be like the four women in John 19:25: ”but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25
These four women were "standing by the cross" taking it all in, heartbroken at the sight of it, yet pondering in their hearts the meaning of it. When all the other disciples had deserted Jesus, these four remained, and as they "stood by the cross," they heard words of blessing and instruction from Jesus' mouth: "Father, forgive them..." "Woman, behold your son," "It is finished," etc.
Our hope and earnest expectation are likewise to stand by the cross and hear words of blessing and instruction that only those who linger by the cross will hear. The words of blessing that we will hear will be a balm to the sinner’s heart, encouragement to the weary, strength for the weak, medicine for the spiritually ill, and vitality to the souls of all who will listen. Words such as these will ring in our hearts, "today you will be with me in Paradise", "He reconciled us to God...through the cross" (Eph. 2:16), "He made peace by the blood of His cross" (Col. 1:20), "He canceled the record of debt...nailing it to the cross" (Col. 2:14), and many more.
Our method in this study will be to ponder the event of the cross itself, to consider the clear statements made in the New Testament about the cross, to view the portraits of the cross that are scattered throughout the Old Testament and to examine the prophetic writings about the death of Jesus. Through it all, we will always seek to apply the cross to our own lives.
Christians should not live in habitual sin; Scripture makes this clear. But the only true and biblical method of overcoming habitual sin in our lives is through the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. Do we want to repent of gluttony? Then we must study the cross. Do we want to be free from laziness? Then we must view the cross and contemplate it. Do we want to be free from pornography and all impurity, from drunkenness and drugs, from bitterness, greed, sinful anger and rage, gossip, slander, and covetousness? Then we must focus on the cross of Jesus Christ and experience its power.
Oh, what incredible power, grace, and love are displayed to believers in the cross of Jesus Christ. When was the last time you pondered the cross to such an extent that it dissolved your heart in thankfulness and brought your eyes to tears? This is a real experience that can be had by all who will "stand by the cross" of Christ and linger. One hymn writer stated how the cross changed his affections in this way:
Was it for crimes that I had done, He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!
Well, might the sun in darkness hide And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died, For man the creature’s sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt my eyes to tears.
https://hymnary.org/text/alas_and_did_my_savior_bleed
This can be our experience, too, as we enter into the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and examine the results of the cross in our lives.
As this lesson ends, will you stop and pray this prayer with me, in anticipation of what we will experience through this study?
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side
https://hymnary.org/text/i_am_thine_o_lord_i_have_heard_thy_voice
Question 6. What are your goals as you study through this course?
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Mike L. writes, "To daily be reminded of the amazing sacrifice of Jesus, to be drawn to the cross, to be cut to the heart for my sins and to fall deeper and deeper in love with Jesus. I want to know nothing except Jesus and Him crucified!"
Wendy writes, "My goal for this study is to daily focus on the cross. Learn more of what Jesus suffered and accomplished for me. I want to to experience the power if the cross. I want it to become the most important focus in my life. I also want to feel a greater longing and urge to tell others about the cross."