Lesson 23: Washing at the Cross: Freedom From Sin and Death
Question 6
Jesus was tempted in all ways that we are. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He was tempted to avoid the cross, just like we are. When we are tempted, we know that we can go to Jesus and talk with One who experienced the severity of temptation that we do, yet won through submission and death.
Did you notice how Jesus is undoing everything that Adam and Eve did in the garden? In their case, Eve was tempted, they sinned, and then death followed. In Jesus’ case, He destroyed death for us, made an atonement for our sin, and helps us when we are tempted. He is reversing all the destruction of our first parents and setting us free from all kinds of slavery.
As I wash at the cross, I see Jesus’ death to His flesh, and I am compelled by His love to die to overeating today. As I see Jesus’ choosing sacrifice over comfort, I choose to suffer by not coddling my flesh today but instead crucifying it. As I see Jesus pushing past His fear and going to the cross, I know that He died to set me free from slavery, so today I eat like a free man instead of a slave. I eat in a way that is worthy of the gospel and brings glory to God.
Question 6. How does washing at the cross affect how you eat, exercise, and live your life? Please share:
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Sue is evidencing wonderful growth, and notice how her growth is connected to her understanding of the cross as she answers the question above:
"When I contemplate just what happened at the cross,I am reminded how He has freed me from my sin and shame, freed me from the power that sin had over me. I know I can resist temptations because Jesus is there with me, I have the power of the Holy Spirit in me, I can now choose to eat healthy one day at a time, as God leads me ( whether to fast, or skip a meal, etc). I can now endure the feeling of being hungry, which is my part in suffering to become more like Jesus. I like the statement above “Jesus choosing sacrifice over comfort.” I can do the same. Not give in to my body’s cravings any more, instead crucify my flesh for His glory. I don’t want to let satan win any battles when I have the power of Christ in me to overcome."
And check out Wende's answer here, and see if you find yourself in total agreement as I did. Wow!:
"Washing at the cross enables me to say no to my flesh. Seeing Jesus there, knowing that He is taking all the arrows that have my name on them. He is is drawing all the stings of death away from me and into His own flesh. I want His sacrifice to be worth it so my response is to gladly say no to my desires. And when I get distracted, gratify the flesh, give in to my desires, I want His sacrifice to still be worth it; I will bring myself to the cross to
wash again,
and again,
and again ...
So when I want to put something on my mouth and I am not truly hungry, I am learning to stop and picture Him with my arrows and stings, blood flowing. I ask for forgiveness and power."