Lesson 64 - Senior
Memory Verse
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6).
Cross References
I Christ Shamefully Treated
1. Those in authority robed Jesus, in derision, [MAT:27:27-28]; [LUK:23:11]; [JHN:19:1-2].
2. They then crowned Him in mockery, [MAT:27:29]; [LUK:22:68].
3. Jesus suffered great cruelty, [MAT:27:30-31]; [ISA:53:3-5]; [ISA:50:6]; [HEB:2:10].
4. Christ's weakened condition necessitated the compelling of Simon the Cyrenian to bear His cross, [MAT:27:32]; [LUK:23:26]; [MAK:15:21].
5. He was led to the place of execution, [MAT:27:33-34]; [JHN:19:17].
II Jesus on the Cross
1. His garments were taken according to Scripture, [MAT:27:35-36]; [PS:22:18]; [JHN:19:23-24].
2. Pilate had the title put on the cross over Jesus, [MAT:27:37-38]; [MAK:15:26]; [LUK:23:38]; [JHN:19:19].
3. The people reviled the Son of God, [MAT:27:39-44]; [MAK:15:29-32]; [ISA:53:12].
4. The unnatural darkness descended, and Jesus spoke from the cross, [MAT:27:45-49]; [PS:69:21]; [MAK:15:33-36].
5. He spoke His final words, and died, [MAT:27:50]; [MAK:15:37]; [LUK:23:46]; [JHN:19:30].
III Miracles Attendant upon Christ's Death
1. The veil of the Temple was rent, [MAT:27:51]; [MAK:15:38].
2. There was an earthquake, Matthew 27:51.
3. Many of the saints' graves were opened, [MAT:27:52-53].
4. The centurion made a remarkable confession, [MAT:27:54]; [MAK:15:39]; [LUK:23:47-48].
5. The loyal women followed Jesus, [MAT:27:55-56]; [MAK:15:40-41]; [LUK:23:49].
Notes
The Atonement
The doctrine of the Atonement is clearly taught and corroborated by Scripture. In [ISA:53:5-7]; [MAT:20:28]; [JHN:1:29]; [1JN:1:7]; [1JN:2:2]; and many other passages of Scripture, the idea of substitution and atonement is as clearly set forth as it is possible for human tongue to express. Certainly it is true that the crucifixion of the Son of God upon the Cross of Calvary was nothing short of atonement for the sins of humanity; but this substitution and atonement is of benefit to men only when coupled with true repentance and a complete turning away from all sin. The Son of God suffered not that we might continue in sin but rather that we may live without sin ([ROM:6:1-2], [ROM:6:6]). The necessity of such an atonement for sin is acknowledged ([EZE:18:4]; [ROM:5:12]), and without it spiritual death is certain. "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures"(I Corinthians 15:3).
Christ's Shameful Treatment
Jesus was most cruelly mocked, scorned, and derided by the people before the actual crucifixion, but He suffered and bore it all in our stead. He entered into a covenant with the Father to become the surety and substitute of the guilty -- to die, the just for the unjust. For the suffering of death He was born of woman (Galatians 4:4), was "made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14), and yet while assuming our humanity provided not only an atonement for our sins but also sanctification and divine healing.
Jesus on the Cross
Amidst inconceivable opposition and unspeakable horrors, He continued seeking the lost until He hung upon the cross. "It pleased the LORD to bruise him" and He made "his soul an offering for sin" (Isaiah 53:10). The death of Christ fulfilled divine justice, so that God "might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:26). For our sins deserved death and eternal destruction, and through Christ's death we are justified. In [1JN:2:2]; [1JN:4:10], and [ROM:3:25], we find still further evidence that the death of Jesus was vicarious. The Greek word used in the first two passages is "hilasmos," and in the last "hilasterion." The literal rendering of this latter word is mercy seat. These two words are from the verb "hilaskomai" which means "to propitiate," "to atone," or "to turn away the wrath of an offended person." The passages which refer to Christ as a propitiation refer to His sufferings and death, as the way by which God can be merciful or favourable to sinful men. Therefore, "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). It is not necessary for the Son of God to return once a year, as the high priest who entered into the holy place with the blood of others (Hebrews 9:25), but "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many," and is entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (Hebrews 9:24).
There is positive proof of healing in the Atonement. In [NUM21:8-9], we read that Moses was instructed by God to make a fiery serpent and to raise it up so that the sick Israelites might look upon it and be healed. These people were dying; and all who faded to look to the serpent died. This event is typical of salvation and also of divine healing as provided for us in the Atonement. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up" (John 3:14).
He was lifted up for our salvation, our sanctification, and our healing. When we look to Christ Who bore our sins on the cross we receive our healing through the Atonement. "By whose stripes ye were healed" (I Peter 2:24), means that Jesus suffered such cruel scourging that the blood flowed from His blessed back; and it is the shed blood that brings the healing. When we are in need of help we can look back to Calvary in faith and God will heal our bodies.
In Hebrews 13:12, we read, "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." Many people hold the opinion that justification was all that our Lord purchased on Calvary. However, He wrought a complete and full salvation. A complete salvation includes all the experiences we receive from the time that God convicts our hearts and brings us to Christ until we are taken up to meet Him in the clouds. Sanctification is a necessity in the heart; and, indeed, "is the will of God" (I Thessalonians 4:3). A sanctified or holy life must be our experience or we have no right to expect to be with the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 tells us that without this holiness we shall not even see the Lord, let alone be with Him eternally. That is the fun salvation purchased on Calvary's Cross: justification by faith; sanctification, a second definite work of grace; and divine healing for our sick bodies.
Miracles Attendant at Christ's Death
God gave further witness to the divinity of Jesus at the death of our Lord. The veil of the Temple was rent from the top to the bottom, thus signifying that the way into the holiest was made possible by the Blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19, 20). Many of the saints' graves were opened. Even the centurion was forced to make the remarkable testimony, "Truly this was the Son of God."
Questions
1. Was Christ dressed in a scarlet robe to honour Him?
2. Who assisted Jesus in bearing the cross?
3. What writing was placed over Jesus as He hung on the cross?
4. Even in His agony, what was the attitude of the Jews?
5. What was the Jews' answer to Pilate when he sought to release Jesus?
6. Name the miracles, which attended the death of the Son of God.
7. What did the centurion say?
8. What does Jesus' death on the cross mean to you?