Download A Study on Jesus` Sacrifice

Bonus Session – KNOWN 23
FOR BIBLE STUDY
A Study on Jesus’ Sacrifice
THE QUESTION
Why did Jesus have to die?
THE POINT
Jesus’ sacrifice provided a way for us to be reconciled to God.
--INSIGHTS-Introduce the Topic
Students today are surrounded by varying worldviews and opinions about the spiritual destination of each
person following death. Some teens believe they will be reincarnated. Others think there is no life after
death. Still others believe they will go to heaven when they die because they are basically good people.
Many youth have recognized the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in taking away their sins.
They need to understand that His once-for-all-time sacrifice broke down the barrier between God and
humanity and made salvation possible.
Points to Focus On
A. Nothing we can do can take away our sins. (Heb. 10:1-4)
Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the actual form of those realities, it
can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year. Otherwise,
wouldn’t they have stopped being offered, since the worshipers, once purified, would no longer have any
consciousness of sins? But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for
the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. (Hebrews 10:1-4)
The writer of the Book of Hebrews recognized the shortcomings of the sacrificial system under the Jewish
law. Old Testament sacrifices were like shadows compared to the reality of Christ’s sacrifice. Those
sacrifices pointed to God’s coming redeeming work, but they were not that work. Year after year priests
made sacrifices, but the sacrifices could not bring salvation or put people into a right relationship with
God.
If animal sacrifices had been able to bring worshipers into a permanent right relationship with God, it
would not have been necessary to keep offering them. However, these sacrifices had no real power to
cleanse from sin. Instead of cleansing, these sacrifices actually reminded worshipers of their sin, making
the people aware of their guilt before God. The sacrifices themselves only pointed to the redemption God
had promised in Christ.
B. He was the perfect sacrifice. (Heb. 10:11-14)
Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can
never take away sins. But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand
of God. He is now waiting until His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected
forever those who are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:11-14)
The writer explained that priests carried out the same sacrifices day after day. The priests stood to
perform their rituals, a posture that illustrated that their work had no completion. Their work had no end.
No matter how many times they were offered, the sacrifices could never take away sin.
This passage shows the stark difference between Jesus and the priests in the earthly temple. Those
priests had offered the sacrifices day after day. But Jesus offered one sacrifice for all time. His sacrifice
was unique, unrepeatable, and eternally valid. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus did not stand to repeatedly
carry out a futile ritual. His sacrifice complete, He took His place seated at God’s “right hand,” the position
of power and authority.
On the cross, Christ won the war against sin and death. However, these enemies still exist on earth. The
writer of Hebrews quoted from Psalm 110:1 to point out God’s promise that all of Christ’s enemies would
some day be made a footstool for His feet. At God’s right hand, Christ waits until those who opposed Him
have submitted to Him. He knows that the time will come when sin will be no more. Then His sovereign
reign will be a reality. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross completely accomplished God’s redemptive work. In
that redemption, those who believe are set apart for God’s service forever.
C. His death made a way for us to reach God. (Luke 23:33-46)
When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on
the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they
are doing.” And they divided His clothes and cast lots. The people stood watching, and even the leaders
kept scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!” The
soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine and said, “If You are the King of the Jews,
save Yourself!” An inscription was above Him: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then one of the
criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” But
the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same
punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did,
but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me, when You come into Your
kingdom!” And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.” It was now about
noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of
the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands
I entrust My spirit.” Saying this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:33-46)
Jesus was crucified outside the gate of Jerusalem (Heb. 13:12) at a location known as “the Skull,” or
“place of the skull.” Crucifixion was an especially painful and degrading method of execution used by the
Romans in Jesus’ day. Prior to execution, criminals were scourged, or beaten with a whip containing bits
of metal and bone. This act was done not just out of cruelty, but also to hasten death. In the actual
crucifixion, the feet and hands of the person being crucified were either tied (the normal method) or nailed
(for quicker death) to the cross. The nails would be driven through the wrist rather than the hand, because
the smaller bones in the hand could not support the weight of the body. Pins or blocks made of wood
were placed halfway up to provide a seat for the body. Otherwise, the nails would tear open the wounds
or the ropes would force the arms out of socket. Death often came slowly and resulted from a
combination of causes, such as a loss of blood circulation, shock, and coronary failure. In fulfillment of
prophecy, Jesus was crucified between two criminals, called “robbers” in Mark 15:27. (See Isaiah 53:12.)
While on earth, Jesus had taught the concept of forgiveness (Luke 5:24; 6:37; 11:4; 17:4). On the cross
He lived out this teaching. He asked God to forgive “them,” which could have referred to any number of
people—the Jews who tried to rid themselves of a dissident; the Roman government bent on controlling
the Jewish community; the men who actually nailed Jesus to the cross; the soldiers who played games
for His clothes. Jesus recognized that none of the people on the hill that day truly understood the
implications of their actions.
The religious authorities mocked Jesus in their conversations with one another. Jesus had saved others
by healing many people, by casting out demons from people, and by raising people from death. Surely if
He were truly the Messiah, He could deliver Himself from an execution. They failed to see that it was only
by dying and not saving Himself that He could save others from their sin.
One of the criminals crucified with Jesus was convinced of Jesus’ true identity as Savior. No doubt Jesus’
prayer for forgiveness of those who were putting Him to death helped this criminal realize his own sin and
Jesus’ sinlessness. Seeing Jesus as the Messiah, he asked that Jesus remember him at the time of His
return in glory to establish His kingdom.
The criminal on the cross asked Jesus to remember him at a future time, but Jesus promised that the
repentant robber would be with Him in paradise that very day. Jesus didn’t give the robber assurance for
a vague future salvation; rather, He promised the man fellowship with Him in the presence of God that
very day. Death would not mean defeat for either of them, but would instead mark their entrance into
eternity with the Father.
From noon until 3:00 p.m., darkness covered everything. This darkness likely had several meanings.
During this time on the cross, Jesus bore the world’s sin and experienced separation from God. In those
hours, it must have seemed like the powers of evil had won. Another meaning of the darkness is the
rebellion of nature at the suffering of its Creator. Creation itself expressed remorse over the death of the
Creator. In any case, the darkness was not a natural eclipse, because Passover took place at the time of
the full moon when an eclipse could not occur.
The temple curtain separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple. The curtain was a physical
symbol of the spiritual chasm between God and humanity. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the
high priest entered the holy of holies to make offerings for his own sins and for the sins of the people. For
the temple’s curtain to be “split down the middle” meant that there was now free access into God’s
presence. No longer did the people need the priest as a mediator between God and them. Moreover, the
priest no longer had to present sacrifices for reconciliation with God. According to the Gospels of Matthew
and Mark, the curtain was torn from the top to the bottom (Matt. 27:51; Mark 15:38), signifying that
atonement was the work of God, not of any human. Humanity cannot offer the perfect sacrifice for
atonement or earn forgiveness of sin. Only God could provide the sacrifice.
Jesus knew that He had accomplished the mission His Father had given Him. His life was not being taken
from Him; He willingly gave it (John 10:17-18). These last words of Jesus from the cross as found in
Luke’s Gospel are a quotation from Psalm 31:5. To the very end, His life and death fulfilled Old
Testament prophecy.
Bonus Session – KNOWN 23
FOR BIBLE STUDY
A Study on Jesus’ Sacrifice
THE QUESTION
Why did Jesus have to die?
THE POINT
Jesus’ sacrifice provided a way for us to be reconciled to God.
--Teaching Plan-GET STARTED
> As students arrive, direct them to write their definition of the word perfect on a large sheet of paper.
Read and discuss the definitions.
> Do you consider anything in the world to be perfect? Why or why not?
> Prior to Bible study, create an object out of clay, cover it with a cloth, and place it in the corner of the
room. Group students into teams and distribute a lump of clay to each team. Uncover the object and allow
teams to study it for one minute, then recover it. Allow teams to work together for five minutes to recreate
a perfect replica of the object under the cloth. Call time and remove the cover from the object you
created. Instruct each team to place its creation beside your object to determine if it is a perfect replica.
Point out the differences.
> How close was your object to being a perfect replica?
> Discuss how nothing in this world is perfect. When sin entered the world, perfection was marred. But
Jesus’ sacrifice was so perfect that it forever removed the obstacle between humanity and God.
INTRODUCE THE QUESTION
> Distribute paper and pens. Instruct students to number the paper from one to five. Play or sing short
clips of several well-known hymns or praise choruses and direct students to record the titles on their
sheets of paper. Explain that points will only be rewarded for those titles that are identified perfectly. Call
for students’ answers, then listen to the clips again and reveal the correct titles. Do not award points
unless the student has recorded the title of the hymn perfectly.
> Talk about how perfection is the highest standard and anything that is slightly off does not measure up.
> Do you ever feel like you don’t measure up? Explain.
> Why do you feel such pressure to be perfect?
> No matter how good we are, what keeps us from being perfect?
> Because we are sinful, we miss the mark for what God created us to be. He demands a perfect sacrifice
for our sins, one we can’t give. But Jesus’ perfect sacrifice was the answer. Because of it, we can know
God’s forgiveness.
APPLY LIFE PRINCIPLES
A. Nothing we can do can take away our sins. (Heb. 10:1-4)
> Direct students to write their definition of sin on an index card. Discuss responses.
> Sin is rebellion against God and not meeting His standards.
> Why can’t I just be good enough? Why can’t I be judged on the basis of my good actions vs. my bad
ones?
> The problem is by what standard we are judged. Jesus is the perfect standard against which we
measure our actions. Anything less than what Jesus would do is sin.
> Prior to class, write common sins, such as lying, talking back to parents, gossiping, or disobeying
parents on slips of paper and place them in a small paper bag labeled Sin. Then, write a corresponding
number of activities students can complete during class, such as doing 10 push-ups, standing on one leg
for one minute, or saying the Pledge of Allegiance on separate slips of paper. Place these slips in a paper
bag labeled Punishment. Direct students to draw a sin out of the bag. If they draw a sin they have
committed, they must then draw a punishment from the other bag and perform it.
> Are your sins removed because of your punishment? Why or why not?
> What are some ways people try to get rid of their sin. (Examples: ignore it; replace it with a good thing;
rationalize it)
> Read Hebrews 10:1-4.
> What were the priests doing to try to remove the people’s sins?
> Why was what they were doing not good enough?
> Just like animal sacrifices did not remove the people’s sins, doing push-ups or good works will not
remove our sins. Nothing we can do can remove our sins.
B. He was the perfect sacrifice. (Heb. 10:11-14)
> Read Hebrews 10:11-14.
> What is something you’ve done that seemed a waste of time after you finished?
> Why were the sacrifices the priests were making a futile attempt to get rid of sin?
> Why was Jesus the perfect sacrifice?
> Why was His sacrifice for sins forever?
> What is significant about Jesus sitting down at the right hand of God?
> When will His enemies be made His footstool?
> Who are the ones who have been sanctified?
> What does it take to be sanctified? Are you sanctified? Explain.
C. His death made a way for us to reach God. (Luke 23:33-46)
> Read silently Luke 23:33-46.
> Give everyone an index card. Pretend the card is your cell phone and you’ve got to send the message
of what you just read as a text. You only have 160 characters to work with. What do you say? (If all your
students have cell phones, you could get them to do this on their phones and send them to you.) Read
the texts and choose which is the best one.
> Was it hard to get this story told in one text? Why or why not?
> What was the significance of the thief’s story?
> Do you think it was fair for him to get this last-minute chance? Explain.
> What was significant about the curtain being torn?
> How did people relate to God before Jesus came?
> How did Jesus make a way for us to relate to God?
WRAP IT UP
> Is there any way you can get to God on your own? Explain.
> What are some ways people try to get to God outside of a relationship with Christ?
> Have you trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior?
> Provide time for students to make a decision to give their lives to Christ. Assure them that you will be
glad to talk with them after class or at any other time about this important decision.
Bonus Session – KNOWN 23
FOR MIDWEEK
A Study on the Risen Savior
THE QUESTION
Why is Jesus’ resurrection crucial to our faith?
THE POINT
Jesus’ resurrection struck the final blow in His defeat of death and gave all people who trust in Him hope
for eternal life.
--INSIGHTS-Points to Focus On
A. Christ’s resurrection defeated death. (Luke 24:1-12)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they
had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of
the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling
clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. “Why are you looking for the living
among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He
spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of
sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered His words. Returning from the
tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the
mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words
seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to
the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went home, amazed at what
had happened. (Luke 24:1-12)
Some of Jesus’ followers, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, went to His
tomb early on the Sunday morning following His crucifixion. They brought with them spices necessary for
completing Jesus’ burial. Because of the Sabbath, during which no work could take place, they had been
unable carry out this work of love until dawn on Sunday.
Jesus’ tomb was similar to a cave cut out of rock. After the burial, a big wheel-shaped stone that fit into a
channel or groove covered the opening of the tomb. The stone served as a way to keep thieves and
animals out of the tomb. The stone was heavy and large, far too heavy for the women to move
themselves. In fact, according to Mark’s account, the women had wondered on their way to the tomb how
they would roll the large stone away from the tomb’s door or who would do it for them
(Mark 16:2-3).
When the women arrived at the tomb, they found the heavy stone rolled away and Jesus’ body missing.
Worried and perplexed, the women were met by two angelic messengers. As the frightened women
bowed in awe and fear, these messengers made an amazing announcement: the dead Lord they had
been seeking was not in the tomb because He had risen from the dead! Christ had risen just as He said,
the angels proclaimed. Angels had made the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds in the field;
now they announced that He had conquered death.
The angels reminded the women that Jesus had foretold His arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. The
angels reminded the women of Jesus’ teachings about His death and resurrection, referring to a specific
quote and a place (Galilee) where and when Jesus had spoken of these things. No doubt the women had
either heard these teachings from Jesus Himself or had heard the disciples discussing them. It is clear
from the angelic messengers’ words that the women were familiar with these teachings, but had
apparently forgotten the prophecy or had not believed it literally would come to pass. Now, standing in
front of the empty tomb and hearing the angels’ words, they remembered and understood what Jesus had
foretold.
The women did not keep the news of Jesus’ resurrection to themselves. Stunned and amazed, they
returned from the tomb and headed straight for the disciples and “the rest.” The disciples listened to their
story, but thought the women were speaking “nonsense.” The King James Version even translates the
phrase as “idle tales.” Simply put, the disciples didn’t believe what the women were telling them. The
women’s story is hard to accept, and at that point of history and in that culture, such a story from women
would have been viewed suspiciously. This fact actually supports the credibility of the resurrection
because the first-century church would never have created a story in which the first witnesses were
women, simply because women’s opinions weren’t valued. To the disciples, the story seemed absurd,
and in their grief and pain, they chose not to believe—all except Peter, who had perhaps learned from his
own doubt and denial. Instead of dismissing the women’s tale as nonsense, he got up and ran to the
tomb. When he got there, he stooped to look in and only found the linen cloths that had wrapped Jesus’
body. The sight amazed him. Jesus had indeed risen from the dead.
B. Christ’s resurrection provides hope. (1 Cor. 15:12-20a)
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection
of the dead”? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has
not been raised, then our proclamation is without foundation, and so is your faith. In addition, we are
found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ—
whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not
been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.
Therefore, those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ
for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. But now Christ has been raised from the dead. (1
Corinthians 15:12-20a)
To understand these verses, it is important to remember that Paul was an evangelist. His driving passion
in life was to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone who would listen. As always, Paul was
powerful, energetic, and passionate. Thus, when he heard that some people in Corinth were claiming that
there was no resurrection from the dead, Paul felt compelled to address the issue in his Letter to the
Corinthian believers. Paul was passionate in his response to this heretical teaching because the entire
message of the gospel depended upon Christ’s resurrection.
Paul challenged the false teachers with a straightforward question: “How can some of you say, ‘There is
no resurrection of the dead’?” Verses 13-18 present several conclusions based on the false idea of no
resurrection. Paul’s argument shows how tragic it would be if Christ had not risen from the dead. First,
Paul claimed that if there was no resurrection from the dead, then even Christ did not rise from the dead.
Paul then declared that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then preaching the gospel was a waste of
time. Why go to the trouble to share the gospel if there is no hope of living with Christ throughout eternity?
Paul went on to declare that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then having faith was useless. After all,
Christian faith is based on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Putting faith in a dead person would be
ridiculous. Paul further declared that anyone who preached that Christ had not risen from the dead was a
liar. He concluded that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then believers were still living under the guilt
and condemnation of their sin. In verse 18, Paul declared that if Christ was not resurrected from the dead,
then every Christian who died would be lost without God for eternity. Clearly, if Christ had not risen from
the dead, then everything about Christianity would be changed. Instead of being the message of hope,
love, and salvation, Christianity itself would be a tragedy and a cruel hoax.
This verse concludes Paul’s series of “if’s.” If Christ had not risen from the dead, Paul said, Christians
were to “be pitied more than anyone.” But why would Paul say this? Consider this: Christians of the early
church suffered greatly for their belief in Christ. They risked loss of reputation, family, friends, and jobs—
many even lost their lives. The persecution and sacrifices they faced were great, but they held to the
promise that eternal awards awaited them in heaven—unless, of course, the false teachers were right
and there was no resurrection. In that case, the Christians were suffering for a lost cause. How tragic it
would be to suffer for nothing!
In many places in the world, Christians risk everything in order to follow Christ. Some are imprisoned,
tortured, and executed because they proudly proclaim to be followers of Christ. Even in the United States
Christians may suffer for their faith. They may be rejected by peers, friends, and even family members for
taking a stand for Christ. Others will be publicly humiliated or turned down for promotions. If Christ has not
really risen from the dead, then the suffering and martyrdom of His followers is in vain. It is meaningless
and unnecessary.
The first word in verse 20 signals a contrasting thought in Paul’s argument. The conjunction but
announces that what is about to follow will contrast with what has just been said. In other words, all of the
ideas presented in verses 12-19 are the opposite of the truth because “Christ has been raised from the
dead.” Paul was taking a bold stand in opposition to the false teachers among the Corinthian believers.
You can almost hear the excitement and intensity in Paul’s voice: Christ has indeed come out of the
grave! He was urging these beloved brothers and sisters in Christ to embrace the truth and proclaim it.
C. Christ’s resurrection provides a guarantee. (1 Cor. 15:20-22)
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since
death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For as in Adam all
die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
The word firstfruits is a reference to Leviticus 23:10-11,17,20 in which the Israelites were instructed to
give the first part of the harvest to the Lord. Giving the firstfruits symbolized that the remaining portion of
the harvest belonged to the Lord as well. The reference to Christ as “the firstfruits of those who have
fallen asleep” means that Christ was the first to rise from the dead. Although everyone must die a
physical death, Christians will experience physical resurrection at Christ’s second coming. His physical
resurrection is our guarantee that we will also experience physical resurrection. He is the firstfruit, and we,
as believers, are the remainder of the harvest.
The central idea in these verses echoes Paul’s teaching in Romans 5:12-21. Just as he taught there,
death came into the world through one man, Adam. In the same way, resurrected life is made possible
through one Man, Jesus Christ. We are all sinners and will experience physical death because we are all
part of Adam’s family. Just as we inherit traits from our biological parents, we also inherit a sin nature
from Adam, one of its consequences being death. We have no choice but to experience physical death
because of our relationship to Adam.
Choice plays an important part in our spiritual lives. Just as we are sinners because we are part of
Adam’s family, we can have eternal life if we choose to be a part of Christ’s family. That’s where choice
comes into play. Every human being is a part of Adam’s family through physical birth. That’s just a fact of
life. At some point in our lives, though, we must make a choice to become a part of Christ’s family through
spiritual birth.
The resurrection, then, is vital to our message as Christians. We can’t just proclaim that Jesus died
without also saying that He rose again. By rising to life, Jesus broke death’s hold on humanity and gave
all those who trust Him as Savior hope for eternal life in and through Him.
Bonus Session – KNOWN 23
FOR MIDWEEK
A Study on the Risen Savior
THE QUESTION
Why is Jesus’ resurrection crucial to our faith?
THE POINT
Jesus’ resurrection struck the final blow in His defeat of death and gave all people who trust in Him hope
for eternal life.
--TEACHING PLAN-GET STARTED
> Prior to the session, gather two simple puzzles, perhaps those meant for preschool students. Prepare
the puzzles by removing one piece from each. As students arrive, group them into two teams and direct
each team to gather around one of the puzzles. Explain that teams will have 30 seconds to assemble
their puzzles and the first team to do so will receive a reward.
> Why wasn’t there a winner?
> Discuss how no one won because each puzzle was missing a vital piece.
INTRODUCE THE QUESTION
> If you were going to tell your story from birth to now, what are some key elements you would include?
> What would you say is the most important part of your story? Why?
> What are the vital pieces of the gospel message?
> Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important?
APPLY LIFE PRINCIPLES
A. Christ’s resurrection defeated death. (Luke 24:1-12)
> Read Luke 24:1-12.
> Give everyone an index card. Pretend the card is your cell phone and you’ve got to send the message
of what happened at the tomb to a friend. You only have 160 characters to work with. What do you say?
(If all your students have cell phones, you could get them to do this on their phones and send them to
you.) Read the texts and choose which is the best one.
> Do you think the women expected Jesus to be alive? Explain.
> What was the message the angels proclaimed?
> Why do you think the women didn’t remember His words?
> What would your reaction have been to the angels?
> Why did the disciples respond to the women’s report with disbelief?
> How would you have responded to the women’s story?
> Why do people struggle to believe the story of Christ’s resurrection today?
B. Christ’s resurrection provides hope. (1 Cor. 15:12-20a)
> Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-20a.
> Identify all of the if-then statements in this passage.
> What was Paul’s reasoning in this passage?
> According to Paul, if Christ had not been resurrected, how would it affect our faith?
> Is Paul’s argument in verses 13-16 logical? Why or why not?
> What does the phrase “our preaching is without foundation” mean?
> How is our faith worthless if Jesus wasn’t resurrected?
> According to Paul’s logic, why should we be “pitied more than anyone”?
> If Jesus wasn’t resurrected, then our faith is meaningless; Jesus’ resurrection showed that He defeated
death, giving those who believe the hope of salvation.
> How has Christ’s resurrection given you hope?
C. Christ’s resurrection provides a guarantee. (1 Cor. 15:20-22)
> Read aloud 1 Corinthians 15:20-22.
> What are firstfruits? (The firstfruits were the first part of the harvest. The first part guaranteed there
would be more to come.)
> Why did Paul use the term “firstfruits”?
> How does Christ’s resurrection guarantee our resurrection?
> How did death come through one man?
> How did resurrection and hope come through one Man?
> How are we made alive in Christ?
WRAP IT UP
> How would you respond to someone who says they don’t believe in the resurrection of Christ?
> How would you explain the hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus?
> Provide index cards for students. Challenge students to write 1 Corinthians 15:22 on the cards,
replacing the word “all” with their own names. Encourage teens to keep the card in a prominent place to
remind themselves of the importance of the resurrection in their daily lives.