12.6 Summary
The Cross and Resurrection: The Climax of God’s Plan of Redemption

Lesson 12 covers the central events of the Christian faith: the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events mark the climax of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity and are the turning point of history.

1. The Cross: The Completed Work of Jesus

• • Jesus’ death on the cross was not merely an act of suffering but the fulfillment of Holy Scripture and the culmination of His divine mission. With the words “It is finished” (John 19:30), He declared that the price for sin had been paid and the way to God was opened.

  • Meaning: On the cross, God’s love and grace are fully revealed. It is the place where the power of sin was broken, and forgiveness became possible for all people.

2. The Empty Tomb: Victory Over Death

• • Jesus’ resurrection on the third day confirms His victory over death. The empty tomb and the orderly arrangement of the burial cloths testify that Jesus was not removed by external forces but was resurrected by God’s power.

  • Meaning: The resurrection assures us that death is not the end. It is the foundation of our faith and our hope for a new, eternal life.

3. Encounters with the Risen One

• • Mary Magdalene encountered Jesus at the empty tomb and recognized Him when He called her by name. This personal revelation transformed her grief into joy and gave her a new mission: to proclaim the resurrection.

  • Meaning: Jesus meets us individually and invites us to share in the hope of the resurrection and to pass on this message.

4. Truth and Testimony

• • In conversations with Pilate and through the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (John 19:19), it becomes clear that Jesus testified to the truth and is the true King, even though this was misunderstood by people.

  • Meaning: This truth calls us to overcome our own prejudices and fears to recognize Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.

5. The Hope of the Resurrection

• • Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:12–20 that the Christian faith would be meaningless without the resurrection. However, since Jesus has risen, we have forgiveness, hope, and a living relationship with God.

  • Meaning: The resurrection gives us the assurance that our faith is not in vain and that we can live a new life with Christ.

Conclusion

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are the pinnacle of God’s plan of redemption. They demonstrate that God reveals His love even in pain and death and opens the way to new life. This lesson invites us to live this hope in our faith and daily lives and to share it with others. The cross and the empty tomb are signs of God’s infinite love and His power to renew everything.

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not only central events of the faith but also practical guidelines for our daily lives. They offer comfort, hope, and a foundation for a living relationship with God.

1. The Cross: Forgiveness and a New Beginning

• • Connection to Daily Life: The cross shows us that our guilt is forgiven. We can live free from the burden of sin without feeling defined by our mistakes. This encourages us to forgive ourselves and others, to heal relationships, and to live a life full of grace.

2. The Empty Tomb: Hope in Difficult Times

• • Connection to Daily Life: Jesus’ resurrection is a symbol of victory over death and reminds us that darkness, pain, and loss do not have the final word. It gives us courage to trust that God can bring new hope and life even in the toughest moments.

3. Encounters with the Risen One: Jesus Meets Us Personally

• • Connection to Daily Life: Like Mary Magdalene, we experience that Jesus knows us individually and meets us in our personal challenges. He calls us by name and gives us joy and hope. This relationship empowers us to live our calling and share His message.

4. Truth and Testimony: Courage to Stand for the Truth

• • Connection to Daily Life: Jesus shows us that truth can sometimes be uncomfortable but remains steadfast. We are invited to stand for justice, truth, and love in our daily lives, even when facing resistance.

5. The Hope of the Resurrection: Beginning a New Life

• • Connection to Daily Life: The resurrection gives us the assurance that God grants us a new life—a life marked by love, hope, and joy. It invites us not to be led by fear or despair but to live in trust of God’s power.

Conclusion

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are not just historical events but life-changing truths. They remind us daily that forgiveness, hope, and renewal through Jesus Christ are possible. The cross gives us freedom, the empty tomb grants us hope, and the resurrection shows us that God’s love can make everything new. We are empowered to live in community with God and serve others, embodying the transformation brought about by these pivotal events.

The cross offers us forgiveness, the empty tomb grants us hope, and the resurrection shows us that God’s love renews everything.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-the-hour-of-glory-the-cross-and-resurrection-12-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 20, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 10

¹ Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

² And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

³ And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

⁴ And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

⁵ But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

⁶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

⁷ Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

⁸ Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

⁹ Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

¹⁰ Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

¹¹ Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

¹² Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

¹⁴ Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

¹⁵ I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

¹⁶ The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

¹⁷ For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

¹⁸ Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

¹⁹ What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

²⁰ But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

²¹ Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

²² Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

²³ All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

²⁴ Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

²⁵ Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

²⁶ For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

²⁷ If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

²⁸ But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

²⁹ Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

³⁰ For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

³² Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

³³ Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

1 Corinthians Chapter 10 offers us a poignant admonition on how we can learn from the mistakes of the people of Israel in the wilderness. The Apostle Paul uses examples from Israel’s history to warn the believers in Corinth and us today against spiritual pride, idolatry, and temptations. At the same time, he illustrates how God’s faithfulness supports us in temptations and how our actions should always be directed toward the honor of God. The chapter combines warnings with a profound theological reflection on the Lord’s Supper and our fellowship with Christ.

Commentary

1. The Warning Example of Israel (Verses 1–13)
Paul reminds the Corinthians of Israel’s history and emphasizes that the events in the wilderness serve as models and warnings for us. The Israelites experienced God’s guidance (the cloud and the sea) and provision (spiritual food and drink), yet many fell due to unbelief and disobedience. This serves as a caution against becoming complacent and thinking we are above temptations (verse 12). Instead, we should be aware that God does not tempt us beyond our strength but always provides a way out (verse 13).

2. The Incompatibility of the Lord’s Supper and Idolatry (Verses 14–22)
Paul urges the Corinthians to avoid idolatry, as it is impossible to participate in both the fellowship of the Lord and the fellowship with demons simultaneously. The Lord’s Supper is an expression of our unity with Christ and the church. Those who practice idolatry question this fellowship and provoke God’s jealousy (verse 22). This underscores the holiness and exclusivity of our relationship with God.

3. Consideration for the Conscience (Verses 23–33)
Here, Paul shifts the focus to everyday life and the consideration of others’ consciences. While much is permitted, not everything benefits the community. Paul encourages the Corinthians to think not only of their own freedom but also of the conscience of others when making decisions. The ultimate goal remains to honor God by doing everything with this intent (verse 31).

Summary

1 Corinthians Chapter 10 is a compelling warning that teaches us from Israel’s mistakes in the wilderness. Paul encourages us to withstand temptations, avoid idolatry, and always align our actions in the service of God and our fellow humans. The chapter’s message is clear: our freedom as Christians must be characterized by love, consideration, and the pursuit of God’s honor. “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (verse 31) remains the guiding principle of this section.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/20-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-10-believe-his-prophets/