In His hardest moments, Jesus called down forgiveness instead of judgement. Discover how Jesus extended love to others as we prepare our hearts for Easter by looking at the incredible power of Jesus' death on the cross. -------------------------------------------- THE POWER OF JESUS DEATH ON THE CROSS Hebrews 12:2 NLT We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Mark 15:15 NLT So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Mark 15:17-20 NLT They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. (18) Then they saluted him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” (19) And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. (20) When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. Luke 23:34 NLT Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. FORGIVENESSLuke 23:39-43 NLT One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” (40) But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? (41) We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” (42) Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” (43) And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” LOVEJohn 19:26-27 NLT When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” (27) And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. John 19:30 NLT When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. TETELESTAIVICTORY1 Corinthians 2:8 NLT But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. Mark 15:39 NLT When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” SALVATIONColossians 2:13-15 NLT You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. (14) He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (15) In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. -------------------------------------------- CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS: Jesus forgave those who hurt him. Why is it important for us to forgive people who hurt us?The man on the cross asked Jesus for help. What do you want to ask Jesus to help you with today?Jesus showed love even when he was suffering. How is this a good example for us?Jesus said, "It is finished!" What does this victory mean for us? -------------------------------------------- Connect with us:Web: mylifehouse.com Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/ Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal Other Podcasts:Want to listen to our messages in other languages? Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen
