Sunday School Lesson April 2, 2023
Subject: Jesus Died for Me
The Point: Jesus’s death on the cross made forgiveness possible for me.
Scriptures: John 19:16-19,28-30,38-42
Study The Bible: John 19:16-19
1). Jesus was free of sin, yet was crucified.
- Then he handed him over to be crucified. Then they took Jesus away.
- Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called ‘Golgotha’.
- There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
- Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said; Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.
Lasting truths from: John 19:16-19
* Jesus was without sin, but death was a consequence of sin.
* Jesus went to the cross as punishment for our sins.
* Jesus died in our place to bring us to God.
2). Christ’s work on the cross was completed when He died.
John 19:28-30
- After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.”
- A jar full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
- When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
Lasting truths from: John 19:28-30
* Jesus’s death carefully fulfilled Scriptures’ expectation of a suffering Messiah.
* Jesus, not the soldiers, was ultimately responsible for His death.
* Jesus’s work was completed on the cross. We can add nothing to it for salvation.
3). The death and burial of Jesus was attested to by others.
John 19:38-42
- After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus – but secretly because of his fear of the Jews – asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away.
- Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came bringing a mixture of about seventy – five pounds of myrrh and aloes.
- They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.
- There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it.
- They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.
Lasting truth from: John 19:38-42
* Secret disciples cannot remain secret forever.
* Joseph and Nicodemus were willing to count the cost of identifying with Jesus – and we should too.
* Jesus died for those who buried Him, and He died for us as well.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- How are we all “in the same boat” related to the consequences of sin?
- How did Jesus’s death provide an atonement for sin?
- What does it mean that Jesus’s work is “finished”?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”