Sunday School Lesson March 28, 2021
Subject: The Death of Jesus
The Point: Forgiveness is possible because Jesus died for our sins.
The Passages: John 19:8-11, 16b-18, 28-30
Study The Bible: John 19:8-11
1). Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion were under God’s control.
- When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever.
- He went back into the headquarters and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer.
- So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?
- “You world have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him. “If it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
Lasting truths from: John 19:8-11
* Jesus came to accomplish His mission of salvation.
* Human leaders ultimately receive their authority to rule from God.
* God can use evil circumstances for His purpose.
2). Jesus suffered the cruel punishment of crucifixion for us.
John 19:16b-18
16b. 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.
Lasting truth from: John 19:16b-18
* Jesus’ crucifixion is a recorded face of human history.
* Jesus underwent the most horrible death because of His love for us and His desire for our salvation.
* Salvation is possible for anyone who is still alive.
3). Jesus’ death completed the work necessary for our salvation.
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 was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge 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 truth from: John 19:28-30
* Even as He was dying, Jesus remained in control.
* Jesus’ life was the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
* Jesus’ death was the perfect sacrifice for sin.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this lesson, respond to the following questions:
- Consider Pilate’s difficult situation. What situation might he have faced if he released Jesus?
- Why do you think God chose crucifixion as the means of the ultimate sin sacrifice?
- Now that you have studied this session, how do you more deeply understand God’s love for you?
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.”