Jesus' Salvation
Rejoice at Jesus' Incredible Salvation
PART 1 — THE KICKOFF
“How does Jesus change things?”
If you’re having a bad day, you might run across someone who encourages you to “Turn that frown upside down,” “Hang in there,” or “Look on the bright side.” Depending on what’s going on, it can be tough when folks lob platitudes and empty enthusiastic expressions our way to try and make a difference. Sure, they probably mean well, but sometimes it takes more than cliche phrases and hollow words to pull us out of a funk. But maybe there’s that person in your life — someone close to you who “gets” you — that knows just what to do, exactly what to say, to help part those dark clouds of our heart and change our outlook. When someone like that steps in to help, it changes the game in substantial ways!
If someone comes to you with both good news and bad news, which do you want to hear first?
ICE BREAKER QUESTION
PART 2 — LET’S GET INTO IT
We’ve already seen how desperately we need someone to rescue us. People do their best to put a positive spin on the situation with self-help and diversions. But God has acted to answer our deepest needs, so that today we can rejoice in Jesus' incredible salvation.
There might be no better words to hear from a friend than “I’ve got good news!” In Jesus’ day, when word came of a tyrant’s defeat or the birth of a king that could change things, they used a word translated “gospel” or “good news.” An angel used that word with some shepherds one night, 2,000 years ago: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).
Centuries earlier, Isaiah looked forward to messengers announcing Jesus: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news” proclaiming “peace” and “happiness” because “God reigns” (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10). He predicted God’s return when “all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” (Isa. 52:8,10).
So, what do you think about Jesus?
REACH OUT QUESTION
His death on the cross, burial in a borrowed tomb, and resurrection from the dead are the heart of the saving good news (1 Cor. 15:1-4). When you understand what he did for us — and what it means to have our sins forgiven — it can create a faith in Jesus that will remake your life.
Jesus has conquered sin and death to bring hope, peace, and joy to our lives.
THE BIG IDEA
PART 3 — INTO THE BOOK
We’ve previously considered a passage from Isaiah (Isa. 59:1-13) containing some “bad news words” like transgression, iniquity, and sin. The picture these words paint isn’t very positive and they may leave you with a dark and hopeless outlook. But a few chapters before that reading, in Isaiah 53:1-12, those same words show up, only this time we learn about the “good news” (Isa. 52:7) of God’s Servant — Jesus — who came to fix our broken condition. Read Isaiah 53:1-12 together to understand what Jesus went through for you.
After reading, take some time to discuss it.
How does this passage in Isaiah 53:1-12 help explain how Jesus changes our sin problem?
TALK ABOUT THE READING
PART 4 — GOING DEEPER
Let’s dig a little deeper by considering Jesus’ life. The Bible IS Jesus’ story — an entire book centered on the saving King. God's plan to heal us and make everything right culminates in him. His cross and empty tomb were the turning point of history. And, unlike us, his story has no beginning because he has always existed! Let’s consider a few key moments in Jesus’ story:
Jesus is the eternal Son of God who made the world and then entered it to live as a human (John 1:1, 14).
He grew up, in many ways, like an ordinary Jew of his day. The main difference? He always did the right thing (Heb. 4:15).
Most of what we know about his life came in his early thirties, when he "went about doing good and healing" (Acts 10:38). He taught differently than other rabbis, explaining love as God's golden rule and declaring God's kingdom near (Matt. 7:12; 22:36-40).
Generations of Jews waited for that kingdom to come through the Messiah or Christ — a king who would conquer enemies and bring God's glorious reign. Many believed Jesus was that king, but they didn’t understand God's plan for him to die for our sins (1 Peter 3:18).
The Jewish leaders couldn’t handle his teaching, miracles, and popularity with the people, so they had him arrested and killed in a humiliating and torturous way (Acts 2:22-23).
On the Sunday morning after his death, he arose, appearing to hundreds of people over the next forty days (1 Cor. 15:4-6).
Jesus ascended to heaven, where he reigns and speaks on our behalf (Heb. 4:14-16).
Then he sent the Holy Spirit (John 16:7) to show us a new way and live within us (Rom. 8:5-9).
And today, he saves all who surrender to him, acknowledging him as king and being baptized into him (Rom. 6:3-4; 10:10).
Are you starting to see how Jesus’ story can change yours?
THE BIG QUESTION
PART 5 — WRAPUP
THE CHALLENGE
We’ve considered how Jesus’ death and resurrection changes things, so this week, read Matthew 27:32-28:20 on your own and reflect on how this important moment in Jesus' story affects your life. As you start the next conversation, take a moment to talk about what you noticed.
NEXT TIME
Jesus is such an amazing friend! But with any great friendship, it takes both parties to make the relationship work. As we’ll see next time, starting your journey with Jesus takes an “all-in” commitment — living a life which honors the great sacrifice he made for you. And as time passes and your trust in him deepens, so will your hope, peace, and joy!
CLOSING BLESSING
Praise God for his saving work in Jesus that offers peace to all the earth.