He Bore His Cross

John 19:17-22
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Life Group Questions

1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

2. What is the significance of John stating that Jesus “went out” of the city (cf. Numbers 15:35-36; Exodus 29:14; Hebrews 13:11-14)? How is Jesus and His sacrifice to be viewed as a sin offering? How should we understand the actions of Christ as redeeming us from the curse of the law (cf. Galatians 3:13)?

3. Compare John’s treatment of the crucifixion with the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 27-28; Mark 15; Luke 23). Do you think that the crucifixion was as important to John as the other writers? Why do you believe John was so brief in his handling of the crucifixion? What aspect of the crucifixion does he want us to focus on?

4. What do you notice about the change in Pilate’s attitude toward the Jews in Chapter 19? Why do you think he succumbed to the their pressure in crucifying Christ, but stood his ground with regard to the inscription he wrote?

5. What does it mean that Jesus bore His cross? What was the cross and what does it symbolize? Do you see a conflict between Jesus bearing His cross and Simon of Cyrene bearing Jesus’ cross (cf. Matthew 27:32)? Explain.

6. Describe the significance of Jesus Himself bearing our sorrows and griefs (cf. Isaiah 53:4). Why is it important to understand that only Jesus Himself could pay the price for our sin? What qualifies Jesus to be the only means of our salvation?

7. What are some burdens and sorrows that you need Jesus to help you bear? Do you struggle with trying to bear your own burdens? Explain. Why is it unnecessary and unhealthy (physically and spiritually) for us to try and handle our problems apart from God?

8. Read Genesis 22:1-8 and Psalm 22. What images of Christ do you see in these passages? Do you think it is reading too much into these passages to see Christ and His work on the cross? Why or why not?

9. Jesus bearing the cross is not only to be understood as our means of salvation, but an example for Christians. What does it mean to take up our cross and follow Jesus (cf. 9:23-26)? How can we and should we be involved in bearing the weaknesses of others (cf. Romans 15:1-3)? How does bearing one another’s burdens fulfill the law of Christ (cf. Galatians 6:1-3)? Who are some burdened people you know that you can help? Are you willing to bear the burdens of others?


by Terry Beatty
/  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision

Macedonia Baptist Church
10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540
(919) 567-3460

 

Macedonia Baptist Church
10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540
(919) 567-3460

 

Macedonia Baptist Church   /   10481 NC 42 West, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540   /   (919) 567-3460