The author’s intention in this first chapter is to show that, according to the views of Jesus and the early church presented in the New Testament, the cross of Christ is the central feature of Christianity. Despite the opposition which it arouses, there are good reasons for our continuing to share this perspective today.
These days we have become used to the cross as the symbol of our faith. But it was a rather surprising choice in the context of the first century. Why was this (pp.30f.)?
The first Christians seem to have caught the idea from Jesus himself. Read Mark 8:31–32; 9:30–32; 10:32–34. What is the striking thing about these predictions (p.34)?
John shares the same perspective as the other gospel writers. How does he draw attention to it (pp.36f.)?
How did Jesus know that his death was inevitable (pp.37ff.)?
This focus on the centrality of Jesus’ death also comes across in the preaching of Peter and Paul recorded by Luke in Acts. Divide into twos or threes and let each sub-group look up one or two of the passages mentioned (Acts 2:14–39; 3:12–26; 4:8–12; 5:29–32; 10:34–43; 13:16–41; 14:15–17; 17:2–3 and 22–31; 28:23–31). What did they understand about the meaning of the cross (pp.42ff.)? Why is the use of the term ‘tree’ especially significant?
‘... the three major letter-writers of the New Testament – Paul, Peter and John – are unanimous in witnessing to [the centrality of the cross], as are also the letter to the Hebrews and the Revelation’ (p.44). How can this statement be supported (pp.44ff.)?
‘There is no greater cleavage between faith and unbelief than in their respective attitudes to the cross’ (p.50). What recent experience have you had of this divide?
Islam is an example of a religion which cannot accept the centrality of the cross (p.50ff.). Why is this?
Given the opposition that it arouses, what reasons would you give for continuing to hold to the centrality of the cross?
Session Two
Chapter 2: Why did Christ die? (pp.57–74)
This chapter examines the human factors which brought about the crucifixion of Jesus. Behind all these, however, lies Jesus’ understanding of his Father’s will. It was this that led him to go to his death quite deliberately.
These Gospel writers make it clear that though legal procedures were followed at Jesus’ trial, the death sentence was a gross miscarriage of justice. See Matthew 26:57–58; Mark 14:57–59; Luke 23:1–2, 13–16; John 18:38; 19:6. Why was this (p.58)?
Read Luke 23:1–25. What does this passage reveal about Pilate (pp.61f.)?
‘It is easy to condemn Pilate and overlook our own equally devious behaviour’ (p.62). Why did Pilate do what he did? In what ways are you like him?
Why was the Jewish establishment so opposed to Jesus (pp.63ff.)? In what ways are you like them?
Why is it misleading to say that Judas Iscariot was merely the victim of forces outside his control (pp.66f.)?
What motives lay behind Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (pp.67f.)?
‘Jesus had said that it is impossible to serve God and money’ (p.70). In what respects have you found this to be true in your experience?
‘Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentence)’ (pp.71–72). Is this how you see the cross? Spend some time reflecting on the extent to which you share the characteristics exhibited by Pilate, Caiaphas and Judas.
Why is it inaccurate to call Jesus a ‘martyr’ (pp.73ff.)?
Session Three
Chapter 3: Looking below the surface (pp.75–99)
We have seen that, although human agents were involved, the crucifixion of Jesus was primarily a result of his giving himself up to do his Father’s will. We move on to consider why it was that God intended his Son to die in this way.
What are the four stages which the author suggests in answer to the question ‘Why did Christ die?’ (pp.75ff.)? Make sure you can back up your answers from Scripture.
But does this account fit the facts? The rest of this chapter looks at the Gospel writers’ accounts of the events surrounding Jesus’ death to see whether or not they support the message outlined later in the New Testament.
Read Mark 14:22–24. What does the institution of the Lord’s Supper teach us about how Jesus himself understood the significance of his coming death (pp.79ff.)?
What does the fact that the meal took place in the context of the Passover festival add to our understanding (pp.84f.)?
Read Matthew 26:36–46. Why is it ‘ludicrous to suppose that [Jesus] was now afraid of pain, insult and death’ (p.88)? What then did Jesus mean by the ‘cup’ from which he prayed to be delivered?
Read Mark 15:33–34. Just before Jesus died he cried out, quoting Psalm 22:1. What explanations have been suggested for why he did this (pp.94f.)? Which do you find the most persuasive?
‘The agony in the garden opens a window on the greater agony of the cross. If to bear man’s sin and God’s wrath was so terrible in anticipation, what must the reality have been like?’ (p.92). How does this affect your attitude to sin?
Look back over your study so far. In what way has your understanding of sin, of God and of salvation been enlarged?
