Eden, Exodus & the Empty TombНамуна

GOD'S REDEMPTIVE PLAN IN THE EMPTY TOMB

The Captive: Israel Under Rome, Criminals On The Cross & Humanity Bound To Sin

There are multiple layers of captivity at play during Jesus' crucifixion. Beside Him are two criminals facing a similar fate. The Roman soldiers carrying out the execution represent the oppressive regime ruling the Israelites' homeland. Most importantly, however, all of humanity remains captive to the sin that began in Eden. Just as God freed the Israelites in Exodus, Jesus will secure freedom for His people.

The Child: God’s Only Son

The time had come for the enemy to “bruise [Jesus'] heel” and for Jesus to “bruise [the enemy's] head” (Gen. 3:15). Jesus, the descendant of Adam and Eve through Seth's line, had come to undo the wrong that banished humanity from God's presence.

The Sacrifice: Jesus’ Finished Work On The Cross

Not only is Jesus the Lamb of God (John 1:29) who shed His blood for us, but He is also the High Priest who facilitated His own sacrifice. Jesus was not murdered against His will, He willingly allowed Himself to be killed in order to bridge the gap between God and His creation.

The Mission: The Great Commission

After the women discovered that Jesus’ tomb was empty, the angel commissioned them to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. When the disciples were all assembled, Jesus commissioned them to share the Good News and make disciples. This week, as a YCI club, we’re going to invite as many friends as we can to the club next week so that they can hear this message and have the opportunity to receive Jesus!

Big Idea

Through His defeat of death, Jesus paid the penalty for the sin that began in the Garden of Eden. True freedom can only be found through faith in Him!

LET'S THINK ABOUT THIS

Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading Matthew 27 and 28?

Question #2: What is one new thing you’ve learned about the Easter story through this bible study?

Question #3: Who is someone in your life that needs to hear the Gospel?