Sin brings so many severe and awful consequences into our lives. In order to free us from them all, Jesus became just like us, suffering the smart of every one of those consequences. Through this series we’ll gain a renewed appreciation for what it is we’ve been rescued from and all that Jesus went through to make this rescue possible.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Our sin is disgraceful. Everything that happened to Jesus—who humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross—that all should have happened to us. Yet, because of Jesus willing, humble obedience, we are honored in God’s eyes.
Jesus Experienced Sorrow Sin brings so much grief into our lives. The most powerful example is death which steals our loves ones from us. Jesus was moved to tears on more than one occasion as he witnessed and experienced the sorrow that sin brings to our lives. Scriptures: Matthew 27:32-44 Sermon Text: John 11:17-27, 38-45
Our sins lead us to seek admiration and comfort. What we deserve is God’s temporal and eternal punishment. Jesus drank the cup of suffering for us. Sermon Text: Matthew 20:17-28
A Body of Death Because of sin we carry around what Paul calls “a body of death.” Our bodies are cursed with struggles like pain, disease, and addiction. Jesus endured the pain of flogging, beating, and the cross so that we could be rescued from pain and sickness forever. Scriptures: Matthew 26:47-68 Sermon Text: John 9:1-7; 13-17,34-39
Jesus is able to share a message of grace with a woman whose life is oppressive as a result of the consequences of sin because he carried the guilt of that very sin, the guilt of all sin, to the cross. Scriptures: Matthew 26:31-46 Sermon Text: John 4:5-26
Jesus faced real temptations just as we do. Yet, as the perfect Son of God, he was always able to overcome. Having been there, Jesus not only understands what we’re going through, he also shows where we find the strength to win the battle. Matthew 4:1-11
