We begin a NEW sermon series entitled ‘The Road to Easter’. Service led by Brian Dickson. Preaching from Nathan Gordon.

Sermon Notes

We are only five Sundays away from Easter Sunday. In preparation for the most important weekend of the Christian calendar, we are going to retrace the steps that led to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

“The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all His people. Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God’s presence. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.”

“Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!”

Clarence W. Hall

An uncomfortable conversation (Luke 18:31-34)

In Luke’s gospel, we find an important conversation between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus predicts his death for the third time and gives his disciples clear and precise instructions that ultimately lead to his crucifixion and resurrection on the third day.

The complication
= This doesn’t make any sense (v34)

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

• There was the lingering aroma of receiving honour that humiliation was not on the cards (See Luke 18:24-30)
• The disciples focused solely on the finality of death, and they failed to see the promise of the resurrection.
• This was not the first time the disciples took an issue with the road leading to the cross. (See Mark 8:31-33)

Challenge ~ In our humanity sometimes we may not always understand what God is doing or preparing for our lives in the spiritual realm. Continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal His purpose and plan so we can see the road ahead. (Heb 11:1)

The Resolution
 = No detours allowed ~ v31-33

We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.

• Jesus draws from the Old Testament prophecies that accurately predicted the challenging road for Christ
• See Psalm 41:9, Psalm 22:16-18, Isiah 53:4-7 & Psalm 16:10
• There were no detours provided in the prophecies, the things spoken of old would come to pass.
• Challenging road conditions are inevitable for Christians, the road leading to resurrection will always be accompanied by potholes, trials, and suffering.

Challenge ~ As Christians, we must be prepared for challenging road conditions and obstacles in our way. Jesus never promised that life would be easy by following his path. (See Philippians 3:10)

The Celebration
= The challenging road will ultimately lead to joy ~ v33

They will flog him and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again. 

• Despite challenging road conditions marked with betrayal, rejection, suffering and death. Jesus promised He would rise again on the third day.
• The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives every believer assurance that we can share in His resurrection.
• Paul emphasised the importance of viewing the death of believers through the lens of the resurrection. See 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Challenge ~ Although the road leading to Easter is filled with pain and suffering, ultimately, we are led into the joy of the resurrection. Jesus conquered death and now we too can share in the resurrection and be assured of eternal life through Christ.

Questions

1. Discuss the accuracy of the Old Testament predictions concerning the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Why do you think the Jews were still unable to grasp the impending suffering of the Messiah?
2. How does the bible help you whenever you experience difficulties in life? How does the suffering of Christ help in this regard?
3. If someone told you that suffering proves that there is no such thing as an all-loving, all-powerful God, how would you respond?
4. Read Romans 8:31-32 What does the fact that God didn’t even spare His own Son from suffering tell us about our suffering? How does Jesus’ willingness to endure pain on our behalf impact how you see your suffering?
5. How does the gospel give you hope in hard seasons when you do not understand what God is doing?
6. Do you think suffering is always the result of God’s plan? Discuss your reasons.