This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives.
This week focuses on the phrase, “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was crucified.”
SERMON OUTLINE
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5)
A Historical Marker (Matthew 27:2)
A Laser Focus
- “He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was crucified”
- His Birth — His Life = He was born to die
The How of His Suffering
- Physical (Mark 15:15-20, Isaiah 52:14)
- Relational (Matthew 26:31-35)
- Spiritual (Mark 15:34)
The Why of His Suffering (Isaiah 53:4-5, Romans 3:23-26)
- “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;“by his wounds you have been healed.”(1Peter 2:22-24)
Our Response to His Suffering
- Draw Near
- Hold Fast
- Consider One Another
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Open Up:
- What is one significant national or world event that has happened during your lifetime? Where were you when it happened?
- How would you feel if someone else took responsibility and the consequences for a major mistake you made? Would you be willing to let this happen? Why or why not?
Dig In:
- Why does it matter to you that the life of Jesus is rooted in historical facts – such as the person of Pontius Pilate being a historical figure?
- As you reflect on the sermon – What ideas stood out to you? What questions do you still have?
- Have someone read aloud definitions for “justification,”“redemption” and “atonement.” What everyday examples could you use to illustrate each? How does each relate to the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus?
- Read Isaiah 53:4-8. How would you feel if you were the beneficiary of the person described in these verses? Would you be willing to let this happen? Why or why not?
- Read Isaiah 53:9-12. Verses 10 and 12 use sacrificial language to describe the actions of the Servant. How does this go beyond a“mere”martyr’s death? What is the first word that comes to mind when you consider that Jesus did just what Isaiah describes: He gave His life for our sakes?
- Read Hebrews 10:22-24. What do you think it looks like to “draw near to God with a sincere heart” (v.22)? What aspect of our hope (v. 23) are you clinging to the most these days? The word “love” in this passage is the Greek word “agape.” It is the characteristic New Testament term for a love that is not self-seeking, a love whose paradigm is the cross (John 4.10). How do you think being together with other believers can motivate you to this kind of love in a way that being alone cannot?
Live It Out:
- If you believe in Jesus, how could being reminded of the suffering He endured for your sin change the way you approach your life this week?
- If you aren’t sure yet what you believe about Jesus, what’s one step you can take this week to find out more about Him?
- For this coming week, what is one tangible way you will: Draw Near to God? Hold Fast to the Hope He Provides? Consider Others and How You Can Encourage Them?