Jesus OBS Week 6 — Victorious Sacrifice

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die. — John 11:25

Welcome to our final week of the Jesus Online Bible Study!

This is the pinnacle. Of this study. Of Jesus’ life on earth. Of all of history!

Palm Sunday was yesterday. We marked Jesus’ entering Jerusalem to praise and adulation. Little did those waving palm fronds and shouting, “Hosannah! Save us!” know what a week it would be! Rebellion was brewing, people were ready for revolution, alliances were changing, betrayals were looming, and Jesus remained laser-focused on His mission.

Jesus made His determinations clear. He shocked everyone by ousting the money changers with a whip. Old, long-accepted abuses of the poor, the immigrant, and the helpless would no longer be tolerated. He hosted the Passover meal in the Upper Room and, taking the position of a lowly servant, washed the feet of His disciples. Self-promotion would no longer be the purview of the leadership of the Church.

The Lord’s Supper. Can you imagine looking around that roomful of friends and brothers knowing that every single one would abandon Him? Listening to Peter’s bravado. Telling Judas to go and get it done. The betrayal must have been an anvil on His chest.

Praying by Himself when those who loved Him most didn’t stay awake when He needed them most.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. — Matthew 26:41

[Jesus’] humanity begs to be delivered from what His divinity can see. Jesus, the Man, peers into the dark pit and begs “Can’t there be another way?” ~ Max

And, the arrest. The treacherous kiss. The illegal trial. Pilate wanting nothing to do with the travesty of justice.

The mocking royal robe and thorns pressed into His holy head.

The Crucifixion.

If He could have, He would have turned His back on the whole mess and gone away… But He couldn’t… because He saw you and me. ~ Max

It was love.

He didn’t want us to be alone.

He knows what it’s like to be plotted against. He knows what it’s like to be confused. He knows what it’s like to be torn between two desires. He knows what it’s like to smell the stench of satan. And, perhaps most of all, He knows what it’s like to beg God to change His mind and to hear God say, so gently but firmly,.. no. ~ Max

What we go through here on this earth: the chaos, battles, persecution, illness, abuse, betrayal, loneliness, lack. He didn’t want us to be alone. He still doesn’t.

Weeping may last through the night… but joy comes with the morning. — Psalm 30:5

He went through it all to finally destroy sin and suffering and bring us hope and victory. Forever!

It is finished!

This week in your study:

1. Watch the video for session six on our study home page and take notes in your study guide on pages 123-128 and then hang around for the discussion questions with our OBS community afterward.
2. Go through the study questions with your group or on your own on pages 129-132.
3. Read chapters 16-20 in the Jesus
4. Grab your Bible and enjoy your personal study this week on pages 133-144.
5. Join the conversations about the study and get to know fellow participants in our private Facebook group!

Scriptures this Week

Psalm 30:5
John 11:25
Matthew 21:9
John 13:14-15
Matthew 26:26
Matthew 26:27-28
John 13:27
Matthew 26:31
Matthew 26:33
Matthew 26:34
Matthew 26:41
Matthew 27:24
Matthew 27:46
1 Peter 2:24
John 19:30
John 19:25
John 20:1

Prayer for the Week

Jesus, we love You. Help us see You clearly this week. We want to walk Your steps and watch Your moves and know Your voice. Help us to learn from Your sacrifice and receive the fullness of You this week. We love You, Lord. Amen.