DATE:
Saturday, March 31, 2018.
DISCUSSION TOPIC:
Jesus' Death And Burial
BIBLE READING:
John 19: 31-42
Qs. 1, 2. See Questions HERE.
DISCUSSION:
How do you see the Jews' act of religious piety in vs. 30-31? It is amazing how people could make a show of worshipping God when they refuse to accept His presence amongst them. We need to avoid this kind of attitude in our worship of God. God is more interested in our relationship with Him than meaningless rituals (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Read vs. 32-36 again and note the state of Jesus before the soldier came to Him. It shows that he laid down His life voluntarily. No one took it from Him (John 10:17-18). The flow of blood and water were significant in our redemption. It shows that Jesus had a real body (1 John 1:1-4). The blood speaks of our justification (Hebrews 9:22) and the water, our sanctification and cleansing.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret disciples of Jesus Christ for fear of the Jews (vs. 38,39). But it is worth noting that they chose to identify with Jesus at the time that others abandoned Him and ran into hiding. If you were Joseph or Nicodemus, would you have identified with Jesus at this time in His life? "A friend in need is a friend indeed".
So what?
Write down situations that require that you take a public stand for Jesus right now and state the steps you will take to do so.
Prayer:
Make me a friend indeed and not a fair-weather friend which seems common. Above all, help me Lord to be Your friend at all times.
©Scripture Union Nigeria
REMAIN BLESSED!