The Great Commission

God’s Story:
My Son’s life on earth will end not in death, but in victory! He will rise from his tomb as a conqueror of death and evil. He will change his followers’ hopeless despair into jubilation. He has accomplished my plan to bring my people close to me again.

Read Matthew 28:1-20

Your Story:
Jesus left the disciples with some final words of instructions: They were to make more disciples. While they had previously been charged to focus their mission on the Jews, Jesus now charged them to “make disciples of all nations” (vs. 19). This Great Commission was directed not only to the disciples but to believers everywhere. You too are commanded to go out and make disciples. This could mean talking to your next-door neighbor or traveling across the globe; it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you share the Good News of Christ with those around you.

Agony and Death

God’s Story:
My Son responds to false accusation with silence. He is flogged with strips of leather embedded with pieces of bone and lead. The Roman soldiers mock him, spit on him, beat him and finally crucify him. Hanging on the cross, he is ridiculed by the religious leaders. Even the rebels crucified with him heap insults on him. It pains my heart, but I am so proud of him. Jesus had the power and the authority to resist arrest and escape death, but he chose to follow my will and go through with my plan. By sacrificing himself for all sinners, my Son makes it possible fo all people to be in fellowship with me.

Read Matthew 27:1-66

Your Story:
If you’re a parent, you may have sacrificed your own hopes and dreams for the benefit of your children. Out of love, you want them to have a good life, and you’re willing to forgo luxuries, time and even sleep. What Christ has done for you, his child, is so much greater! He took on the punishment of your sin, your guilt, your shame. He died so that you can live in eternity forever. Christ provided the gift of salvation. All you have to do is accept it.

The Plot to Kill the King

Backstory:
The Jewish religious leaders had wanted to arrest Jesus but dared not do so for fear of the people, many of whom admired Jesus. Now these leaders decided to do away with Jesus, recognizing that they must do this quietly so as not to excite the crowds and start a riot. Up to 300,000 Jewish pilgrims came to Jerusalem for Passover, and riots were not unknown, so they planned to wait until after Passover. But then the right opportunity presented itself.

God’s Story:
People on earth make plans and schemes, but their every move is in my control. I will use their deceit and treachery to glorify my name and bring salvation to the world.

Read Matthew 26:1-75

Your Story:
All of Jesus’ disciples said they would die before turning their backs on Jesus. However, only a few hours later when the pressure was on, they ran for the hills. It’s easy to say you are devoted to Christ. But what would happen if your devotion was challenged or you were persecuted because of your commitment? Would your talk still be as tough? How would your faith hold up against an uncomfortable or even dangerous testing?

Comfort and Joy

Backstory:
Jesus had a lot to say to his disciples before he left them. He told them how the Holy Spirit would work in them and in the world. Then he prayed a long prayer in which he prayed for himself, his disciples and all believers.

God’s Story:
The disciples have so much more to learn and understand about my Son. Yet they are only human and their emotions will soon overwhelm them. My Spirit will empower them and give them a new understanding that they cannot grasp right now. They will grieve, but soon they will be filled with joy!

Read John 15:26 – 17:26

Your Story:
Saying good-bye to someone you love can be very difficult. The thought of losing Jesus must have been unbelievably painful for the disciples. Jesus was more than a dear friend to the disciples; he was their teacher, their Lord. They must have been shocked by his farewell speech. Jesus knew they had a lot of difficulties facing them, so he promised they would not be alone but would have the Holy Spirit to encourage and guide them. You too have the Holy Spirit to lean on. He provides instruction, truth and comfort.

The Advocate

God’s Story:
My Son will return to heaven to be at my right hand, but I know his followers will not do well if they are left alone. They need my help. I will send my Holy Spirit to live in them and through them. They will be comforted by the presence of my Spirit.

Read John 14:1-31

Your Story:
When Jesus was preparing the disciples for his death, he promised that he would send “another advocate to help them and be with them forever” (vs. 16). This advocate is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can provide those who believe in Jesus with peace, assurance and support in any and every circumstance. The presence of the Holy Spirit can give you the confidence you need to deal with whatever may come your way.

Setting An Example

God’s Story:
I know my people completely, inside and out. I love my people completely, inside and out. That is why I have sent my Son to care for them and save them. Jesus knows that soon he will be returning to me. But first, he must teach his disciples one more lesson.

Read John 13:1-38

Your Story:
Because the roads in the Holy Land were not paved and people walked everywhere in sandals, foot washing was a frequent necessity. Not one of the disciples was willing to volunteer for such a task because they considered it to be beneath them. The world acknowledges the wealthy and the proud, the masters, not the servants. In contrast, God’s kingdom requires you to be a servant to others as Jesus was to his disciples. The world’s way may bring you recognition and the adoration of humans, but the way of servanthood will bring you God’s blessing. Which is more valuable to you?

The King Who Came to Die

God’s Story:
Because my Son knows what is ahead, his soul is troubled. In fact, he will soon be in such agony in Gethsemane that his souls will be overwhelmed with sorrow. But will Jesus ask me to save him from this hour? He will ask but he will accept it when I tell him, “No.” He knows that the reason he came to earth was to die. He wants my name to be glorified, no matter what the cost! My Son will be lifted up, first through his crucifixion and then through his resurrection and ascension to reign at my side — drawing all people to himself.

Read John 12:1-50

Your Story:
Mary didn’t fully realize who Jesus was, but she knew that no material expense was too great to expend on him. If you were called to meet the President of the United States, what would you say, what would you wear, how would you feel? Obviously, you would tell everyone you know about the experience. Do you realize that every day you are living in the presence of royalty because you are living before the King of kings? Are your actions appropriate for royalty? Does your speech give him honor & glory? Have you told others about him?

The Wake-up Call
God’s Story:
I know how the sting of death hurts people. But the death of Lazarus will display my glory and will glorify my Son. Jesus does not just give resurrection and life he IS resurrection and life! Permanent death is impossible for him — and for everyone who believes in him. My people may die physically, but that is not their end. Through my Son, death has been swallowed up in victory!

Read John 11:1-57

Your Story:
After a tragic situation, have you ever found yourself reviewing the events and saying, “If only . . .”? If only I had called. If only I had answered the phone. If only I had arrived home sooner. Mary & Martha both reacted that way, (vs. 21 & 32). They believed that Jesus could heal their brother of anything because they had seen him do it. But Lazarus was dead; now, they reasoned, there was nothing left for Jesus to do except cry. To them the situation was impossible. But for Jesus, anything is possible, even life after death. Drop the “if only” and trust that God can handle anything.

The Shepherd Knows Your Name

Backstory:
Over and over again, Jesus indirectly told the people who he was. Now he told them about another aspect of himself and about his love for them: He is the loving shepherd who leads his sheep and calls them by name. His sheep follow because they know his voice, and he is willing to die so they can live. The Jews still didn’t get it; they expected Jesus to give them a straight answer regarding his identity.

God’s Story:
I love how my Son is willing to sacrifice his life for those he loves — his sheep. He will die willingly to save them. This is the climax of my plan: My Son will gather my people, die in their place to redeem them and bring them back into fellowship with me. This was my plan all along; now it is revealed.

Read John 10:1-42

Your Story:
When an average citizen or a first responder saves a life, he or she is often touted and heralded as a hero. Jesus sacrificed himself willingly to save countless people, his “sheep.” He knew that sacrifice was God’s purpose for him in coming to earth. Jesus saves each of his sheep and calls them by name. What does it mean to you that Jesus knows your name? What does it mean to you that he died in order to enable you to live with him forever?

The Complicated Jesus
Backstory:
One day, Jesus’ followers witnessed 2 outstanding miracles; the next day, they were confused and stunned by words they didn’t understand. The thought of eating the flesh of the Son of Man and drinking his blood probably was shocking to most of Jesus’ Jewish audience. But Jesus was looking ahead. “Flesh” and “blood” point to the crucified Christ and the source of life.

God’s Story:
I realize it is difficult for people to grasp the fact that a common man, a carpenter’s son, is also my divine Son come down from heaven. My Son can do all things and meet all the needs of the people if they will just believe. They want to use their brains to reason and rationalize the aspects of my Son’s existence, when what they really need to use is their hearts.
Read John 6:1-71

Your Story:
Jesus is complicated. He grew up like other kids, the son of a humble carpenter, yet he multiplied a few loaves of bread and a few fish to feed a stadium-sized crowd. He also walked on the waves of the sea. The people and even Jesus’ disciples couldn’t figure it out. Are you as baffled as they were about Jesus, or do you believe with your heart and realize that Jesus’ complexities don’t all have to be understood?