Series: Master Plan
Sermon: Master Plan
ICE BREAKER: Would you rather always be a little bit sandy, or always be slightly damp?
REVIEW:
This week we kicked off a brand new series, Master Plan!
This series is helping us to understand the bigger picture of the easter story. In week one, we looked at what is often seen as the quite confusing fact of Jesus being arrested, beaten, and killed. Why would God in human flesh allow this to happen? Why didn't He stop it or find another way?
We asked two primary questions in the sermon:
HOW DID HE GET HERE?
COULD IT BE AVOIDED?
We quickly found that it could have been avoided in MANY different ways. Jesus chose to go to Jerusalem, even though he knew they would kill him if he showed up. He chose to allow Judas to conspire against Him, and even let Judas walk free to go turn Him in. Jesus purposefully went to the one place he knew Judas would be able to find Him. Once he was arrested Jesus did not allow his disciples to fight for his freedom AND revealed that he could call down 12 legions of angels to fight for him if he wanted to!
In other words, Jesus could have easily avoided the cross! Which leads to our first question, "HOW DID HE GET HERE?" In other words, why did he allow all of this to take place?
When you zoom out from the individual pieces of the story, and look at the bigger picture, it becomes clear that Jesus was in complete control of the entire Easter situation. The enemies of Jesus thought it was their plan being executed when, in fact, it was Jesus purposefully and intentionally walking through every step of the Master Plan!
Humanity was separated from God because of our sin and Jesus came to make a way for us to come back into relationship with our Heavenly Father. The price of our sin was death, a death that Jesus would do whatever was necessary to die ON OUR BEHALF!
How did God in human form, perfect in every way, all-powerful, all-knowing... how did he end up arrested, beaten, and crucified?? He did it all because of his love for YOU!
Romans 5
6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly...
8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
APPLY:
The Master Plan for the redemption and salvation of humanity was played out to perfection 2000 years ago! God's great love for you is what brought Jesus to earth and ultimately to the cross.
If you are a Believer:
How does focusing on these truths enhance your perspective of the Easter story?
What might you need to change in your life to better reflect the love of Jesus to those around you?
If you are not a Believer:
IF the Easter story is true, what would it mean to you that God loves you enough to give His life for you?
What is currently holding you back from putting your faith in Jesus?
If you have believed in Jesus, and not yet been baptized, consider signing up for Baptisms on 4/16! https://www.metachurch.tv/baptisms
PRAY:
Spend time thanking Jesus for His love and sacrifice for you!
