Pastor Rob Carlson: 
"Understanding The Passion: Purpose, Pain, Power" 
series: PASSION: Experience Christ's Love
Sunday, March 7, 2004 

1. The trial of Jesus shows us God's purpose. 

John 10:18--No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again... 

John 12:27--Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 

John 12:47b--For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 

(See also Matthew 26:59-68--page 986 in pew Bible) 

Philippians 2:6-10--...[Christ] made himself nothing...he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth... 

2. The death of Jesus shows us God's passion (& pain). 

Romans 5:6 & 8--You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Ephesians 1:7--In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace... 

Hebrews 2:10--In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 

3. The resurrection of Jesus shows us God's power. 

Acts 1:3--After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 

Romans 1:4 [LB]--By being raised from the dead He proved He was the mighty Son of God, with the nature of God Himself. 

Ephesians 1:19-20 [LB]--I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him. It is that same power that raised Christ from the dead. 

So how should I respond to His death for me? 

1. I ought to love Christ with all of my heart. 

2. I ought to hate sin. 

3. I ought to tell others. 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

1. What do you know about crucifixion? 
2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
   What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
3. What does the Passion of Christ mean to you? 
4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group. 

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