Pastor Bossman
Topic: The Sacrifice of Jesus
Introduction:
In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle had three distinct areas:
- The Outer Court
- The Inner Court
- The Most Holy Place
The Most Holy Place was separated by a curtain and could only be entered once a year by the High Priest, who went in to make atonement for the people’s sins.
But God longed for a deeper relationship with us. So He sent His only Son, Jesus, to live among us and ultimately give His life as a sacrifice. Jesus did many miracles, but His greatest purpose was to lay down His life for all of humanity.
Through His sacrifice, we now have direct and equal access to the Father. The Tabernacle represented God’s presence—when people saw the Ark of the Covenant being carried, they knew that God’s presence was with them.
The Crucifixion (Luke 23):
Luke 23 tells the story of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Crucifixion was a brutal Roman form of execution used for the worst criminals and slaves. But Jesus’ crucifixion was different:
- Jesus was innocent—He had committed no sin.
- He was crucified not for His own wrongdoing, but for ours.
- The sign above His head read, “KING OF THE JEWS.”
- He was mocked, given a crown of thorns, beaten, and forced to carry a heavy wooden cross.
- Nails were driven into His hands and feet.
- When He was thirsty, He was offered vinegar, which He couldn’t drink.
- His side was pierced, and water flowed out.
John 3:16 (NKJV)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Who would give up their only child to suffer in that way? Only God.
Jesus’ death wasn’t just physical—it was a spiritual exchange. He took on our sins—past, present, and future—so that we could be set free.
What His Sacrifice Accomplished:
Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
The cross isn’t just a symbol of suffering—it’s the heart of our faith because of everything Jesus accomplished through it:
- Redemption – We’ve been set free and can now walk in relationship with God.
- Reconciliation – Our once-broken connection with God has been restored.
- Healing and Peace – His wounds paid the price for our healing.
- Victory over Death – Jesus conquered the grave so we could live.
- A New Identity – We are now sons and daughters of God.
Examples:
- The Woman at the Well – Jesus revealed her truth, and she became a witness.
- The Woman with the Issue of Blood – She reached for Him in faith and was healed.
- Saul to Paul – A life completely transformed by God’s grace.
Why Jesus Had to Die:
- Because of Sin
Romans 3:23 (NKJV) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Because We Turned Away from God
- Because Sin Required a Price to Be Paid
Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” - Because He Was the Lamb of God
John 1:29 “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” - Because of God’s Great Love
(See John 3:16 again)
How Should We Respond to His Sacrifice?
- Repent and Receive Salvation
- Live with Gratitude
- Share the Message of the Cross
- Tell others what God has done in your life
- Serve the Lord with Joy
Do it because you love Him, not out of obligation.
2 Corinthians 5:14 (NKJV)
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died.”
The Enemy’s Lie (Matthew 28:11–15):
After Jesus rose from the grave, the religious leaders tried to cover it up:
Matthew 28:11–15 (NKJV)
11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.
12 The chief priests met with the elders and devised a plan. They gave the soldiers a large sum of money,
13 telling them, “Say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’
14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated to this day.
The enemy will always try to distort the truth—but the resurrection cannot be denied.
Closing Declaration:
Jesus LIVES!
Nothing will stop us, break us, or shake our faith.
Jesus is the reason we are saved.
In Him we live, move, and have our being.
