The cross is the both worlds' most contemptible instrument of punishment and the symbol of humanity's greatest hope. In turning this tool of torture into his followers' proudest boast, Jesus produced the most dramatic reversal the world has ever experienced. Worn around our necks, hung in our homes, carried in procession and set on mountaintops, the cross speaks to what we believe about Jesus and about how we understand our lives in relationship to him. This study plumbs the depths of Scripture for the horrible and glorious significance of the world's most beloved symbol. Ideal for Lent and Easter seasons.

Contents: 

How to Use Threshold Bible Study

Suggestions for Individual Study

vii Suggestions for Group Study

viii Introduction Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 1 8

Lessons 1-6

1. Cross-Bearing Discipleship (Mark 8:29-38) 9

2. "Crucify him!" (Mark 15:1-15) 12

3. The Crucified Messiah (Mark 15:16-32) 15

4. A Brutal, Lonely Death (Mark 15:33v41) 18

5. The Apocalyptic Crucifixion (Matthew 27:45-56) 21

6. The Compassionate Savior (Luke 23:33-49) 24

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 2 27

Lessons 7-12

7. The Ruined Temple of Christ's Body (John 2:13-22) 28

8. Lifted Sign of Eternal Healing (John 3:12-21) 31

9. Dying Grain and Living Fruit (John 12:23-33) 34

10. The King Mocked and Condemned (John 19:1-16) 37

11. The Crucified King Delivered Up His Spirit (Jn 19:17-30)

12. Flowing Life from the Pierced Side of the King (Jn 19:31-37)

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 3 48

Lessons 13-18

13. Sacrifice Your Only Beloved Son (Genesis 22:1-18) 49

14. The Saving Blood of the Lord's Passover (Ex 12:1-14) 53

15. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1-22) 56

16. He Bore Our Infirmities and Endured Our Sufferings (Isaiah 53:1-12) 60

17. The Passion Account of the Prophet (Jer 26:7-19) 64

18. Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Psalm 22:1-21) 68

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 72

Lessons 19-24

19. The Scandalous Message of the Cross (1 Cor 1:18-25;2:1-5) 73

20. Christ Died for All (2 Cor 5:14-21; 12:5-10) 77

21. Baptized into the Death of Christ (Rom 3:21-26; 6:3-11) 81

22. Crucified with Christ (Gal 2:19-21; 3:10-14; 6:11-17) 84

23. Reconciled by the Blood of Christ (Eph 2:11-22) 88

24. Peace through the Blood of the Cross (Colossians 1:19-24; 2:8-15) 92

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 5 96

Lessons 25-30

25. Divine Humility on the Cross (Phil 2:5-11; 3:10-11) 97

26. Christ's Sacrifice Once for All (Heb 10:1-25) 101

27. Persevere through Trials and Hardships (Heb 12:1-13) 106

28. Healed by His Wounds (1 Peter 1:17-21; 2:21-24) 109

29. The Cross Reveals God's Love (1 John 3:16-20; 4:7-14) 112

30. The Slaughtered and Glorified Lamb (Rev 5:1-14) 115

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 6