Lesson 3: Jesus’ Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and Me
Key scripture: (The Apostle Paul wrote:) … “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10)
Jesus Christ is the most unique person in the whole world because He was born of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18), died and rose again, ascended to heaven, and will return to earth. He came into the world to help and renew human life. This is the Gospel! The name “Jesus” means “Savior.” An angel said to Joseph: “She (Mary) will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) In the New Testament, the primary meaning of “Christ” is the anointed King; and King Herod referred to Christ as the King who was to come (Matthew 2:4).
First, Jesus took upon Himself our eternal punishment through His death (1 Peter 2:24). His precious blood can cleanse and purify our conscience.
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14)
Second, Jesus’ resurrection allows believers to experience His power in divine resurrection. (Paul wrote:)
“… I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, … which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:8-9; please continue to read the following verse from above)
“To know,” (3:10) in the Greek word ginosko, means “to realize, feel, and know through experience.” By having the righteousness of Jesus Christ, believers can experience His resurrection power to overcome any suffering.
Third, Jesus’ ascension allows us to overcome all enemies in our lives, including the devil, the flesh, and worldly temptations. “…When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:8 NKJV) “Gifts” in the Greek is doma, means “good things” (Luke 11:13) or “presents” (Philippians 4:17). Let Jesus “ascend” in your life by making Him Lord and King in everything and letting Him reign over you in all things. He will then overcome all enemies in your life and give you various gifts.
What types of people find it difficult to believe in Jesus? (Listing three examples in the following only.)
1. Those who enjoy doing evil and fear rebuke.
“For everyone who does evil hates the Light … for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” (John 3:20-21)
2. Those who escape problems. Jesus is willing to handle life’s problems, but if we avoid them, He will find it difficult to help us. Actively relying on Him to solve our problems is the only way of true Christian faith. One meaning of confession is for believers to admit our problems.
3. Those who care only for worries or selfish desires and refuse to pray according to the will of the Lord Jesus.
Discussion questions:
1. Have you ever grieved over your sins? Will you rely on Jesus with the hope of being delivered from all sins?
2. Are you willing to request Jesus’ blood (i.e., His life) to correct your conscience so that you may serve God?
3. Believing in Jesus includes experiencing His resurrection power. Are you willing to know and pursue His power? Why?
4. Are you willing to make Jesus Lord and King in everything, let Him overcome your enemies, and give you various gifts? Why?