INTRODUCTION

The Roman punishment of crucifixion has been considered one of the most cruel forms of death. It was a penalty for slaves, criminals, and persons who were not Roman citizens. Jesus “. . . made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and . . . he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).

THEME THOUGHTS

It has been the aim of Satan since the beginning of time to bring all humanity into his ranks. Ever since the downfall of man in the Garden of Eden, the fight of right against wrong has been raging in this world. But God has made ample provision for the salvation of man’s immortal soul.

It is this provision that will be taken up in this study of “God’s Cure for Sin.” In Genesis 3:15 we see the first beam of light for lost humanity pointing toward Christ, the Redeemer of man. A key lesson in this quarter deals with God offering His own Son as a substitute for mankind.

Woven into this quarter are lessons covering the events leading up to Easter. We will explore the message and hope of the Resurrection as the foundation of the Gospel, and will learn how one can be enabled to walk in newness of life. We will also study some of the results of salvation and the benefits it brings into one’s life.

May God bless you as you explore His plan for the redemption of man.

SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES

Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 27:27-56

QUESTION

1. In our text, one can find the fulfilment of many Old Testament prophecies regarding Jesus’ suffering. Following each Scripture below list the prophecy and the verse or verses in John 19 where it is fulfilled.
   • Isaiah 53:3
   • Isaiah 53:7
   • Psalm 22:18
   • Psalm 69:21
   • Psalm 34:20
   • Zechariah 12:10
2. Jesus suffered greatly during his last 24 hours on earth. In what ways was He physically abused? List as many as you can find. In addition to the text, use Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65; 15:19.
3. In what ways did Jesus mentally or emotionally suffer in those last hours? To supplement the text, see Mark 14:43-44,55-57,71; 15:34; Luke 22:44 and John 1:11.
4. Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to suffer so?
5. In what ways have Christians suffered physically through the centuries because of their love for Jesus? How does this compare to Christ’s suffering?
6. In what ways do Christians face mental or emotional suffering?
7. At one point Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Had God forsaken Jesus? Explain.
8. By His death, Jesus made certain provisions for us. The following Scriptures give some of these provisions. List them here.
   • Titus 2:14
   • 1 Peter 2:24
   • Hebrews 13:12