“It Must Happen This Way”

It’s amazing the number of Old Testament prophecies that speak of the Messiah, his life, and even the intimate details of his suffering and death. The New Testament often speaks of how Jesus had to experience something because “the scriptures say that it must happen this way.”

Yes, it must happen this way. Even though we shudder to think about it, Jesus must suffer and die, not just because the scripture says so, but because God, in his heart, is determined to have us back. Jesus’ suffering and death are the only way that wayward people like you and me can be reconciled to a just and holy God.

In this year’s Lenten series, as we investigate a number of the Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled in his suffering and death, we’ll see that it’s not just our sin, but also God’s love that made it necessary for Jesus to suffer in this way.

Midweek 1:  He Must Walk Alone

It was prophesied that all would disown Jesus. No one could help him do what he had to do. In love Jesus walked the dreadful path to Calvary completely alone.

Scriptures:  Zechariah 13:7-9, 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Psalm 3

Sermon Text:  Matthew 26:31-35

Midweek 2:  He Must Surrender

Jesus was not a helpless victim. He could have called on Michael and the mighty angelic army to fight for and rescue him. Instead, in love, Jesus actively surrendered to his Father’s will.

Scriptures:   2 Samuel 15:1-12, 1; Psalm John 1:1-10, Psalm 143

Sermon Text:  Matthew 26:47-55

Midweek 3:  He Must Take Responsibility

What happens when someone can never be separate himself from his guilt, when the responsibility of that guilt and shame continually eats away at him? Unfortunately, all too many people in this world can relate. In love, Jesus chose to be separated from his Father in order to carry the responsibility of our guilt to the cross.

Scriptures:  Zechariah 11:4-17, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, Psalm 130

Sermon Text:  Matthew 27:1-10

Midweek 4:  He Must Be Silent When Accused

We all know how difficult it is to remain silent while being unjustly criticized or accused. Yet in the midst all of the false accusations levied against him, Jesus has an entirely different game on his mind. In love, he’s making it possible to be our heavenly Advocate when Satan points the accusing finger at us.

Scriptures:  Isaiah 53:1-9, Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 2

Sermon Text:  Matthew 27:11-24

Midweek 5: He Must Be Forsaken

While hanging on the cross Jesus cries out: “My God, my God, what have you forsaken me?” How can we even begin to grasp what being “forsaken by God” would be like? Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice we’ll never have to know.

Scriptures:  Galatians 3:10-14, Psalm 22

Sermon Text:  Matthew 27:32-46

Midweek 6:  He Must Humble Himself

When Jesus humbled himself, it was not that he was choosing to be weak and let people walk all over him. He was displaying the courage to put the needs of weaker individuals before his own so that he could raise them up to a higher status.

Scriptures:  Isaiah 45:22-25, Hebrews 12:1-3, Psalm 24

Sermon Text:  Luke 19:28-40

We are really excited about organizing those interested in helping out fellow members via our new site at lots of helping hands - https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/663727/

You’ll want to fill out the form there and request to join the St. John’s community.  Once accepted, you’ll receive instructions by email how to get started.

We’re excited about this tool and the chance to make more opportunities for service available to our congregation!  If you have questions, give the church office a call and we’ll be happy to assist you.  And please – spread the word!!!