Sermon: Summary
This sermon focuses on Jesus’s fourth statement from the cross – ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Pastor Mike explores how Jesus’s rejection on the cross brought about our acceptance with God. The message examines the darkness that covered the land during the crucifixion as representing sin, and how Jesus entered this darkness so we could enter God’s light.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to study your Word and understand the depth of Jesus’s sacrifice, open our hearts to receive your truth. Help us grasp the significance of Christ’s rejection that secured our acceptance. Guide our discussion and reveal what You want us to learn today. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Share: Get Talking
What was the last thing you felt completely rejected over, and how did you handle it?
Study: Go Deeper
What is the significance of the darkness that covered the land during Jesus’s crucifixion?
How do the three different biblical terms for sin (transgression, iniquity, and sin) help us understand our need for Christ?
Why do you think Jesus felt forsaken by God even though He knew it was part of God’s plan?
Which of the four categories of sinners (hard-hearted deniers, half-hearted drifters, soft-hearted strugglers, or cold-hearted hypocrites) do you most relate to and why?
How can we recognize true repentance in our lives?
What does it mean that Jesus’s rejection brings about our acceptance with God?
How do the five fruits of repentance manifest in a believer’s life?
In what ways can we apply the truth that ‘Jesus fully died so we could truly live’ to our daily walk with Christ?
Support: Accountability & Application
This week, examine your heart using the five fruits of repentance discussed in the sermon. Identify areas where you need to grow in genuine repentance and make a specific plan to address one area through prayer, accountability, and practical steps toward change.
How can we support and pray for you this week?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for enduring rejection so that we could be accepted by the Father. Help us to live in the reality of your sacrifice, embracing true repentance and walking in the light of your truth. Give us the strength to turn from sin and live fully for you. In your precious name we pray, Amen.
Additional Resources
KEY VERSES:
Mark 15:33-34 / Romans 3:23 / 2 Corinthians 7:10 / Proverbs 28:13
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Jesus entered darkness so we could enter the light
Jesus was forsaken so we could be forgiven
Jesus embraced humanity so we could step into eternity
Jesus fully died so we could truly live
True repentance produces visible fruit in a believer’s life