The Son's Sacrifice

Main Thought

God’s mission to restore broken people to Himself is centered on the cross of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion was not an accident or a tragic interruption in God’s plan. It was the turning point of God’s redemptive work in the world. Jesus was deeply troubled by the suffering He was about to endure; still, He willingly embraced the cross because it was the very purpose for which He came. On the cross, God’s perfect justice and steadfast love met as Jesus bore the penalty for our sin in our place. His sacrifice and surrender was transformed into victory. Sin was silenced, death was defeated, and the power of the enemy was broken. Through His sacrifice, Jesus draws people back into a restored relationship with God. He invites His followers to live a cross-shaped life marked by trust, surrender, and fruitful obedience.

Main Passages

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 

- John 12:27-28, ESV

'Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 

- John 12:31-32, ESV

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

- Philippians 2:8

Discussion Questions

1. Jesus was deeply troubled by the cross, yet He still chose obedience. What does this reveal about Jesus’ love for the Father and for us?

2. The cross looked like a dead end, but it became the doorway to new life. Have you ever experienced a situation where something painful or disappointing later produced growth or fruit?

3. Jesus calls His followers into a cross-shaped life—dying to self so that new life can emerge. What might that look like practically in your relationships, decisions, or participation in God’s mission right now?

The Father's Great Love

Main Thought

God’s mission in the world began with love. God was not moved into action because the world was worthy. The world was, and is, marked by darkness. God moved because of the great depth of His love. His love is perfect in quality and infinite in quantity. It is a determined love that culminated in the sending of Jesus into our brokenness to rescue and restore us.

The Father’s great love does not only invite us out of darkness and into eternal life; it also invites us to share in God’s determination and participate in His mission. Throughout church history, those who truly comprehended the love of God were compelled to join the mission of God. We can join with Him - through determined, sacrificial love - to invite others into the great destiny of those who believe. Eternal life, unconditional love, peace, joy, lasting hope and much more await all who believe.

Main Passages

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 3:16

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light…”
- John 3:19

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
- John 17:3

Discussion Questions

1. Eternal life is described as knowing God, not just life after death. How does that change the way you think about following Jesus right now?

2. God’s love is unconditionally offered but conditionally experienced. (For example, John 3:16 offers a qualifier: “whoever believes in Him.”) What does that mean, and why is this distinction important in faith or mission?

3. The love of God compelled people in Scripture and history into mission. How might God be inviting you to participate in His mission in a practical way right now?