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The crucifixion of Jesus stands at the heart of the Christian faith, yet it raises profound questions that many believers grapple with: “Why did Jesus have to die?” “Did God need for Jesus to suffer?” “How does His death so long ago absolve us of our sins today?” These are questions that the disciples, early Christians, and theologians today grapple with and come to different conclusions. If you’ve ever had questions about the meaning of the cross, this Lenten series will encourage you to explore 9 different theories of atonement and seek to understand the crucifixion better. Based on a sermon series by Adam Hamilton, this Lent we will journey toward the cross with a deeper sense of what it means for us and all humanity.

February 22

The Cross: God’s Message to Us

Romans 5:15-19; I Corinthians 15:21-22, 45

How is it that a man dying on a cross 2,000 years ago takes away my sin today? How does that work? Couldn’t God forgive us without sacrificing Jesus is such a horrific way? What does that say about God? In the first sermon of this series we will explore the basic concepts of atonement and reframe the way we approach the crucifixion. What if we are asking the wrong questions?

Reflection Questions: Write are your initial thoughts on why Jesus had to die on the cross? Keep refining this throughout Lent as you learn more about various theories of the atonement.

March 1

The Cross: God’s Covenant and the Exodus

Exodus 12:21-22, Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:19-20

We will look at the cross through the lens of the Exodus story. What does it mean for Jesus to be the new Passover Lamb? For him to institute a new covenant? After so many Old Testament covenants, why is his covenant different? Scripture says he gave his life as a ransom for many? Ransom to whom? Three new theories of the atonement will be explored as we continue seeking a deeper understanding of the crucifixion.

Reflection Questions: How does the Exodus shed new light on the cross? What are you a slave to and what does Jesus’ ransom mean for you?

March 8

The Cross: God’s Punishment or Offering?

Colossians 2:13-14, Romans 3:2; Hebrews 10:10-14

These are the most well-known and popular ways of understanding the cross. Why are they so popular? What are the problematic questions that arise from them? How do we resolve that tension? Why does God require the suffering of Jesus in order to forgive our sins? Today may challenge what you believe about the crucifixion as we look at two more atonement theories and seek to understand their benefits and limitations.

Reflection Questions: Do you see more benefits or more concerns in each of these theories? Which one speaks most powerfully to you? Write down your confession and pin it to the cross up front.

March 15

Mission Trip Sunday

Those who went to Florida will share their experiences of how they saw God at work.

March 22

The Cross: God’s Selflessness and Love

Matthew 16:24, Romans 5:1-2; I John 4:8a-12 

How does the cross save us from our sins? Does it only make a difference for us after we die? While some atonement theories focus on the implications of the cross for our afterlife, these two have to do with how we live life here on earth. The cross was not only a means for eternal life, but for abundant life here and now. But how?

Reflection Questions: These two theories have a very different emphasis from the others. What does it mean to you to live a cruciform life? How does the cross impact your daily living?

March 29

Journey Toward the Cross 

On this Palm/Passion Sunday, we will use scripture to walk through the Sunday through Saturday of Holy Week. What happened that week and what can we learn from it?

Reflection Questions: Read through these scriptures again this week or choose one gospel to read from Psalm Sunday through Jesus death. Journal your thoughts each day or engage in some other practice to remember this Holy Week.

April 5

The Cross: God’s Victory

Hebrews 2:14-17, John 20:19-22; I Corinthians 15:53-57

It’s Easter Sunday! We will learn one more atonement theory that ties the cross and empty tomb together: the Victory of Christ. But what is he victorious over? Why do we still deal with evil, sin, and death today? The cross and empty tomb make all the difference in our lives. I not only believe it…I’m counting on it.

Reflection Questions: How has Christ’s victory become your victory? In what ways will you specifically live your life differently because of a cross and empty tomb? What does “Christ has risen!” mean to you?