What's the Big Idea?
He did what?!? She said what?!? Scandals aren’t just bad because bad things occurred. Scandals deal with the things we did not see coming; things that shouldn’t happen. The plot and conspiracy that unfolded to condemn a man named Jesus two millennia ago is a scandal.
But there is more to this scandal than what transpired in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. The scandal includes us all! The scandal of our sin caused all Jesus endured. Greater still is the scandal of God’s grace – his undeserved love for us – that alone moved him to send his own Son to die for us.
During this season of Lent we will unpack the scandal that took place 2,000 years ago and its significance for us today.
“For in Scripture it says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall” (1 Peter 2:6-8).
Series Plan
February 26 | The Plot
Ever since the Enemy first rebelled, his greatest goal has been the destruction of everything and anything good that God has made. As a liar and deceiver, he has succeeded in leading us astray time and again. But now Satan has set his sights on the ultimate prize—the Son of God, the promised Savior of the world.
March 5 | The Plan
There are many times when it’s just best for us not to know the future. Yet, Jesus was fully aware of how God intended to redeem this world from its rebellion and sin. God’s plan is so scandalous (that the Father was willing to sacrifice his Son) that Jesus asks for another way. There is no other way and Jesus is resolute in his determination to move forward.
March 12 | The Betrayal
Jesus taught that sin loves darkness. It’s no surprise, then, that his betrayal and arrest would take place under the cover of night. But Jesus forces the darkness of sin into the light. His words, “you betray the Son of Man with a kiss” reveal the scandalous truth that Jesus was betrayed by someone in whom he has put his trust, someone he loved.
March 19 | The Alliance
The lies at his trial: He opposes payment of taxes! He’s like all those other riot-starting Messiah/Kings! The hypocrisy of the Sanhedrin to accuse Jesus of starting a riot and then starting one themselves. Pilate and Herod became friends. All of these opposing political forces working together in the end. This doesn’t smell right.
March 26 | The Decision
How often in this life do we see justice turned upside down? The innocent are condemned as guilty and the guilty are set free. But that is our story as we witness the scandal of the innocent One being condemned in our place.
April 2 | The Procession
Jesus rides into Jerusalem to accolades and cries of joy. But he also rides into Jerusalem as the promised Son of David sent as the sacrificial Lamb of God. To many in the crowd, nothing was more scandalous than this. It’s the same for so many in the crowds of this world today.
