WEEK 44.7 Discussion questions below.

Episode Summary

In this Week 44 Explore episode, Nick and Jamie stand at the foot of the cross, examining Jesus's final moments in John 19:23-37. They explore profound theological themes: the seamless garment connecting Jesus to the high priest, the four courageous women who stayed when disciples fled, Jesus creating new family by entrusting Mary to the beloved disciple, the significance of "I am thirsty" and the hyssop branch connecting to Passover, the meaning of "It is finished", and why blood and water flowing from Jesus's side proves his real death. They also discuss the theology of the cross (rejecting penal substitutionary atonement in favour of Christus Victor), the extravagant burial by Joseph and Nicodemus, and the harrowing of hell where Jesus descended to Hades between death and resurrection. Throughout, they wrestle with questions about sin, forgiveness, God's love, and what was happening behind the scenes during those dark hours.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Recap 

02:15 Reflections on Jesus' Final Moments 

04:30 The Significance of Jesus' Crucifixion 

08:21 Jesus' Seamless Garment and High Priest Symbolism 

12:04 The Women at the Cross 

15:58 Jesus' Care for His Mother 

20:02 The Completion of Jesus' Mission 

24:00 The Significance of the Hyssop Branch 

25:05 Passover and the Crucifixion: A Parallel 

26:33 Jesus' Final Words and Their Meaning 

28:19 The Theology of Sin and Forgiveness 

33:23 The Crucifixion and Its Aftermath 

39:17 The Burial of Jesus 

44:56 The Harrowing of Hell 

46:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discussion Questions

• Unanswered Questions: Nick and Jamie wonder about Peter's location, what Mary was feeling, what Jesus thought during those hours. What questions do you have about the crucifixion that scripture doesn't answer?

• The Seamless Garment: Jesus's tunic matching the high priest's robe means we have perfect personal access to God without ritual or human mediator. How does this change your understanding of approaching God?

• Women's Courage: Four women stayed at the cross when almost all disciples fled. What does their presence reveal about strength, love, and discipleship?

• Church as Family: Jesus creates new family by giving Mary to the beloved disciple. How well does your church create family among very different people?

• "Worm" Theology: Jamie shares growing up believing she was a "worthless worm" who had to prove herself to God. How does understanding the cross as defeating sin/death (rather than changing God's anger) transform your self-image?

Takeaways

• This Is the Moment: When Son of Man is lifted up, THEN we know who he is. Not resurrection but crucifixion is the moment of glorification where God's character is revealed.

• You're Not a Worm: The cross doesn't change God from angry to loving. It defeats sin and death so we can receive the love and forgiveness God always offered. You're God's beloved child.

• Jesus Is Your High Priest: The seamless garment shows Jesus is perfect high priest. You have perfect personal access to God all the time without ritual or human mediator.

• Receive What's Done: "It is finished" means there's nothing more for you to do. Jesus has done everything. All we can do is receive what Jesus has done.

• God Works Behind Scenes: Even when it looks like God is silent or defeated, he's at work behind the scenes. Jesus might be kicking butt for you right now.

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