Love as a Way of Life



Study Series: What a Savior!By: W. A. CriswellLesson Title: The Crimson Flow (pp. 52-60)April 2, 2017Session 05 The main point of this lesson is: Jesus’ shed blood cleanses us of our sin.Focus on this goal: To help adults cherish the blood Jesus shed to cleanse them of their sin.Key Bible Passage: John 19:28-37Before the SessionObtain copies of The Baptist Hymnal (2008). (Steps 1, 5, and 7) To the LeaderThis teaching guide examines numerous Scriptures. To keep the session running smoothly, write those Scripture references on small slips of paper and distribute to volunteers as they arrive. Request they be prepared to read those passages during the session.To use a different hymnal, in advance find the range of hymns that relate to Jesus’ blood, suffering and the cross. Refer to the appropriate range (Step 1) or individual hymns (Steps 5 and 7).During the SessionStep 1. Lead-in Organize the class into teams. Distribute hymnals and instruct teams to skim hymns 223-239 and read aloud phrases that refer to the blood of Jesus.After a few minutes, invite volunteers to state a song refrain about the shed blood of Jesus that really stood out to them. Ask: What might people who are not followers of Jesus think about fountains filled with blood or being washed by the blood? Why do we sing about such things? Declare the shed blood of Jesus is the only thing that can wash away our sin, it is all our hope and peace and we must cherish this blood that will never lose its power.Step 2. Day 1 – Death by CrucifixionInvite a volunteer to read John 19:28-37. Invite responses to Day One, activity 1 (p. 53). Declare believers must never be careless about the cross. We can celebrate what it means for us, but we must never trivialize or minimize the agony of the crucifixion. Discuss Day One, activity 2 (p. 53). Ask a volunteer to read John 10:14-18. Point out Jesus gave up His spirit, no one took it from Him. That’s obvious in how quickly He died. Relate from Day One how long it normally took to die from crucifixion (p. 53).Step 3. Day 2 – Blood and Water Flowed Mingled DownRead John 19:28. Ask: What did Jesus know was now accomplished? Explain Jesus knew His work in fulfilling His Father’s plan for salvation was complete; He had fulfilled every Scripture about the Messiah. At least 24 Old Testament prophesies were fulfilled within the last 24 hours of Jesus’ earthly life; several of those fulfillments are in this lesson’s focal passage. Guide adults to read the following Old Testament verses and find their fulfillment in John 19:28-37: Psalm?22:15; 69:21; Exodus?12:46; Psalm 34:20; Zechariah 12:10. As you discuss each prophecy and fulfillment, relate the following: Psalm 22:15; 69:21—Extreme thirst was one of the agonies of crucifixion. The vinegar, or sour wine, is different from the wine mixed with myrrh offered to Jesus earlier (Mark 15:23). The Lord refused that primitive narcotic in order to bear the full brunt of our pain and suffering. Exodus 12:46; Psalm?34:20—Romans left bodies on crosses for days to serve as warnings. But Jewish law forbid bodies of criminals to remain hanging overnight (Deut. 21:22-23). Ironically, the Jewish leaders, who had broken so many laws in their trial of Jesus, did not want this law broken on one of their holiest days. Crucifixion victims pressed up on their legs so they could gasp for breath. When soldiers shattered their legs with a mallet, the shock and pain of the broken limbs along with lack of air quickened death. Use Day Two, activity 2 (p. 55) to further explore the significance of Jesus’ legs not being broken. Zechariah 12:10— The apostle John was deeply impressed by the blood and water that flowed from Jesus when He was pierced. Invite a volunteer to read 1?John 5:6-8. State: Dr. Criswell spent much of the remainder of this week’s study examining the significance of water and blood to John.Step 4. Day 3 – Jesus Taught the People with SignsDiscuss Day Three, activity 1 (p. 56). Draw from Day Three, activity 2 (p. 57) the significance of Jesus’ turning water into wine. Invite volunteers to describe the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. Request a volunteer read John 6:35, 53-56. Evaluate the sign Jesus presented by miraculously feeding that multitude. Step 5. Day 4 – Jesus Died of a Broken HeartState: The apostle John, who saw signs in all Jesus did, saw great significance in the blood and water that flowed from Jesus’ pierced side. One basic sign founded on human anatomy is that the mixture of blood and water proved Jesus was really dead; His heart literally ruptured. But the significance goes far deeper than that. Jesus experienced more suffering than any other person because He didn’t just endure physical pain, He carried the full weight of all our guilt, shame, and separation from the Father. He died of a broken heart and the water that flowed from His heart is a sign to us. Request adults identify from Day Four what that water signifies (pp. 58-59). Read aloud the first verse of the hymn Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (No. 463). Step 6. Day 5 – The Atoning BloodAsk a volunteer to read the first paragraph of Day Five (p. 60). Complete Day Five, activity 1 (p. 60).Step 7. Make It PracticalInvite the class to sing or repeat in unison the first stanza of Nothing but the Blood of Jesus (No. 223). Urge adults to take time this week to ponder, cherish, and sing about the shed blood of Jesus. Close in prayer, thanking God for the crimson flow shed for us. ................
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