Editor’s Note:
Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we will share a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. As you read these passages and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.
This week, we turn to 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Reflection questions:
Verse 17 states that, if you are in Christ, you are a new creation—the old ways leading to death are gone, replaced by the righteousness of Christ. Take a minute and reflect on that truth.
1. In what areas of your life are you living as a new creation?
2. If there are areas where you currently don’t feel like you are living out this promise, what needs to change (e.g. thoughts, actions) to help you better live in light of Christ’s victory on the cross?
3. If there is some area you identify as needing change, remembering what Drew touched on in this past week’s message and Pastor Joe reiterated at the end, is there someone you can invite into that space to help hold you accountable?
The definition of reconciliation is to restore to friendship or harmony two opposing sides; to end estrangement. In the biblical sense, reconciliation is to restore a right relationship between God and man. Take a minute to reflect that Jesus surrendered to God’s plan for reconciliation between God and man by dying on the cross for our sins, and gives us the ministry of reconciliation—to share the news of Christ with others.
4. Who is one person you can pray for this Lent season, that they would come to a right relationship with God?