Recap
The Cross is the moment the entire Story has been building toward. From the very beginning, God knew the cost of restoring His broken creation. Our rebellion created a debt we could never pay, a separation we could never overcome, and a shame we could never remove. Yet God did not abandon His children. He came to bring us home. Though grace is freely given to us, it was purchased at an unimaginable cost to Him. The Father gave His Son, and Jesus willingly stepped into our place. On the cross, his words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” reminded the crowd of the song they'd known since childhood. Here he is, the One who would take away the sins of the world. They were killing the Messiah!
At the cross, Jesus looked at the debt of humanity and declared, “It is finished.” The payment was complete. The punishment was complete. The curse was broken. The serpent’s head was crushed. Our striving to earn God’s love was finished. But because our hearts are forgetful, we must build our lives around remembering. Remembering that the debt has been paid is the antidote to shame. It breaks the cycle of hiding and blaming that began in the garden and invites us to live in the freedom of grace. Every day, every moment, we are invited to return to our Father, repent of our rebellion, and receive the abundant love and grace He has already made available through Jesus. The invitation is to stop striving to earn what has already been given, to remember the finished work of the Cross and live as beloved sons and daughters who are already welcomed home.
At the cross, Jesus looked at the debt of humanity and declared, “It is finished.” The payment was complete. The punishment was complete. The curse was broken. The serpent’s head was crushed. Our striving to earn God’s love was finished. But because our hearts are forgetful, we must build our lives around remembering. Remembering that the debt has been paid is the antidote to shame. It breaks the cycle of hiding and blaming that began in the garden and invites us to live in the freedom of grace. Every day, every moment, we are invited to return to our Father, repent of our rebellion, and receive the abundant love and grace He has already made available through Jesus. The invitation is to stop striving to earn what has already been given, to remember the finished work of the Cross and live as beloved sons and daughters who are already welcomed home.
Reflection & Training
The Debt is Paid
Reflect on a time when you sinned. How well did you do at remembering that it is finished?
In what ways do you live according to “Strive without ceasing” instead of “It is finished”?
How could you begin to believe more deeply in the finished work of the Cross?
How does your ability to admit mistakes and apologize connect to your belief in the gospel? Or forgive someone else?
Read Psalm 22 again. How does it make you feel? Does it raise your faith level?
As your week goes by, pay attention to your internal reaction when you sin. Practice believing that it is finished.
In what ways do you live according to “Strive without ceasing” instead of “It is finished”?
How could you begin to believe more deeply in the finished work of the Cross?
How does your ability to admit mistakes and apologize connect to your belief in the gospel? Or forgive someone else?
Read Psalm 22 again. How does it make you feel? Does it raise your faith level?
As your week goes by, pay attention to your internal reaction when you sin. Practice believing that it is finished.
Remember
How does "remembering" impact how you interact with God?
What are some ways or times that you already focus on remembering?
What are some ways you or your family set up new rhythms to remember the gospel?
What are some ways or times that you already focus on remembering?
What are some ways you or your family set up new rhythms to remember the gospel?
The Prodigal Son
Which brother do you relate to more? The younger or older brother?
What does your natural affinity reveal you believe about God as a Father?
Have you ever experienced the Father’s love just pouring over you as you turned from sin? If so, reflect on what that felt like, and what happened after.
If not, invite your spouse or friend to pray with you. Visualize repenting and turning towards your Father.
Watch Him run towards you. What does it feel like to receive His love?
What does your natural affinity reveal you believe about God as a Father?
Have you ever experienced the Father’s love just pouring over you as you turned from sin? If so, reflect on what that felt like, and what happened after.
If not, invite your spouse or friend to pray with you. Visualize repenting and turning towards your Father.
Watch Him run towards you. What does it feel like to receive His love?
Share your Thoughts
Take a moment to share your reflections with your group in your group chat. Sharing how God is working in your heart will encourage others in your group.