| On this feast, we celebrate Jesus' sacrificial love for us. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." (Jn 3:16) This feast is a great opportunity to reflect upon the extent of God's love (which defeated death itself!) and our response to it. I've put together some prayers, songs and resources that might be useful in unpacking this theme. |
Videos
- A Gamer's View of the Bible - Max7. This clip shows the power and love of God throughout the Bible in a creative and relevant way. It focuses on God being 'bigger' than everything else - including death.
Songs (with Images)
- Thank You by emmanuelworship. This song is a powerful reminder of all that Jesus won for us through the cross, expressing the humble gratitude that comes from knowing forgiveness in Christ.
- Christ it Risen - Matt Maher. A great song with stunning images focusing on Jesus rising from the dead.
- Love Song - Third Day. A beautiful song with thought-provoking images centered on God's sacrificial love.
Scriptures
John 3: 13-17
No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.'
Philippians 2: 6-11
who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.'
Philippians 2: 6-11
who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Prayers
God of Glory,The Cross shines as a sign of obedience to your will
And a symbol of your love For the world.
Bless us who find salvation In the cross of Christ;
May we always recognise his glory In the weak, suffering and condemned of the world.
We ask this through Christ, crucified and exalted,
who is Lord forever and ever.
Amen
Source: http://www.sosj.org.au/_uploads/_ckpg/files/TriumphoftheCross_001.pdf
Almighty and everliving God, in your love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Faith-Tools/Meditation/2004/03/The-Passion-Prayer-And-Reflection.aspx
And a symbol of your love For the world.
Bless us who find salvation In the cross of Christ;
May we always recognise his glory In the weak, suffering and condemned of the world.
We ask this through Christ, crucified and exalted,
who is Lord forever and ever.
Amen
Source: http://www.sosj.org.au/_uploads/_ckpg/files/TriumphoftheCross_001.pdf
Almighty and everliving God, in your love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Faith-Tools/Meditation/2004/03/The-Passion-Prayer-And-Reflection.aspx