Death, A Servant of Dying Grace Part II
Why did Jesus “taste death?”
Hebrews 2:8–10
“For it was fitting.”
Jesus’ death was fitting because. . . .
1. “Perfect through suffering.”
God did not “perfect” Jesus by improving Him through suffering.
*Suffering wasn’t about character- it was about mission.
Without suffering and death
- He wouldn’t fully share our experience.
- *He couldn’t defeat death from the inside.
- *He couldn’t lead us where we need to go.
Jesus’ death was fitting because. . . .
2. It destroys and delivers us from death and the _fear_ of death.
Hebrews 2:14–16
3. Satisfies our _debt_ of sin.
Hebrews 2:17
“A merciful and faithful high priest”
*”propitiation” = to appease someone’s anger.
4. Identifies with us.
Hebrews 2:18
Summary:
*The message is not… Suffering is good, so deal with it!
Our savior did not rescue us from a distance. He walked the same road as we walk and came out the other side victorious.
Suffering is not God’s preferred way or a destination.
God’s glory is. . . .
Jesus is a divine _model_ of dying grace.
Stephen is a human _example_ of dying grace.
Acts 7:54
Acts 8:1a
Three ways death becomes a servant to God’s, servant.
1. Death becomes a _window_ of Heaven.
Acts 7:54–56
What does Stephen see?
*”Son of Man”
Matthew 25:31–33
1 Peter 3:22
Revelation 12:10
Romans 8:33
2. Death becomes a _doorway_ to Jesus.
Acts 7:59
3. Death becomes a _testimony_ of impact.
Acts 7:60
Death is designed by it’s author (Satan) to produce despair, resentment, bitterness, self-pitty, and hate (God and others.)
But God’s design render’s the power and fear of death by making it an occasion of love and grace for others with the promise of hope.
Longinus
*Saul
Acts 7:58
Acts 8:1a