The Serial Gospel

Inspired by the podcast Serial 1. The Alibi 2. The Breakup 3. Leakin Park 4. Inconsistencies 5. Route Talk 6. The Case Against Adnan Syed 7. The Opposite of the Prosecution 8. The Deal with Jay 9. To Be Suspected 10. The Best Defense is a Good Defense 11. Rumors 12. What We Know

1 Cor 15:1-2 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

Who brought the gospel to the Corinthians?

1 Cor 15:1-2 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

How valuable is the gospel?

1 Cor 15:1-2 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

What does the term “gospel” mean?

1 Cor 15:1-2 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

What does the term “gospel” mean?

euangelion (n) – good news euangelizo (v) – to bring or announce good news - “What is the Gospel?”, bible.org

What 2 words related to the good news of Jesus Christ do you see in these Greek words?

1 Cor 15:1-2 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

What is the gospel that Paul preached?

What is the gospel that the Corinthians received?

What is the gospel that was saving the Corinthians?

What is the gospel that the Corinthians held fast?

1 Cor 15:1-4 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, What is the gospel that Paul preached?

What is the gospel that the Corinthians received?

What is the gospel that was saving the Corinthians?

What is the gospel that the Corinthians held fast?

1 Cor 15:1-4 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, This is the gospel.

In accordance with the Scriptures, Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised on the third day.

This is the gospel.

Where do we start?

When He said “It is finished”?

When He was put on the cross on Golgotha?

When Pilate handed Him over for crucifixion?

When the crowd yelled “Crucify Him!”?

His trial before Pilate?

His trial before Annas and Caiaphas?

His arrest in the garden?

When Judas betrayed Him?

In accordance with the Scriptures, Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised on the third day.

This is the gospel.

Tonight: An overview of the gospel What’s to come?

- Judas - The crucifixion - The trials - 40 days and the Lord’s Breakfast - Point of view of the Jews - Opinions of scoffers - What’s in it for me?

Acts 1:9-11 (ESV) And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Where did I choose to start telling the story?

* Seinfeld

Acts 1:6-8 (ESV) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Before Jesus ascended into heaven, who was He with?

Acts 1:6-8 (ESV) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Before Jesus ascended into heaven, who was He with?

What were they looking for Him to do?

Acts 1:6-8 (ESV) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Before Jesus ascended into heaven, who was He with?

What were they looking for Him to do?

What did He promise them?

Acts 1:6-8 (ESV) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Before Jesus ascended into heaven, who was He with?

What were they looking for Him to do?

What did He promise them?

What responsibility did He give them?

Acts 1:1-3 (ESV) In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

How long had Jesus been alive after rising from the dead?

Acts 1:1-3 (ESV) In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

How long had Jesus been alive after rising from the dead?

Why?

1 Cor 15:3-6 (ESV) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

According to our definition of the gospel, how many people saw Jesus alive during those 40 days?

1 Cor 15:3-6 (ESV) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

According to our definition of the gospel, how many people saw Jesus alive during those 40 days?

Why?

John 20:27-29 (ESV) Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Describe Jesus in those 40 days.

John 21:12-13 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.

Describe Jesus in those 40 days.

John 20:14-16 (ESV) Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

The risen Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene on the day He rose from the dead.

Did she recognize Him?

John 20:14-16 (ESV) Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

The risen Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene on the day He rose from the dead.

Did she recognize Him?

What information did she want from him before she knew who He was?

John 20:1-2 (ESV) Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Before she talked to the risen Jesus, what had Mary Magdalene seen?

Matt 28:1-4 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

How had the stone been rolled away from the mouth of Jesus’ tomb?

Matt 28:1-4 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

How had the stone been rolled away from the mouth of Jesus’ tomb?

Were there any eyewitnesses to that?

John 19:38-41 (ESV) After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.

Who buried Jesus?

What do we know about these guys?

John 3:1 (ESV) Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

Who was Nicodemus?

Mark 15:42-43 (ESV) And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Who was Joseph of Arimathea?

John 19:31-34 (ESV) Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

Before Jesus’s body was given to Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, was He really dead?

John 19:16-20 (ESV) So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek.

Describe the scene where Jesus died.

John 19:16-20 (ESV) So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek.

Describe the scene where Jesus died.

What did the sign on the cross say? Why was it written in 3 languages?

John 19:14-16 (ESV) Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

Why was Jesus crucified?

John 19:5-7 (ESV) So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” Why had the crowd of Jews yelled for Jesus to be crucified?

John 19:5-7 (ESV) So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” Why had the crowd of Jews yelled for Jesus to be crucified?

Why did the chief priests and officers of the Jew believe Jesus needed to die?

Luke 23:1-3 (ESV) Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” Why had Pilate called Jesus the King of the Jews and placed the sign on the cross?

Matt 27:1-2 (ESV) When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.

Why had had the chief priests and scribes brought Jesus to Pilate?

Luke 22:66-71 (ESV) When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” Why had the chief priests and scribes decided Jesus must die?

Matt 26:47-50(ESV) While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

How did the chief priests and scribes get Jesus to stand trial before them?

Matt 26:47-50(ESV) While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

How did the chief priests and scribes get Jesus to stand trial before them?

Who betrayed Jesus and let the chief priests and scribes seize Him?

Matt 26:14-16 (ESV) Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

Matt 26:14-16 (ESV) Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

Overview of the gospel - Judas betrayed Jesus.

- Jesus was seized by the chief priests and scribes.

- The chief priests and scribe declare Him guilty of calling Himself the Son of God.

- He is handed over the Pilate and the civil authority for calling Himself King.

- Pilate doesn’t find Him guilty, but he is afraid of the Jews calling for Him to be crucified.

- Jesus is crucified on Golgotha.

- Jesus’ body is buried in a tomb to confirm His death.

- On the third day, the tomb is empty.

- Jesus appears “in the flesh” to over 500 people to confirm His resurrection from the dead.

- Jesus ascends to heaven.

Acts 2:22-24, 36 (ESV) “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” As Peter lays out the gospel to faithful Jews in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, what charges did he state against them?

Acts 2:36 (ESV) Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Peter tells the crowd that they should have known Jesus was the Son of God because of - His miraculous works (v.22) - His empty tomb (v.29) - the prophecy of David (v.30-31) - the testimony of witnesses who saw Him resurrected.

After showing the faithful crowd that Jesus was the Messiah they were looking for, He convicted them of _________.

Acts 2:36 (ESV) Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Put yourself in their sandals.

You’re a faithful Jew.

You’ve come from Farfarawayistan, and speak Farfarawayistani.

You’ve stuck around Jerusalem at the Motel VI for 50 day after Passover to celebrate Pentecost.

You faithfully believe God will send the Messiah.

You know the prophecies of the Messiah.

You believe Peter correctly named Jesus as Messiah.

And you just heard that you had a hand in his death.

How do you feel?

Acts 2:37 (ESV) Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Does this sound like an appropriate response?

Acts 2:37 (ESV) Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Does this sound like an appropriate response?

“If Jesus of Nazareth was indeed their appointed Messiah, then no guilt could be greater than the guilt of treating him as he had been treated. If they refused him in whom all hope of salvation rested, what hope of salvation was left to them now?” - FF Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised

Acts 2:38 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Thankfully, Peter informed the crowd they did have hope.

What shall we do?

Next Week on The Serial Gospel Jesus of Nazareth