Why did Jesus die? 

 This is a central question of the Christian faith, and yet most Christians struggle to answer it. The most common response is to say that, “Jesus died for me so that I could be forgiven and go to heaven when I die.” But this very limited and little understood perspective on Jesus’ death ignores most of his life and work. And it is a very recent view on the meaning of the cross.

The problem with having an undeveloped perspective on the crucifixion is that our beliefs about Jesus’ death shape how we understand God, ourselves, our world, and the purpose of following Jesus. If the only value in Jesus’ sacrifice is to get us to heaven after we die, then there is little value to anything in this life—and that means that there is no need to care for the earth, love our enemies (who will be destroyed by God anyway), or look after our bodies. And yet these are the very things Jesus taught us to do.

There is a huge disconnect between Jesus' message and mission and what we have been taught about his death. It’s time to take another look at this most extraordinary execution in history and dive more deeply into what it means for how we live and love here and now.

Holy Week gives us a unique opportunity to explore the rich and ancient Christian heritage of thinking and experience around the cross of Christ. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to this new guide for Holy Week from Sacredise:

 

An Extraordinary Execution

Why Jesus’ death matters here and now.

Based on the readings from the Gospel of John for Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary, An Extraordinary Execution explores some of the primary ways that Jesus’ crucifixion has been understood through Christian history and how they can be reinterpreted and applied to our lives in the 21st Century. This is not just a theological discussion around the cross. It is a challenge to respond more deeply and intentionally to Jesus’ call for us to take up our crosses and follow him. And it is an invitation to build our lives around the liberating truths that are so powerfully proclaimed in Jesus’ death.  

Each Chapter of An Extraordinary Execution explores one perspective on the cross, reinterpreting it in the light of Jesus’ life and his message of God’s reign. And then each chapter shows us one of the many ways that Jesus death saves us, and how we can live into the reality of our salvation in this life. It’s a call to become participants in—not just consumers of—God’s work of making our world one and whole in Christ. And it’s an invitation to follow Jesus through death into the abundant life of resurrection.

An Extraordinary Execution is designed to help you and your community engage with the deep questions around the life and death of Christ in ways that are clear, challenging, and relevant. It includes everything you need to spark your creativity and ensure that your Holy Week services are deeply worshipful, informative, and participative. The resources contained in this guide can easily be adapted to fit your community’s culture and tradition while also offering a unique and fresh perspective on ancient truths and practices.