Series Details
It’s all about Jesus and His journey to the cross—how He dramatically diverged from all earthly expectations to carry out the greatest work ever done for humankind! He lived, died, and rose again—for God’s glory and our eternal good.
In this series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll takes a fresh look at key events leading up to Jesus’ death, as well as the testimony of Jesus’ resurrection in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
Join Pastor Chuck for this study of Jesus’ determined obedience to provide us a hope that eclipses death.
The central focus of Jesus’ earthly life was His journey to the cross. Diverging from all earthly expectations of a king, He pursued a mission of determined obedience to carry out the greatest work ever done for humankind. In this series, Chuck Swindoll examines the key events that defined the final days of Jesus’ ministry—from His “magnificent obsession” with His sacrificial mission to the day hope eclipsed death. By looking at the cross through both the Gospels and the letters of Paul, we find a hope that is stronger than the grave and a love that is on everlasting display.
Jesus’ Magnificent Obsession
Sermon Summary Every interaction and every miracle in Jesus’ life pointed toward one singular goal: His death on the cross for our sins. This message explores what Chuck calls Jesus’ “magnificent obsession”—His driving, passionate focus on sacrificing Himself to save us. Teaching from Matthew 16, we see how Jesus began to clearly show His disciples the necessity of His suffering, rebuking any attempt to divert Him from the path to Golgotha.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Necessity of Suffering: Understanding why the cross was non-negotiable for Christ.
- Resisting Distraction: How Jesus maintained His focus despite Peter’s well-intentioned but misguided interference.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Matthew 16:21–26
Extravagant Love on Everlasting Display
Sermon Summary The cross is the ultimate evidence of God’s heart toward humanity. This message focuses on the “extravagant love” demonstrated through the crucifixion. Chuck discusses how the cross puts God’s character on everlasting display, proving that there is no length He won’t go to in order to reconcile us to Himself. We learn that this love is the compelling force that should motivate every aspect of our Christian walk.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Character of God: Seeing the cross as a window into divine love and justice.
- Compelling Motivation: How the love of Christ “constrains” and directs the believer.
On the Trail of a Traitor
Sermon Summary Among the inner circle of the disciples was one who would betray the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. This message follows “the trail of a traitor,” examining the life and tragic choices of Judas Iscariot. Chuck explores the warnings Jesus gave during the Last Supper and the mystery of how someone so close to the light could choose such darkness. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of an authentic, heart-felt commitment to Christ.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Mystery of Betrayal: Analyzing the motivations and the tragedy of Judas.
- Sobering Warnings: Recognizing the danger of religious proximity without spiritual reality.
Christlikeness in One Word
Sermon Summary If you had to summarize the character of Jesus during His Passion in just one word, what would it be? This message explores the “one word” that defines Christlikeness in the face of suffering: submission. Chuck discusses how Jesus yielded His will to the Father in Gethsemane and remained silent before His accusers. We learn that true strength is found in a surrendered spirit that trusts in God’s sovereign plan.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Power of Submission: Following the example of Christ’s yielded heart.
- Strength in Silence: Learning how to respond to injustice with the character of Jesus.
Why Is Jesus So Fascinating?
Sermon Summary Two thousand years later, the person of Jesus continues to captivate and fascinate people around the world. This message explores the unique qualities of Christ that draw people to Him. From His authority and wisdom to His radical compassion and His victory over death, we see why Jesus remains the most compelling figure in history. Chuck encourages us to move past fascination to a life of deep, personal devotion.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Incomparable Christ: Identifying the unique traits that set Jesus apart.
- Moving from Interest to Faith: The challenge of responding to the person of Jesus.
The Day Hope Eclipsed Death
Sermon Summary The series concludes with the triumphant victory of the resurrection. This message focuses on the testimony of Jesus’ rising as found in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Chuck discusses how the resurrection is the event that “eclipsed” the darkness of death, providing a hope that is unshakeable. Because Jesus lives, the fear of the grave is gone, and we are empowered to live for His glory with an eternal perspective.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Victory of Hope: How the resurrection transforms our view of mortality.
- Unshakeable Foundation: Finding security in the historical fact of the empty tomb.
Primary Scripture Reference
- 1 Corinthians 15
