Reflection Questions – The Quest for the Divine Presence 8: ‘Trampling Underfoot the Son of God’ – The Literal Blood of Jesus, Part 2

Greetings Church! As we’ve been studying the Blood of Jesus together in our worship services, I’m presenting some reflection questions that consider Jesus’ Blood in light of some of the themes we looked at during Holy Week. May they help us to draw nearer and grow deeper to the worthy One.

And they sang a new song [in Heaven], saying,

“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals,

for You were slain, and by Your blood

You ransomed people for God

from every tribe and language and people and nation, and

You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth”

(Revelation 5:9-10).

1. In our Good Friday sermon, we looked at Psalm 22, which begins: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This is a prophetic, forward-look which sees Jesus on the cross, dying. Because He was bearing our sins, Jesus was indeed forsaken by the Father, who cannot even look upon sin (Habakkuk 1:13). His was a ‘real’ or ‘true’ forsaking. I suggested that this was perhaps the greatest sphere of Jesus’ suffering – the genuine silence of God. Has God ever been silent with you? Have you ever felt forsaken, abandoned by God? Have you ever found yourself wondering where He is? How did you navigate such times? How were those ‘dry seasons’ resolved?
2. Consider the difference between ‘true’ and ‘perceived’ abandonment by God. While it may seem at times that God has ‘set us aside,’ the Scriptures paint a very different picture of God’s abiding presence with His people. Discuss the following verses: Deuteronomy 31:6-8, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 13:5 (in the context of finances), Micah 7:8, Matthew 28:20). So, according to these verses, where is God, even when He ‘feels’ far away?
3. The cares of the world and the day-to-day responsibilities of life itself can really discourage us. They can trick us into thinking we’re on our own. And, as if those ‘natural’ sources of discouragement weren’t enough, we have to factor another ingredient into the mix – a ‘supernatural’ one! We have a ‘real’ enemy. He is God’s enemy and the enemy of His people. After all, Revelation 12:9 declares that he “deceives the WHOLE WORLD”! He accuses us continuously (Revelation 12:10). He’s jealous of us because the Blood of Jesus does not avail for him (Hebrews 2:14-16). What are some of the ways the “Old Serpent” still deceives the people of God? How in the past has he tricked you? Consider and discuss the following verses: 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Genesis 3:1-7 WITH 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 6:11-12, 2 Timothy 2:24-26 & 4:1-5, 1 John 4:1, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Colossians 2:8, 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
4. PRAISE TIME! Now, let’s take a moment to praise God together because, as Paul wrote in Romans 16:20, “the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly! – emphasis on “YOUR” and “SHORTLY”! So then, It’s OK to say, ‘Maranatha, come Lord Jesus! Come!’ Really, it’s OK. Shout it as a group! Really!
5. There is victory in Jesus, victory in His Blood! John declares of the Tribulational saints that “they have conquered him [Satan] (1) by the blood of the Lamb and (2) by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Revelation 12:11). How do WE conquer the Devil “by the blood of the Lamb” and by the ‘word of OUR testimony’? How do we toss him out of our lives? What does it mean to ‘love not our lives even unto death’?