The word gospel means ‘good news’, Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. An apostle once said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."

1. First Importance
   (Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-6)
   • The foremost Christian belief is "the gospel"
   • The gospel is defined as the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ
     At this moment, what does Jesus’ death on a cross mean to you?
2. His Death
   (Matthew 26:31, 26:36 - 27:50)
   There are at least eighteen compounding "just when you thought it couldn't get worse" agonies that crescendo:
   • Read 26:31,36-46
     • He faced desertion, even by His closest friends
     • He agonized in Gethsemane
     • He was disappointed with His friends
     • He was betrayed by one of His friends, Judas
   • Read 26:55-68
     • He faced a conspiracy of false accusations and lying witnesses
     • He was charged falsely with blasphemy
     • He was spat upon, punched and slapped
     • He was taunted with religious mockery
   • Read 26:69-75
     • He suffered Peter's blatant denial
   • Read 27:1
     • He received the death sentence at trial
   • Read 27:11-26
     • He was given equal status with Barabbas, a notorious prisoner
     • He was subjected to a mob jury
     • He was tortured by flogging
   • Read 27:27-31
     • He was humiliated—stripped and mocked as a king
   • Read 27:32-44
     • He was crucified, intended to be the cruelest form of execution
     • He endured the crowd’s jeering
   • Read 27:45-50
     • He suffered separation from God, taking upon Himself all the sins of mankind
     • He experienced physical death
   On the left side of a sheet of paper, list the known sins committed against Jesus and label it ‘The People’
   
   
   
   
   So far, why do you think this is good news?
   
   Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 18-21
   Switch the headings on the columns:
   What does this say about God’s love for them?
   What does this say about God’s love for you?
   


3. His Burial
   (Read Matthew 27:51-66)
   • Upon Jesus’ death, there was an earthquake, as if the earth was groaning at the injustice 
   • The tomb was secured with soldiers, and a massive stone and Roman seal were at the entrance
4. His Resurrection
   (Read Matthew 28:1-7)
   • The area was shaken by an earthquake and the tomb was found empty
   • The news came quickly about His resurrection; many witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
   • Why is the resurrection such a big deal?
5. His Commission
   (Read Matthew 28:16-20)
   • The disciples met with Jesus after the inconceivable resurrection occurred
   • They believed but some had their doubts
   • Do you believe in Jesus and His resurrection?
   • Jesus called them together to charge his disciples—"make disciples, baptizing in the world as you go, continuing to be taught everything"
     How do you think you would feel if you were there?
     Have you come to a decision to be a disciple of Jesus?
     Do you understand this implies lifelong learning, being taught (apprenticeship)?

Further Reading:

• Luke 24:13-53—A gospel discussion
• Romans 3:9-20—Lost without God
• 1 Corinthians 1:18-25—Fools for Christ
• 1 Peter 2:13-3:22—Living the gospel