The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection – Outline

The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection

- OVERVIEW

This week, we explore the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, which John presents as the hour of glory. From His trial before Pilate to His death on the cross, we see how Jesus fulfilled His mission. His resurrection brings victory over sin and death and gives us hope for eternal life. These events are central to the Christian faith and show us God’s love and plan of salvation.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 18:37

KJV 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

CEV 37 “So you are a king,” Pilate replied. “You are saying that I am a king,” Jesus told him. “I was born into this world to tell about the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth knows my voice.”

T P S T H
S Y A A K
J A
Y S T I A A K
F T P I W B
A F T P
I H C I T W
T B W T T T
E W I O T T
L T M V

- Lesson

In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ crucifixion is seen as the moment of glory. While the world sees the cross as a symbol of defeat, John shows it as the victory of love and truth. Jesus, standing before Pilate, declares that His kingdom is not of this world and that His purpose is to reveal the truth. This truth is that through His death and resurrection, He brings salvation to all who believe in Him.

John emphasizes that Jesus’ death was not a failure but the fulfillment of His mission to bring eternal life. As we study this week’s lesson, we will reflect on how Jesus’ final moments reveal the depth of His love and the victory of the cross.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love. Through Jesus' sacrifice, the universe sees the justice and mercy of God working together to save humanity. His death transforms sinners and restores their relationship with God.

- Conclusion

The cross, often seen as a symbol of defeat, is actually Jesus' hour of glory. It reveals God's love and victory over sin and death.

- Reflection

How does the cross show Jesus’ kingship and victory?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does the crucifixion teach us about God’s love and justice?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – What Is Truth?

- Lesson

Read John 18:33-38

KJV 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

CEV 33 Pilate then went back inside. He called Jesus over and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own or did someone tell you about me?” 35 “You know I'm not a Jew!” Pilate said. “Your own people and the chief priests brought you to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom doesn't belong to this world. If it did, my followers would have fought to keep me from being handed over to our leaders. No, my kingdom doesn't belong to this world.” 37 “So you are a king,” Pilate replied. “You are saying that I am a king,” Jesus told him. “I was born into this world to tell about the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth knows my voice.” 38 Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”(Matthew 27. 15-31; Mark 15. 6-20; Luke 23. 13-25)Pilate went back out and said, “I don't find this man guilty of anything!

. Pilate questions Jesus about His identity as King of the Jews. Jesus explains that His kingdom is not of this world and that He came to bear witness to the truth. Pilate asks, "What is truth?" but walks away without waiting for an answer. In John’s Gospel, truth is found in Jesus Himself—He is the embodiment of truth.

Pilate, focused on political concerns, misses the deeper reality of Jesus' mission. The truth Jesus offers is eternal and brings salvation, but Pilate’s refusal to listen keeps him from recognizing the truth standing in front of him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White highlights that Pilate had the opportunity to understand the truth but was too distracted by fear and the pressure of the crowd. Even though he recognized Jesus’ innocence, Pilate’s desire to avoid conflict led him to compromise justice.

- Conclusion

Pilate’s question, "What is truth?" was left unanswered because he did not wait to hear it. The truth is found in Jesus, and we must be willing to listen to Him.

- Reflection

Why was Pilate unable to recognize the truth of Jesus’ identity?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus reveal the truth in His life and teachings?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Behold the Man!

- Lesson

Read John 18:38-19:5

KJV 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. 39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. 1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. 4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. 5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

CEV 38 Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”(Matthew 27. 15-31; Mark 15. 6-20; Luke 23. 13-25)Pilate went back out and said, “I don't find this man guilty of anything! 39 And since I usually set a prisoner free for you at Passover, would you like for me to set free the king of the Jews?” 40 They shouted, “No, not him! We want Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a terrorist. 1 Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. 2 The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. 3 They came up to him and said, “Hey, you king of the Jews!” They also hit him with their fists. 4 Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, “I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty.” 5 Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, “Here is the man!”

. Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd, saying, “Behold the man!” Pilate hopes that by showing Jesus, beaten and mocked, the people will feel pity and release Him. Instead, they demand that He be crucified. Jesus is crowned with thorns and mocked as the King of the Jews, yet through this humiliation, His kingship is revealed.

The scene shows the tragic consequences of human sinfulness, where an innocent man is condemned to death. However, it also points to Jesus’ willingness to endure suffering for the sake of our salvation.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White points out that Pilate’s failure to stand firm in justice led to Jesus’ death. His desire to please the crowd resulted in the condemnation of the innocent. This story reminds us of the dangers of compromising principles.

- Conclusion

Though mocked and humiliated, Jesus remains the King. His suffering reveals His love for humanity and His willingness to endure pain for our sake.

- Reflection

Why did Pilate present Jesus to the crowd, and what was the result?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ willingness to suffer show His love for us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – “It Is Finished”

- Lesson

Read John 19:17-30

KJV 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews. 20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. 22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

CEV 17 and he carried his cross to a place known as “The Skull.” In Aramaic this place is called “Golgotha.” 18 There Jesus was nailed to the cross, and on each side of him a man was also nailed to a cross. 19 Pilate ordered the charge against Jesus to be written on a board and put above the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” 20 The words were written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The place where Jesus was taken wasn't far from the city, and many of the people read the charge against him. 21 So the chief priests went to Pilate and said, “Why did you write that he is King of the Jews? You should have written, ‘He claimed to be King of the Jews.’ ” 22 But Pilate told them, “What is written will not be changed!” 23 After the soldiers had nailed Jesus to the cross, they divided up his clothes into four parts, one for each of them. But his outer garment was made from a single piece of cloth, and it did not have any seams. 24 The soldiers said to each other, “Let's not rip it apart. We will gamble to see who gets it.” This happened so the Scriptures would come true, which say, “They divided up my clothes and gambled for my garments.” The soldiers then did what they had decided. 25 Jesus' mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, “This man is now your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “She is now your mother.” From then on, that disciple took her into his own home. (Matthew 27. 45-56; Mark 15. 33-41; Luke 23. 44-49) 28 Jesus knew that he had now finished his work. And in order to make the Scriptures come true, he said, “I am thirsty!” 29 A jar of cheap wine was there. Someone then soaked a sponge with the wine and held it up to Jesus' mouth on the stem of a hyssop plant. 30 After Jesus drank the wine, he said, “Everything is done!” He bowed his head and died.

. As Jesus hangs on the cross, He speaks His final words: "It is finished." This declaration marks the completion of His mission to save humanity. Everything the Father had asked Him to do, He accomplished. Jesus’ death is not a defeat but the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation.

Even in His final moments, Jesus cares for His mother, entrusting her to the care of John. His words, "It is finished," signify the victory over sin and death, bringing hope to all who believe in Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that when Jesus said, “It is finished,” He had accomplished the work of redemption. His death brought victory over sin, making it possible for humanity to be reconciled to God.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ final words on the cross declare the completion of His mission. His death brings salvation and victory over sin.

- Reflection

What did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ care for His mother during His crucifixion show His love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – The Empty Tomb

- Lesson

Read John 20:1-10

KJV 1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

CEV (Matthew 28. 1-10; Mark 16. 1-8; Luke 24. 1-12) 1 On Sunday morning while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran to Simon Peter and to Jesus' favorite disciple and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb! We don't know where they have put him.” 3 Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 They ran side by side, until the other disciple ran faster than Peter and got there first. 5 He bent over and saw the strips of linen cloth lying inside the tomb, but he did not go in. 6 When Simon Peter got there, he went into the tomb and saw the strips of cloth. 7 He also saw the piece of cloth that had been used to cover Jesus' face. It was rolled up and in a place by itself. 8 The disciple who got there first then went into the tomb, and when he saw it, he believed. 9 At that time Peter and the other disciple did not know that the Scriptures said Jesus would rise to life. 10 So the two of them went back to the other disciples.

. Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and tells Peter and John. They run to the tomb and find the grave clothes neatly folded, confirming that Jesus has risen. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without it, our hope is in vain, but with it, we have the promise of eternal life.

The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of victory over death. Jesus’ resurrection shows that He has conquered sin and death, and through Him, we have the hope of eternal life.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the empty tomb is the proof of Jesus' victory over death. His resurrection shows that He has the power to give life to all who believe in Him.

- Conclusion

The empty tomb is the foundation of our faith. Jesus’ resurrection brings hope and life to all who believe in Him.

- Reflection

Why is the empty tomb so important to the Christian faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ resurrection give us hope for eternal life?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Jesus and Mary

- Lesson

Read John 20:11-18

KJV 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

CEV (Mark 16. 9-11) 11 Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down 12 and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus' body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. 13 The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?”She answered, “They have taken away my Lord's body! I don't know where they have put him.” 14 As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. 15 Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.” 16 Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!”She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.” 17 Jesus told her, “Don't hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But tell my disciples I am going to the one who is my Father and my God, as well as your Father and your God.” 18 Mary Magdalene then went and told the disciples she had seen the Lord. She also told them what he had said to her.

. Mary Magdalene stays by the tomb, weeping, until she sees Jesus standing there. At first, she does not recognize Him, but when He calls her by name, she realizes it is Jesus. He tells her not to hold on to Him because He must ascend to the Father, and He sends her to tell the disciples that He is risen.

Mary’s encounter with the risen Christ is a moment of deep love and joy. Jesus shows His care for her and entrusts her with the important task of announcing His resurrection to the disciples.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that Jesus' appearance to Mary shows His deep love and care for those who are devoted to Him. Mary’s faith and love were rewarded when she became the first person to see the risen Lord.

- Conclusion

Jesus' appearance to Mary shows His personal love and care. He entrusted her with the message of His resurrection, showing the importance of faith and devotion.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus appear to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus' care for Mary show His love for all His followers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

KJV 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

CEV 12 If we preach that Christ was raised from death, how can some of you say the dead will not be raised to life? 13 If they won't be raised to life, Christ himself wasn't raised to life. 14 And if Christ wasn't raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is your faith. 15 If the dead won't be raised to life, we have told lies about God by saying he raised Christ to life, when he really did not. 16 So if the dead won't be raised to life, Christ wasn't raised to life. 17 Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless, and you are still living in your sins. 18 And those people who died after putting their faith in him are completely lost. 19 If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse off than anyone else. 20 But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life.

. Paul explains that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Without it, our hope is empty, but with it, we have the assurance of eternal life. Jesus’ resurrection brings victory over sin and death, and through Him, we have the promise of new life.

The resurrection is the ultimate proof of Jesus’ power and the hope we have in Him. It shows that death has been defeated and that we, too, can have eternal life through faith in Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that Jesus' victory over death was the triumph of love. His resurrection brings hope not only to humanity but to the entire universe, as it confirms that God's plan of salvation is complete.

- Conclusion

Jesus' resurrection is the key to our faith. It brings victory over death and gives us the hope of eternal life.

- Reflection

Why is the resurrection so important to the Christian faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does the promise of the resurrection impact how we live today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How does Jesus’ resurrection give us confidence in His promises?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does the cross teach us about God’s love and justice working together?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to reflect on the meaning of the resurrection in our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection

This week’s lesson focused on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing how these events are central to the Christian faith. Through His death on the cross, Jesus revealed the depth of God’s love and brought victory over sin and death. His resurrection gives us hope for eternal life and confirms His power to save. These events remind us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that through Him, we have the promise of new life.