Today we begin our discussion of D.A. Carson’s Scandalous: The Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus. I’m particularly excited about this book. I always enjoy Carson, whether its his writing or his preaching and teaching.

In the first chapter of the book we read of four “ironies of the cross” that are found in the account given in Matthew 27:27-51:

1. The man who is mocked as King is the King.
2. The man who is utterly powerless is powerful.
3. The man who can’t save himself saves others.
4. The man who cries out in despair trusts God.

Irony is used here in the usual sense in that it “expresses meaning by using words that normally mean the opposite of what is actually being said.” Carson goes on to say that “we all know that irony has the potential , especially in narrative, for bringing a situation into sharp focus. Very often it is the irony in the narrative that enables hearers and readers to see what is really going on. Irony provides a dimension of depth and color that would otherwise be missing.”  Agreed. I really enjoyed the reading and took much from it.  I hope you did also.

Questions for Reflection

1. In speaking of Matthew 16, and in light of Christ’s power displayed through his powerlessness on the cross, Carson says of Matthew 16:24-25, that to take up one’s cross “means you are under sentence of death; you are taking up the horizontal cross member on your way to the place of crucifixion.   You have abandoned all hope of life in this world. And then, Jesus says, and only then, are we ready to follow him.” Carson argues for this interpretation, saying the common interpretation of this passage is too weak.  Is it? Do you think of “taking up your cross” in these terms?
2. Carson convincingly dismantles what he calls “the self-pitying Jesus” view, resulting from an improper understanding of “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” from Matthew 27:46. Have you held this view….or something close to it? Were you aware of all the support for the irony of  the statement “The man who cries out in despair trusts God”?
3. Do you see the ironies of the cross providing a basis for conversations with those that are skeptical of the Christian faith? Was this a fresh approach to this passage and is it worth sharing with others?
4. How has this affected your view of Jesus and the Gospel?  Is He even more glorious to you? Is the gospel more precious?

Just a quick reminder that we’ll begin discussing our next book, Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus this Wednesday 5/23.  Please see our initial announcement for more information.

We’re looking forward to it and hope you’ll join us!

Description

(from amazon.com)

D. A. Carson, one of today’s most notable Bible scholars, introduces the irony, scandal, and greatness of the work done on the cross.

How are Christians to approach the central gospel teachings concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus? The Bible firmly establishes the historicity of these events and doesn’t leave their meanings ambiguous or open to interpretation. Even so, there is an irony and surprising strangeness to the cross. Carson shows that this strange irony has deep implications for our lives as he examines the history and theology of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Scandalous is the latest addition to the Re:Lit series, which highlights important theological truths in accessible and applicable ways. Both amateur theologians and general readers will appreciate how Carson deftly preserves weighty theology while simultaneously noting the broader themes of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Through exposition of five primary passages of Scripture, Carson helps us to more fully understand and appreciate the scandal of the cross.

Learn more about the book

When Do We Start?

We will begin discussing on Wednesday May 23rd.  The assigned reading is Chapter 1.

Where to Buy

Here are a few places to buy online.

Amazon.com

Crossway

Monergism Books

We hope that you’ll decide to join us!

Reading as a Lifetime Vocation

Good Reading: A Conversation with Tony Reinke

We come to these closing chapters of the book and we find that both speak to us as to what we are commanded to do in light of what we have read in all of the preceding chapters. I feel as though we should begin this discussion with a big THERFORE. The foundation that these last chapters are built upon is no less than Gods absolute control over every aspect of the created order and in everything that he has made. Therefore we are to trust Him in all things (chapter 13) and give thanks in all circumstances, (chapter 14) for we have been shown in all that we have read that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) and “He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32) and “who can separate us from the love of Christ? the answer not anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39). These Gospel truths and all that we have read persuade us to trust and give thanks to Christ who is no stranger to us, for who would trust someone they do not even know, or give thanks in all circumstances, the good as well as the bad, to someone we did not believe had our absolute good in mind. In addition, we should respond to adversity with thanksgiving, worship, humility, forgiveness, prayer, and a heart seeking only God’s Glory.

In Conclusion, these two chapters teach us that our trusting and showing thankfulness is not what comes naturally to us. Rather we only want to trust in ourselves and thank no one. This is our natural inclination, our sinful selves. Yet we have been shown that these are commanded of us to do, we are to trust and give thanks by choice, and I would add not with a reluctant heart but a grateful and dependent heart. yet We have all experienced to some degree that we do not feel like doing these thing when circumstances are not what we expected or seem not to be fair or are unplanned. So what can we do? First do not let your subjective feelings make you slaves to them but rather choose to believe (act of our will) in the objective truths of God’s word (we have been shown many of these truths these past weeks in our reading) and continue to seek all those things that our loving and faithful God has promised us in Christ Jesus through the word in the power of his spirit.

Finally remember that all of God’s commands are possible with God and that God is the decisive factor in making us what we should be. This prayer that is often quoted and attributed to St. Augustine sums up this truth, “Lord command what you will and grant what you command”

I would like to recommend this article in Justin Taylor’s blog; Between two Worlds, it captures the essence of motivation in light of the truth of God’s word: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/05/03/imperatives-indicatives-impossibilities/ or just go to the blog and search imperatives-indicatives.

Questions for further reflection:

1. Do you tend to forget to trust in God when things are going well? Explain

2. Are you more able to trust God and give thanks now then when you began this study?

3. How might you explain to an unbeliever why you choose to trust God?

4. How does Romans 8:28 help us fulfill 1 Thessalonians 5:18?

5. How would you say 2Peter 1:3-4 sums up the power to overcome our natural  inclinations not to trust and not to give thanks in all circumstances?

6. How does High Point Baptist Church contribute to our trusting in God?