It was the darkest day in human history. But it led to the glorious hope of the Resurrection. On the Good Friday edition of Live the Promise we hear Susie’s discussion with best-selling author Stephen Mansfield. He outlines the powerful story of the crucifixion of Christ and what it means to live on the other side of the cross. For Stephen, this was a deeply personal project. “The crucifixion, the flogging and scourging of Jesus were horrific events and almost impossible to describe. It’s an act of worship to look this fully in the face; He did it for us. He did all of this for us. For us to narrow the story or make it sort of a cute myth or only remember it a few days a year I think does injustice to the great sacrifice of the Son of God in history. I’m calling people to a more full confrontation with the truth of what this was.”
In this interview with Stephen Mansfield, we unpack the following points:
Jesus’ early ministry, and His relationship with His mother.
The social-political background of Jerusalem during Jesus’ trial and death.
The graphic nature of the scourging and crucifixion (listener discretion advised). “This is what Jesus endured; it wasn’t just a whipping. The [Romans] called their scourging the ‘almost death.’ It is a horrific process. The only thing that allows me to keep thinking about it is we’re told in Scripture that by His stripes we are healed.”
How Jesus’ forgiveness from the cross is a model for us.
How we can live in daily gratitude for what Jesus did.
Key Scriptures: Exodus 33:13; Luke 23
Theme Song: Let the Worshippers Arise by Pocket Full of Rocks
Highlight : Jesus and the clash of two kingdoms
This program has been previously aired.
