River Valley Church New Testament Soap Sprint Sample

Luke’s story takes a new turn here, as Jesus enters Jerusalem. He begins to teach about His new kingdom in this Jewish capital city, and comes under more scrutiny than He has up until this point. The Jewish religious leaders challenge and reject Him, because His teachings directly challenge their tight grip of authority to tell all Jews how they ought to live and worship. One of Jesus’ closest followers is bribed by these jealous priests to betray Him, and Jesus is arrested and executed. Many had followed Jesus incorrectly, thinking He would be a political king. His death seems to end this hope, but in reality, He accomplishes an infinitely greater liberation. His undeserved death actually paid the just price of humanity's rebellion against God, and as a symbol of overcoming the consequences of all people's sin, He is resurrected after three days, showing His love to be more powerful than death. He offers eternal life and forgiveness to everyone who wants to live in His new kingdom. He promises to send his Holy Spirit to His followers, and then He leaves earth, concluding the first part of Luke’s story.