Meditations on the Cross

This past weekend, in my Sunday School class, we were looking at how Jesus came, died, and rose again.  We discussed how Jesus went against the culture's view of power, strength, & victory.  He chose to come and serve and die and rise again.  All of these are still difficult for us to understand.

Why did Jesus leave the comfort of heaven to come to earth?
Does Jesus really love me so much that He endured pain and death on the cross for me?
Did Jesus really want us to serve others rather than "looking out for number one?"
Can my weakness really be a strength?
What did Jesus' death on the cross achieve?

All good questions to ponder during this time of preparation for Easter.  I thought I would share a few Scripture passages and books to consider reading as you meditate on the cross during Lent.  Some of these I have read completely and others have only been read in part. 

Here are a few suggestions:
  • Matthew 26-28
  • Mark 14-16
  • Luke 22-24
  • John 18-20 
  • 1 Corinthians 15
  • 50 Reasons Why Jesus Came To Die by John Piper
  • More Than A Carpenter by Josh McDowell
  • King's Cross by Tim Keller
  • Death by Love by Mark Driscoll
  • Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus by D.A. Carson
What Scriptures, articles or books would you recommend?

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