Lesson 8 of 13
Sacrifices: His Sacrifice & Her Redemption
The chapter presents Jesus as the ultimate groom, whose obedience, humility, and sacrifice redeem His bride, the Church, and reveal the Father's love. It connects His fulfillment of prophecy to a potential husband's willingness to serve sacrificially and calls couples to express thankfulness, depend on Christ, and pray for one another and their future family.
What you will learn
- Explain how the chapter connects Christ's sacrifice with His bride's redemption.
- Identify sacrificial service in preparation for marriage.
- Apply the chapter's prayer priorities to a future marriage.
Key concepts
The Sacrificial Groom
Jesus humbled Himself and gave His life to redeem His bride, the Church. The chapter presents His sacrifice as evidence that He did everything necessary to save those who believe on Him.
Revelation and Confession
The Father reveals who Jesus is, and Jesus builds the Church on the believer's confession of faith. The chapter therefore emphasizes preaching the Gospel as part of the Father's plan to build His Kingdom.
Prophecy and Redemption
The chapter connects Jesus' suffering, silence before His accusers, and piercing with prophetic fulfillment. It also interprets His pierced side as a picture of Adam's rib being taken to create Eve, linking this imagery to the creation of Christ's bride.
Sacrifice Before Marriage
A potential husband's present willingness to give his resources and humbly put his bride-to-be's needs before his own indicates how he will serve his future family. The bride-to-be is invited to consider how to show honor, appreciation, and thankfulness for that sacrifice.
Prayer as Sacrifice
Couples can sacrifice for one another through prayer, beginning with the desire that their potential spouse love the Lord more than them. Prayer priorities include emotional control, substance control, proper relationships, family weaknesses, and God's vision for their future family.
Scriptures in this chapter
Chapter review
Answer 4 of 5 correctly to earn the badge
1. According to the chapter, what does Jesus' sacrifice demonstrate about Him as the ultimate groom?
2. Why does the chapter say it is crucial for the Church to preach the Gospel?
3. Which event does the chapter identify as fulfilling Isaiah's description of the suffering servant who did not open His mouth?
4. What does a potential husband's willingness to sacrifice now indicate, according to the chapter?
5. What should be the first prayer for a potential spouse?
Reflect and apply
- How has the chapter's account of Christ's humility and sacrifice shaped the practical ways you serve, or prepare to serve, a potential spouse?
- What specific prayers could you write for a current or future spouse concerning emotional control, substance control, proper relationships, and God's vision for your future family?