Module 8 · Jesus: The Story Finds Its Center · Lesson 2
The Cross: Passover, Sacrifice, and the New Covenant
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Big idea
The cross brings together Passover, sacrifice, substitution, covenant, kingdom, and victory as Jesus gives Himself to accomplish redemption.
Learning objectives
- Connect the cross to Passover and sacrificial categories.
- Explain substitution without reducing the cross to one image.
- Relate the Last Supper to new covenant.
- Recognize the cross as the King’s victory through self-giving.
Primary text
Luke 22:19–20 — Jesus interprets His body and blood in relation to covenant and sacrificial self-giving.
Scaffolded Scriptures
- Exodus 12:1–14 — Passover establishes judgment and deliverance through the lamb.
- Leviticus 17:11 — Blood is connected to life and atonement.
- Isaiah 53:4–6 — The Servant bears the sins of others.
- Jeremiah 31:31–34 — The new covenant promises forgiveness and renewed relationship.
- Mark 10:45 — The Son of Man gives His life a ransom for many.
- John 1:29 — Jesus is announced as Lamb of God.
- 1 Corinthians 5:7 — Christ is our Passover.
- Hebrews 9:12 — Christ enters by His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
Teaching movements
Movement 1
Passover — Jesus’ death occurs within Israel’s great deliverance pattern.
Movement 2
Sacrifice — The cross addresses sin rather than merely providing inspiration.
Movement 3
Substitution — The righteous One bears what belongs to sinners.
Movement 4
New Covenant — Jesus identifies His blood with covenant inauguration.
Movement 5
Ransom and Liberation — The cross also speaks the language of rescue from slavery and bondage.
Movement 6
Victory — The King defeats sin, death, and the powers through apparent defeat.
Movement 7
The Cross Reinterprets Kingship — Jesus reigns through self-giving rather than domination.
Key terms / word study
- Covenant / diathēkē
- In the New Testament, the covenant relationship established through Christ’s sacrificial death.
Christ at the center
At the cross, the story’s categories converge: Lamb, Servant, King, covenant mediator, sacrifice, and victorious Redeemer.
Reflect
- Which Old Testament category most clarifies the cross for you?
- Why should the cross not be reduced to one metaphor?
- How does the cross redefine power and kingship?
Practice
Create a six-part cross map using Passover, sacrifice, substitution, covenant, ransom, and victory. Add one Scripture to each.
Remember
The cross is where the story’s promises and problems converge.