Dr. Montia Setzler, Senior Pastor
March 20, 2016
Series: March to the Cross
The Power of the Cross
Matthew 27:26-56 (HCSB)
THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS:
- HELPS ME UNDERSTAND PAIN AND SUFFERING
v 26 … But after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
v 29 They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head…
The cross is the pain involved in doing the will of God. Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)
- They beat Him beyond recognition.
- They made Him carry his cross up the hill
- They pierced His hands and feet
- They pierced His side.
Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Conclusion—Jesus suffered great pain on my behalf, we may have to suffer pain because we choose to follow Him.
- HELPS ME KNOW THAT I MAY FACE SHAME AND RIDICULE
v 29 . . . and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!”
v 41 In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him…
To take up the cross means that you take your stand for the Lord Jesus no matter what it costs. Billy Graham (1918- )
- They mocked Him with a sign.
- They crucified Him in a public place.
- They taunted and ridiculed
Conclusion—Jesus faced ridicule and humiliation, we can expect the same when we follow Him.
- HELPS ME UNDERSTAND DARKNESS AND ITS IMPACT
v 45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land.
- The darkness came upon the whole world.
- The darkness represents the Father turning His face from the scene.
- The darkness upon men’s hearts still remains today.
Conclusion—Darkness is the absence of light, when they crucified Jesus, trying to extinguish the Light, it did not last. As long as we have the Light, we can overcome the darkness.
- HELPS ME HAVE ACCESS TO THE FATHER
v 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split.
It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost him crucifixion. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
- The curtain symbolized the separation between God and man.
- The curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
- The death of Jesus gives us access to the Father.
- The death of Jesus brings salvation for all who trust in Him.
The cross is the crystallized point in history where eternity merges with time. Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)
Conclusion—Jesus paid the ransom for our sin, we now have access to the Father to spend eternity with Him in heaven.
The crucifixion of Jesus set in motion the plan that God had in mind for the world. What Satan meant for evil was changed into victory just days later.
