Is Jesus Lord over your sin?

Over the last several minutes we’ve been reading through a variety of passages that help us to re-live, to understand, to remember all that Jesus experienced as He went to the cross. We observed the prophetic perspective - providing theological insight into the reason for his death. We’ve looked at the rejection, betrayal, trial, mocking, turning, and more. But why? Why did Jesus endure all of this?

Crucifixion was one of the most painful and horrifying means of death. In many ways it was torture and execution wrapped up into one event.

Some prisoners would linger on the cross for days. Had it not been a high sabbath day, I suspect the two other men on crosses with Jesus may have lasted longer. Instead their legs were broken to facilitate their deaths.

And yet Jesus - lasted a matter of hours. I think in many ways this is because of…

The weight of our sin

Mark writes: Mark 15:37 “And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.” This is after crying out - “my God, my God why have you forsaken me?”.

Isaiah helps us to understand this a bit more. Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities…”

The eternal weight of all of our sin was placed on him. His perfect and eternal life took the eternal punishment of all of our sin.

Jesus wasn’t only crucified physically, he was essentially crucified spiritually - taking our spiritual death.

Not only did his eternal life take on the weight and consequence of our sin, but at the crucifixion we get to see…

The power of his death

Mark 15:38 “And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”

Jesus’ death essentially ripped open the curtain that separated the holy of holies from everyone else. By this event God declared people who would believe in Him holy - granting access to God.

In the past a priest was required to mediate between God and humanity. With Jesus’ death - he became our mediator. He became our means of access to God.

as we think specifically about this evening, part of the reason that we rehearse the events of Jesus’ crucifixion each year is to either confirm or remember what happened - reinforcing our beliefs or prompt a decision from hose who don’t yet believe. The events of Jesus’ life challenge us to come to a conclusion about his identity and his role in our lives.

Thomas Aquinas has said that Jesus is either a

liar - making up stories about himself

lunatic - a crazy man who should have been in an insane asylum, or

Lord - all of his words were true and he was truly who he said he was.

Upon watching him die and all of the things that surrounded his death, the soldier, centurion at the cross came to his own conclusion…

He is the Son of God

In other words, He is Lord

Mark 15:39 “And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!””

This man could see that Jesus was no ordinary man. He was unique. His death carried with it a extra weight.

As we have been reflecting on the events of passion week, we’re asking the question - “what is Jesus Lord over?” In light of the crucifixion, we get to ask - “Is Jesus Lord over your sin?” His perfect life paid the price so that you and I might have eternal life. The pain, the betrayal, the forsaking, the darkness that Jesus experienced, he experienced this so that you and I might be in a right relationship with God. He did that so that the eternal consequence of our sin might be covered.

Have you trusted in him? Have you allowed your sin to be included in the sins that Jesus paid for on the cross?

Beloved - if you’ve been set free from the bondage of your sin, are you walking in the freedom and newness of life by submitting to Jesus’ ways? Have you forgive yourself for your sins and mistakes the way that Jesus has?

As we conclude our time together, it’s important to remember what happened - the horrible things that happened to Jesus. But it’s also important to remember why. He did this for the glory of God out of love for you and me. Have you repented of your sin and trusted in Jesus as your savior. If not, then all that Jesus experienced for you was in vain.

Let’s pray.