After the Cross

Matthew 27:51-55

39 years ago Wednesday marked the 39th anniversary of the death of Dr King

Book “Why we Can’t Wait” – The Days to come

Instrument of Manumission

Easter and hope are synonymous.

The special day never arrives without its refreshing reminder that there is life beyond this one. True life. Eternal life. Glorious life. Those who live on what we might call the “outskirts of hope” need this reminder. Easter announces it in its proclamation:

“He is not here, but He has risen” (Luke 24:6).

I cannot explain what happens, nor do I need to try. The simple fact is this: There is something altogether magnificent, therapeutic, and reassuring about Easter morning. When pastors stand and declare the unshakable, undeniable facts of Jesus’ bodily resurrection and the assurance of ours as well, the empty message of skeptics and cynics is momentarily silenced. As the thrill of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those of like precious faith flows through the people of God, an almost mysterious surge of power floods over us.

The truth of the proclamation, He is risen! takes us from the “outskirts of hope” to the embrace of His forgiving arms. And our identity as Christians is strengthened as we stand together in the lengthening shadows of saints down through the centuries, who have always answered back in antiphonal voice:

He is risen, indeed

The Church of God is in danger of forgetting why Jesus came he was not a mere example

When the conscience of the Church is awakened and made to face the Cross of Christ, and to take Our Lord at His own estimate of Himself, she will realize the meaning of Paul’s words—“For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ,”—“and Him risen”? No. “and Him glorified”? No. “save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” The Resurrection and glorification through the Ascension are understandable only by the Cross. The death of Jesus Christ holds the secret of the mind of God.

The death of Jesus Christ was not the death of a martyr; it was the death of God. (The Son of God was put to death by humanity based on self-realization; through the Redemption self-realization is turned into Christ-realization, that is, a man enters into a relationship which puts to death, not the Son of God, but the disposition of sin. The essence of sin is my claim to my right to myself

We must not view the cross a tragedy but a triumph

I. Introduction

A. The Setting and the Scene

1. The hour the world had awaited

2. The Father’s love as Isaiah 53 is fulfilled

B. Redemption is Wrought

1. The seven last words

2. The song of the saints through eternity (Revelation 5:9, 10)

C. After the Cross

II. Body

A. The Rent Veil (v. 51)

1. The story of the veil (Heb. 9:1–15)

a. The Day of Atonement once a year

b. How the priest came into the holiest place

2. The veil was torn before the earthquake

3. The veil torn from the top to the bottom

4. The entrance now through Christ (Heb. 10:19–21)

a. The priesthood done away (1 Peter 2:9)

b. The Law now fulfilled (Col. 2:14–17)

B. The Resurrection of the Dead (vv. 52, 53)

1. Speaks of victory over the grave

2. Notice the graves opened three days before the saints arose

3. Something different about those graves since Christ died

4. A Christian grave is a place of anticipation

C. The Reaction of the Centurion (v. 54)

1. How fitting that one should be convinced at Christ’s death

2. “Truly this man was the son of God!”

3. Tradition says he became a preacher and a martyr

D. The Revival of the Christians (vv. 57–61)

1. Joseph of Arimathea had been a secret disciple (John 19:38)

2. Nicodemus now goes public in his faith (John 19:39)

3. Couldn’t remain silent after standing at the cross

4. Jesus had stood still in judgment — they must walk for Him

5. Jesus had kept silent in judgment — they must talk for Him

6. Jesus had died — they must live for Him

III. Conclusion

A. What has the Cross Done to you?

1. How can you put off salvation?

2. How can you be weak in your dedication?

B. Stand at the Cross Today!

The benefits are innumerable. To list only a few:
      • Our illnesses don’t seem nearly so serious.
      • Our fears fade and lose their grip.
      • Our grief over those who have gone on is diminished.
      • Our differences of opinion are eclipsed by our similar faith.
      • Our desire to press on in spite of the obstacles is rejuvenated.

Felt on the “outskirts of hope” lately? Need some encouragement to keep going? Our broadcast this week has focused on the message of triumph and hope that Easter offers. Remember Peter? With bravado, he swore that he would never deny Jesus . . . until he later swore that he never knew the Man! Jesus’s forgiveness of Peter reminds us that the resurrection is the miracle of love and grace that can also take away our guilt and shame.