From the Cross to the Tomb: A Good Friday Reflection

Bible Passage: Matthew 27:33–66

Summary: This passage narrates the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, His death, and the burial. It highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the significance of His sacrifice for humanity's redemption.

Application: As Christians reflect on Jesus' death, they are reminded of the profound depth of God's love and the cost of sin. Understanding the gravity of the sacrifice made encourages believers to live in gratitude and leads others to embrace salvation, even in moments of personal struggle.

Big Idea: Jesus’ voluntary death and burial is the pivotal act of love that purchased our salvation, reminding believers of the gravity of sin and the hope found in His resurrection.

4 Truths we can find that encourage us and guide us.

1. Execution: The Cross Endured

Matthew 27:33-44

Matthew’s account is not as detailed as the rest and yet we can fathom the cost of our Sin.

Gravity of Sin

Sin is a thief. It will rob your soul of its life. It will rob God of his glory. Sin is a murderer. It stabbed our father Adam. It slew our purity. Sin is a traitor. It rebels against the king of heaven and earth.

Charles Spurgeon

What was this crucifixion.

The physical suffering

Crucifixion-

of Christ and the mockery

King of the Jews- open mockery (The Jews didn’t want this association with Jesus)

vs 40-45

We avoid suffering, we avoid mockery- Christ endured. Why?

Depth of the Love of God

Obedience- God’s plan of redemption

Love- God’s love

He endured, emphasizing His willingness to endure such pain out of love for humanity.

profound depth of God's love and prompt believers to live in gratitude.

reveals the paradox of the Kingdom

power through suffering, victory through sacrifice.

Jesus endured the cross as He was obedient and He loves us

2. Exclamation: The Momentous Sacrifice

Matthew 27:45-54

the supernatural events accompanying Jesus’s death,

the darkness

noon too 3pm

The fulfillment of Psalm 22:1 (vs 46) Jesus had only known broken divine fellowship

Jesus cries out as God is pouring out His wrath upon Him

Jesus bore the sins of the world

Sin separates us from God- it is a joy when you know the presence of God- when we sin and continaully sin it is joyless- we are separated from Him

the temple veil tearing. (vs 51)

Direct access

Of all the blessings of Christian salvation none is greater than this, that we have access to God in prayer.

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)

(vs 52) -Jesus defeated death- small glimpse of the future resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:16 “16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

(vs 54)- realty set in- fear of what had happened and the power of Christ

These symbolize the cosmic significance of His sacrifice, removing the barrier between God and humanity.

Here, Jesus' cry of forsakenness highlights the weight of sin He's bearing.

Believers are encouraged to understand the gravity of sin and its severe consequences, which Jesus bore on our behalf.

3. Witness: Faithful Followers

Matthew 27:55-61

The women- distance- scary times but wanted to be there for Jesus their Lord

Their loyalty can inspire faithfulness in believers even in dark times.

They were faithful when the disciples scattered.

Jospeh from Arimathea- Part of the Sanhedrin

had become a disciple and wanted to honor His Lord- proper burial

Romans would typically leave the bodies to rot

Fulfilled Isaiah 53:9

“9 His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.”

Jesus' burial as confirmation of His physical death, stressing the reality of the sacrifice made.

4. Guarding: Futile Human Schemes

Matthew 27:62-66

the religious leaders’ actions to secure the tomb, which unintentionally set the stage for the undeniable proof of the resurrection.

-The deceiver! Hardened hearts!

Thought poorly of the disciples

The deceitfulness of sin is seen in that it is modest in its first proposals but when it prevails it hardens mens’ hearts, and brings them to ruin.

John Owen (Puritan Divine and Statesman)

They were fearful! Not of God. But their credibility and rule over the people

Their fear contrasts with the certainty of God’s redemptive plan.

This point reinforces believers’ hope in the resurrection despite worldly doubts and schemes.

The focus is on God's sovereignty and how human attempts to thwart His purposes only serve to highlight His ultimate victory.

Today we celebrate communion to remember what was done for us

Communion Text 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 “

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”