The Crucifixion

WELCOME:

Welcome!

Reminder that VBS is this week, beginning Wednesday 5:30-7:30. If you know of any children that may want to come, bring them! Our goal is to plant gospel seeds in the hearts of these children.

SCRIPTURE READING:

Phil Webb doing the call to worship

LET US STAND AND WORSHIP!

“The Goodness of God”

Words and Music by Hillsong’

PRAYER OF PRAISE FOR WHO GOD IS

Lord, thank you for your constancy. For never turning Your back on us, for never getting frustrated with us, for forgiving our sins, for allowing us to be part of Your plan. We ask that You would look down upon this gathering of people and fill our hearts with great joy today as we focus on You. Amen!

“What a beautiful Name”

Words and Music by Hillsong

“What a beautiful Name”

Words and Music by Hillsong

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION TO OPEN OUR HEARTS

Lord, give us ears to hear Your voice and eyes to see Your glory. Would you this morning illuminate Your Word and make it known to us? Help us no to make application to others peoples’ lives, but to apply every Word to our own lives. Amen

SERMON

INTRODUCTION:

Good morning church! It is good to be back with you today. I am thankful that God has brought men in the church who can preach and who can pick things up in the event that I am unable to be here. God is surely meets all of our needs every time.

This morning we will be back in the gospel of John and we are at the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate who was almost there for Jesus has made the decision to hand Jesus over to be crucified. Even though he knows Jesus is innocent even though he knows the charges are ridiculous, even though he knows the Jews are blood thirsty, he sides with the world.

Up to this point Jesus has been tried by theJews and tried by the Romans, He has been scourged, he has been abused, mocked, spit on, and now He will pick up His cross and bear it all the way to Calvary where He will died for the sins of the world.

I have five points this morning that us to look at, and think deeply about.

But first let us pray:

1) Jesus bears His own cross and so must we

John 19:17–18 (NASB95)

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between.

Explanation:

“and He went out, bearing His own cross”

This was a common procedure in a Roman crucifixion. The condemned criminal would be forced to carry his cross. More common was that the criminal would carry the cross-beam to the place where he would die. When he arrived there, they would attach the cross beam to the pole, and then hang the prisoner on the cross by driving nails through his wrists and his feet.

When we think of the cross today, we often think of it in a good way. It brings us peace and hope and reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. The cross is deeply associated with Christianity and it should be.

But the cross in those days, in this verse, is symbol of suffering and even death. It was dreadful! It was one of those things you did not want to think about! It was what was on Jesus’ mind when He sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane.

But Jesus willingly takes up His cross and heads to Golgotha. That was His mission, That was His divine calling from God.

“to the place called the Place of the Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha”

Many of us today when we think about Jesus’ death, we use the word Calvary, which is the same place but the Latin word.

The Place of the skull was the Roman name of this place, and Golgotha was the Hebrew name of this place. John gives us both!

I think point of this is to identify a real historic location that existed, where people went to be executed, hence the name “Place of the skull”.

And Jesus obviously knowing all of this carried His own cross to His death

“there He was crucified between two men”

We know from the synoptic gospels that these two men were thieves, criminals who deserved this punishment, at least according to Roman Law. They broke the Law and the punishment for that was death.

John makes this point that Jesus was placed in the middle of these two.

And historically this is done because in the middle was the place of honor. The cross in the middle was the highlight of the entire crucifixion.

And the irony of it is that the man on the middle cross had committed no crimes.

The two thieves punished for their sin, no big deal, but this man in the middle, who knew no sin, He was the center of attention because He paid a penalty for things he did not do.

Bridge:

I am so grateful, and I know you are too, for the obvious point here that Jesus did this for our benefit.

He willingly carried His cross.

He carried His cross to the place where He knew he would die, it was the place where execution took place and that His death would be the end result.

And that all of this was unfair treatment but was God’s plan. Let’s place the one who does not deserve this is the middle so the innocent One can have the place of honor.

Application:

And it is really hard to read this without considering our own calling to follow Jesus. And before Jesus ever made this trip to Golgotha, Jesus said in the same way He will do, those who choose to follow Him must do also:

Matthew 16:24 NASB95

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

What we read in these verses is a model for the life of a Christian. It had to be what Jesus was thinking about when He told his disciples to pick up their cross and follow Him.

It will be a difficult road to walk down.

It will not be an easy life!

It will not look like the lives of the people of this world.

It will require us to bear our own cross…that may seem unfair or unjust or extreme!

It will require self-denial!

But this is the only way!

Do not think this is the call of some followers, but it is the call of every followers of Jesus!

2) All the world will see Him one day

John 19:19–22 NASB95

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’ ” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

Explanation:

This verse says Pilate wrote an inscription and hung it over Jesus that said: “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews”.

These kinds of inscriptions were not uncommon in crucifixions. Criminals who were charged and crucified would often have their crimes written on a placard and attached the cross to add further shame and let everyone know of the crime they commited. This was a deterrent for anyone else who read this to see this is the punishment for the crime. If you steal, this will be your punishment. And Im sure it worked quite well.

But John’s account is unique in comparison the synoptic gospels because John does not say this was a charge like Matthew, or an inscription like Mark and Luke, but a title like one would have for a king. Why is Jesus on the cross? Not because He committed a crime, but because He is a the King of the Jews.

Secondly, John mentions that this title was written in three languages: Hebrew (Aramaic), Latin, and Greek.

Unlike today where we have many languages spoken in our nation and around the world, there were only three major languages used: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

So Pilate writes this truth so that announcement that Jesus is the King can be proclaimed to the whole world.

And this was Passover week, so hundreds of thousands of people who spoke these three languages could all walk by this public execution and read that Jesus is King.

Bridge:

And I wonder how many of those people looked at Jesus with a smug look and thought what a joke…that is a king??

This is kingship? To be defeated and hung on a cross like a puny man to die a meaningless death?

This is one who was prophesied to rule the world??

This is the Messianic King who is going to save us?

Application:

But Pilate is right. Just as Caiaphas prophesied that it is expedient for one man to die on behalf of the nation, Pilate declares that this one hanging on the cross is the King of the entire world!

And no matter if we believe it or not, we will all stand before Him one day.

Though we will not see Him on the cross, we will see Him on the throne!

For the Bible says Phil 2:10-11

Revelation 1:7 NASB95

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.

There is coming a day when EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM!

Every man every woman that has ever lived will see the King in all His glory.

Some to their doom, and some to their joy!

3) Even the small details are ordained by the Lord

John 19:23–25 (NASB95)

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be”; this was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

Explanation:

Here the soldiers were doing what they do. They took Jesus’ clothes and divided them among themselves. But His tunic would not rip because it was seamless. So they decided to cast lots (which was similar to rolling dice) to see which one would get the tunic.

But here is what is amazing about this. These details that seem pretty insignificant but are included here in the crucifixion account.

We are told why it is included: “this is to fulfil Scripture”.

In other words, they did this because it was recorded in the OT that this would happen:

In the Messianic Ps 22:18

Psalm 22:16–18 NASB95

For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.

Bridge:

This happened because God said it would happen. And though it seems trivial compared to the Son of God dying on the cross, God is still involved even in the little things.

For He used an entire verse of OT Scripture to include these details and three verses in John’s gospel to show how they were fulfilled.

Application:

God often works in details. Its not often big events, or major things that we should be watching for, but paying attention the little things the details..

Don’t spend your life looking for signs, when God often speaks through whispers.

Don’t ignore the little things in your life, for God’s direction may be in there as well.

4) Jesus cares for His own

John 19:25–27 NASB95

Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

Explanation:

Someone asked a question Wednesday night and said, “who is the disciple whom Jesus loved in John’s gospel”? And why does John keep talking about this disciple? And I said well that’s non other than John himself who wrote this book!

John never says I was there…he refers to himself as the one whom Jesus loved.

But John isn’t the only one Jesus loved, and we ought not read into this that Jesus loved John and John alone.

I think John was so blown away that Jesus loved him like He did, that he wanted the whole world to know over and over that He was loved by the Savior of the World.

There is also Mary, the mother of Jesus here, and Jesus even hanging on the cross is sure to take care of her.

The way the cross works is by asphyxiation. The hands are attached to the cross and the feet are attached to the cross and the only way to breathe is to life yourself up and draw a breath. And after some time, the victim would get exhausted and suffocate.

This was tremendous suffering and cruel torture, yet even in the midst of this, Jesus makes sure that his mother will be taken care of

When he says, “mother, behold your son, and to John, “behold your mother” He is saying I am no longer going to be here to take care of her so John you must take this responsibility and do this.

and John takes her into his household and cares for her

Bridge:

What I want to highlight here is the way Jesus cares for His people.

Not just in word, but in deed.

Now we say well that’s great for Mary who was his mother! Ofcoarse He is going to take care of her. But how do I know He will take care of me?

Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew

Matthew 12:48–49 NASB95

But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers!

Who is the family of Jesus? Those who do the will of God.

Jesus cares for His own.

He protects them, watches over them, makes provisions for them, think about your future, knows what’s best for you, sends people into your life who will carry you through difficult times just like He did for His own mother here.

How does Jesus care of his own?

Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

5) It is Finished

John 19:28–30 NASB95

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Explanation:

“It is finished”

The plan of salvation is finished

That is, the payment, the sacrifice for sin has been made. All that Jesus had come to do in His earthly life, His ministry, His miracles, climaxed in His death on the cross which made the way for sinners to be made right with God.

Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for sin in full. That is nothing else was needed for people to be saved from the penalty of death. It was taken care of completley in the sacrifice of Jesus.

The animal sacrifices were insufficient, and unable to take away the sin and cleanse the soul.

The Law unable to change the people’s hearts

But this one sacrifice paid sin’s debt in full, completley, and for all time.

This is why nothing else is needed when it comes to a relationship with God. There cannot be anything added to what Jesus has said is finished! No works, no sacrifices, nothing can be added to Christ and there is no other way to the Father except through Christ.

The enemy is finished

The enemy has been working through the Pharisees, through the Chief Priest, through Judas to get rid of Jesus.

But what Satan has done is defeated himself. For the thing Satan had going for him was that the penalty of sin was death and not just physical death but Spirtual death. And humanly speaking there was absolutely no way out out of this destination and that is exactly what Satan wanted. The whole human race to be fall and spend eternity in hell.

But what really happened on the cross was victory trough His death. Satan has been defeated. He has been conquered. And all those who trust in Jesus, who have been united with Christ, are secure and out of Satan’s grip.

One of my favorite books is the Pilgrim’s Progress. And if you have not read it, I highly encourage you to read it. But the main character’s name is Christian. And Christian is on His way to the celestial city but he has a great enemy, Satan who has set out to destroy him.

But Christian has been United to Christ, and though the enemy tries to destroy him, he is unable to because he has been covered by the sacrifice of Christ.

Application: don’t get me wrong, there certainly will be Spirtual opposition in your life. In fact because we follow Christ, we have gained a great enemy….but that enemy has already been defeated on the cross, and Christians are to live in that victory.

Sin and death has been defeated

From the very beginning, mankind has under the curse of Adam’s Sin. And because of Adam’s sin, death has come into the world and death comes to all men.

At the cross, all of that changed. Sin has been defeated once and for all and death has lost its sting.

No longer do we have to fear death and no longer are we under the power of sin.

We have been set free by the blood spilled at the cross

~PRAYER~