Sunday, March 16, 2008
MESSAGES FROM THE CROSS
FROM THE CROSS
John 19: 17 30
INTRO: This morning we want to hear what Jesus said from the cross.
FIRST, we need to remember that Jesus was in control.
In John 10:18, Jesus said that He lays down His life of His own initiative. In John 12:27, He said it was for this purpose that He came. And in Acts 2:23, Peter reminds us that this was according to God's plan.
NOW, we can listen to Him as He speaks from the cross.
I. FIRST WORD OF FORGIVENESS
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
Forgive whom? Soldiers? Priest? Crowd? Us?
II. CONCERN FOR MOTHER
"Woman, behold your son:
Behold your mother! (John19: 26-27)
Jesus felt responsibility for His mother even to the cross.
III. SECOND WORD OF FORGIVENESS
One of the thieves asked to be remembered
Jesus said: "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
Forgiveness even at point of death!
IV. PERSONAL ANGUISH
After the 3 hours of darkness Jesus cried out:
'Eloi, Eloi Lama Sabachthani?'
"My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?
(Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46)
Reminds us of Psalm 22:1.
V. PHYSICAL ANGUISH
"I am thirsty." John 19:28
When everything necessary for salvation was done --- He considered His own physical needs.
VI. CRY OF VICTORY
"It is finished!" John 19:30
Everything required for salvation of mankind was finished!
VII. CRY OF SUBMISSION
"Father, into thy hands, I commit my spirit."
Luke 23:46
Then He died.
He was fully submitted to God's will and purpose.
As we celebrate the cross and the empty tomb, let us take time to remember that Jesus did this for us. He died for me! But also as we see Him die, we see some illustrations and examples that we might well follow. Not that we can die for anyone, but we learn much about life from this short experience with death.
Have you trusted Jesus, like the thief? Have you learned to forgive? Have you learned to be concerned for others?
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March 16, 2008
Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church
