We Need Reminders… The Lord’s Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. Paul continually reminded Christians of what Christ accomplished on the cross. Is your faith strong? Weak? Wavering? SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS!

“Survey The Wondrous Cross” (Matthew 27)

Survey the Sufferings… Jesus’ closest friends forsook Him (Mt. 26:56, 74) He was conspired against by a close friend (Mt. 26:47-50; 27:3-10) Was treated as a common criminal (Mt. 27:2) Was vehemently opposed by religious leaders (Mt. 27:1-2, 11-14) A murderer was preferred over Him (Mt. 27:15-26; Mk. 15:7) Was scourged, despite the authority’s recognition of innocence (Mt. 27:26a)

The Scourging… “A Roman implement for severe bodily punish- ment….It consisted of a handle, to which several cords or leather thongs were affixed, which were weighted with jagged pieces of bone or metal, to make the blow more painful or effective….The victim was tied to a post [or suspended in air]….In the tense position of the body, the effect can easily be imagined.” (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

Survey the Sufferings… Jesus was mocked, tortured, spat upon, and put to an open shame (Mt. 27:27-31a) He was numbered with transgressors (Mt. 27:38; Is. 53:12) Was callously crucified, despite His complete innocence (Mt. 27:31a-50; Ps. 22:7; 2 Cor. 5:21)

Of This Occasion… Many others have died gruesome deaths; other innocent men killed unjustly. Why the significance this time? Deity dying on a cross (Jn. 1:1) Creator of the universe put to death by His creatures (Gen. 1:26; Jn. 1:2-3) The promised Messiah killed by His chosen people (Jn. 1:11) Deity willingly dying as a sacrifice for the sins of the world (1 Jn. 2:2)! The world was not taking life from Him; He was giving His life for their sins (Jn. 10:18)! Fulfilled prophecies (Cf. Ps. 22; Is 53)!

The Death of Christ (Mt. 27:50-66) One of the saddest moments in history – if it were the end of the story! Satan had only bruised Christ’s heal (Gen. 3:15) Jesus nailed to the cross the bond written in ordinances (Col. 2:14) He put away sin (Heb. 9:26) He tasted death for every man (Heb. 2:9) Redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Gal. 3:13)

The Resurrection of Christ (Mt. 28) The humiliation is now past, the task finished, and Christ has been exalted (Phil. 2:5-8) He is no longer subject to the will of men! Even Satan did not know of God’s plan (1 Cor. 2:6-8) Jesus paid the sacrifice for sin and made it possible for men to be released from the power of Satan (Cf. Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2:14-15) He has been glorified, seated on the right hand of the Father, and continues to rule upon the throne of David (Phil. 2:9-11; Eph. 1:20-23; Rev. 4-5)

When We Survey the Wondrous Cross… We see that the God who hated sin, chose to offer the propitiation (Rom. 3:23-26) We see God’s love for a rebellious world (Jn. 3:16; 15:12-13; Rom. 5:8-10) We see that our own sins demanded this sacrifice (Mt. 26:28; Rev. 1:5)

When YOU Survey the Wondrous Cross… How does this affect YOU? Will you become a Christian (1 Jn. 5:3)? If a Christian, will you become more faithful (Phil. 2:8)?

We Need Reminders… The Lord’s Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. Paul continually reminded Christians of what Christ accomplished on the cross. Is your faith strong? Weak? Wavering? SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS!

“Survey The Wondrous Cross” (Matthew 27)