On The Cross

Lk. 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

I. His Suffering

A. What did Jesus feel? Pain of the body He had been through a sleepless night, 6 trials – he was weary and worn A crown of thorns had pierced his brow – now he was suspended by spikes in his hands and feet

Loneliness of heart He had been betrayed, denied and forsaken He was circled by enemies

B. What did he hear? He had often said to others, “Be of good cheer” – but he heard no words of encouragement

Mt. 27:40 - Mockery And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

Mt. 27:49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

Mt. 27:41-43 - A challenge Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, [42] He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. [43] He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Lk. 23:39-43 – the two thieves And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. [40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?...

[41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. [42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

C. Whom did he see? Men who were indifferent about him – the soldiers were watching him and gambling for his clothes There were malicious men, wagging their heads as they ridiculed him

He also saw some who loved him including his mother Jn. 19:25-27 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene…

[26] When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! [27] Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”

II. His Sacrifice

A. His was a sacrificial life He left behind everything He possessed nothing Mt. 8:20 “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head”

He gave everything Mt. 20:28 “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

B. He died a sacrificial death He did not deserve to die He gave his body Lk. 22:19 “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

He gave his blood Mt. 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

C. He sacrificed all Rom. 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Rom. 4:25 “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification”

Conclusion We should gladly give ourselves to him in obedience and faithful service

Rom. 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Gal. 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world