The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n We have this insight from Psalms 22!

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n We have this insight from Psalms 22! n This is a perfect example of how to focus the mind while suffering. (Heb 5:7-8)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n (Hebrews 5:7-8 NKJV) “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, {8} though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n We see the battle between what Jesus saw and the unseen, what Jesus knew from God's word.

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n We see the battle between what Jesus saw and the unseen, what Jesus knew from God's word. n Jesus used this very approach when tempted by Satan earlier in life. (Mt 4:8-11)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n (Matthew 4:8-11 NKJV) “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. {9} And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” {10} Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n {11} Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n How does God answer prayer in suffering?

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n How does God answer prayer in suffering? n With Jesus there was a far greater gift than just the relief from pain! (Heb 5:9)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n (Hebrews 5:9 NKJV) “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n If we could so prepare our minds to be like Christ in suffering we will be blessed beyond measure!

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n If we could so prepare our minds to be like Christ in suffering we will be blessed beyond measure! n This is an excellent chapter to meditate upon for the Lord's Supper.

The Mind of Christ at the Cross Revealed n If we could so prepare our minds to be like Christ in suffering we will be blessed beyond measure! n This is an excellent chapter to meditate upon for the Lord's Supper. n This passage was written 1,100 years before the death of Christ!

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Jesus saw that He was forsaken. (22:1-2)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Psalms 22:1-2 NKJV) “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? {2} O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Jesus was crying out to God in His pain. (Mt 27:46)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Matthew 27:46 NKJV) “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?””

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n He cried out both in light and darkness. (Mt 27:45)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Matthew 27:45 NKJV) “Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Jesus was a sacrifice for the sins of the world. (2 Cor 5:21)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV) “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n But Jesus knew that God is always true! (22:3-5)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Psalms 22:3-5 NKJV) “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. {4} Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. {5} They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Because Jesus had so prepared His heart, He could see beyond the physical realm. How could He do this? He knew God's promises. (1 Pt 2:21-23)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (1 Peter 2:21-23 NKJV) “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: {22} “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; {23} who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n God is "enthroned in the praises of Israel." Why? He is holy!

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n God is "enthroned in the praises of Israel." Why? He is holy! n God will always deliver those who trust in Him. There are no exceptions! (Ps 34:3-5)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Psalms 34:3-5 NKJV) “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. {4} I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. {5} They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Do you know this as a certainty?

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Do you know this as a certainty? n Jesus saw that He was despised. (22:6-8)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Psalms 22:6-8 NKJV) “But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people. {7} All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, {8} “He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!””

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n After being beaten and nailed to the cross His appearance was that of a worm.

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n His enemies surrounded Him and shouted insults. (Mt 27:41-44)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Matthew 27:41-44 NKJV) “Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, {42} “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is 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.’”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n {44} Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Evil men will try to beat the righteous down with their deeds and their tongues.

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Evil men will try to beat the righteous down with their deeds and their tongues. n Jesus knew that God had always loved Him. (22:9-11)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Psalms 22:9-11 NKJV) “But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts. {10} I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God. {11} Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n God provided for Him from conception! He does so to us as well.

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Because of this He called out for God's help and was comforted that He will answer! He will always help when there is "none to help.“

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Because of this He called out for God's help and was comforted that He will answer! He will always help when there is "none to help.“ n Jesus saw that His body was wounded and dying. (22:12-18)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Psalms 22:12-18 NKJV) “Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me. {13} They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion. {14} I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n {15} My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. {16} For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; {17} I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. {18} They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Jesus described in detail the physical effects of a death upon the cross.

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Jesus described in detail the physical effects of a death upon the cross. n " How painful was crucifixion? One man describes it like this:

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n The unnatural position made every movement painful; the lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with incessant anguish; the wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually gangrened; the arteries-especially at the head and stomach -- became swollen and oppressed with surcharged blood;

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n and while each variety of misery went on gradually increasing, there was added to them the intolerable pang of a burning and raging thirst; and all these physical complications caused an internal excitement and anxiety, which made the prospect of death itself -- of death, the unknown enemy, at whose approach man usually shudders most -- bear the aspect of a delicious and exquisite release.“

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n During His death he heard hatred and scorn from those surrounding Him. The soldiers even gambled for His clothing. (Mt 27:35-36)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Matthew 27:35-36 NKJV) “Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” {36} Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Jesus knew that God would deliver Him. (22:19-21)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Psalms 22:19-21 NKJV) “But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! {20} Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog. {21} Save Me from the lion’s mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n In spite of everything He could see, He knew that God would respond!

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Abraham had this kind of faith. (Rom 4:17-18; Heb 11:18-19)

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Romans 4:17-18 NKJV) “(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed; God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; {18} who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.””

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n (Hebrews 11:18-19 NKJV) “of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” {19} concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”

The Mind of Christ at the Cross n Will you prepare you mind so you too will believe these things in suffering?

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n "You have answered Me." (22:21)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Psalms 22:21 NKJV) “Save Me from the lion’s mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.”

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n This simple statement overshadows and erases all the pain that went before!

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n This simple statement overshadows and erases all the pain that went before! n If we could only see the answer God has for us. (2 Cor 4:17-18)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, {18} while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n The answer of God produced overwhelming praise. (22:22-25)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Psalms 22:22-25 NKJV) “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. {23} You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n {24} For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard. {25} My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.”

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n God did what He said, Jesus was heard by the Father and He was delivered.

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n This joy not only caused God to be praised but Jesus wanted all men to join Him in this praise.

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n This joy not only caused God to be praised but Jesus wanted all men to join Him in this praise. n Did you sing today? What was in your hearts? (Heb 2:11-12; 13:15)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Hebrews 2:11-12 NKJV) “For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, {12} saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.””

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV) “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n This joy will overflow into obedience in all things. (Heb 13:16)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Hebrews 13:16 NKJV) “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n The answer of God to Jesus provides an answer for all of us. (22:26-31)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Psalms 22:26-31 NKJV) “The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever! {27} All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You. {28} For the kingdom is the Lord’s, And He rules over the nations.

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n {29} All the prosperous of the earth Shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust Shall bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep himself alive. {30} A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation, {31} They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, That He has done this.”

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n Why did Jesus go to the cross? (Rom 5:6-8)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Romans 5:6-8 NKJV) “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. {7} For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. {8} But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n Are you seeking God? There is good news!

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n Are you seeking God? There is good news! n Here we plainly see the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. (Gen 12:1-3)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Genesis 12:1-3 NKJV) “Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. {2} I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. {3} I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.””

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n Jesus wants us to proclaim God's answer to all men, from generation to generation.

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n Jesus wants us to proclaim God's answer to all men, from generation to generation. n Peter did exactly what Jesus said. (Acts 2:38-39)

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n (Acts 2:38-39 NKJV) “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.””

God's answer to Jesus' prayer n What message do you have to tell?

Why we now glory in the cross n Because it has allowed me to die to the world. (Gal 2:20)

Why we now glory in the cross n (Galatians 2:20 NKJV) “”I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Why we now glory in the cross n What a relief to let go of the things which do not matter! (1 Tim 6:10)

Why we now glory in the cross n (1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV) “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Why we now glory in the cross n When you see the cross you should in turn despise the world. (Gal 6:14)

Why we now glory in the cross n (Galatians 6:14 NKJV) “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

Why we now glory in the cross n Because it makes me know the certainty of God's promises.

Why we now glory in the cross n Because it makes me know the certainty of God's promises. n If God raised Jesus, He will also raise me up! (2 Cor 4:13-14)

Why we now glory in the cross n (2 Corinthians 4:13-14 NKJV) “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, {14} knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.”

Why we now glory in the cross n As a consequence, I will not submit to those who would change the gospel. (Gal 5:11, 6:12)

Why we now glory in the cross n (Galatians 5:11 NKJV) “And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.”

Why we now glory in the cross n (Galatians 6:12 NKJV) “As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”

Why we now glory in the cross n Because I understand the value of salvation.

Why we now glory in the cross n Because I understand the value of salvation. n What price was paid for my sin? Do you see the value?

Why we now glory in the cross n When men see the value they will tell others. (Acts 8:3-4)

Why we now glory in the cross n (Acts 8:3-4 NKJV) “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. {4} Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”

Why we now glory in the cross n Why are you here today?

Why we now glory in the cross n If you are seeking a better way there is good news! (22:26; Acts 8:38-39)

Why we now glory in the cross n (Psalms 22:26 NKJV) “The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever!”

Why we now glory in the cross n (Acts 8:38-39 NKJV) “So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. {39} Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.”

Why we now glory in the cross n If you are here to rejoice in God's answer, then you will be satisfied. (Heb 2:12)

Why we now glory in the cross n (Hebrews 2:12 NKJV) “saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.””

Why we now glory in the cross n What other reasons might some be here? Will you open your heart?