1. Seven Views of the Cross From the Viewpoint of… I. The Jewish Leaders it was about SILENCE. A.The Jewish leaders knew that the people were going after Jesus, and they were afraid that more would follow Him (Matthew 27:18; John 11:48). B.When they couldn’t trap Him with their questions, they decided to silence Him by putting Him to death (Matt. 22:15-17, 35; 26:3-4). C.They failed—He arose three days later, and the message of His resurrection went throughout the world (Acts 5:27-31).

2. From the Viewpoint of… II. Judas it was about SILVER. A.A He was a thief and a traitor (John 12:4-6). B.He conspired with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:15). Seven Views of the Cross

3. From the Viewpoint of… III. Pilate it was about SELF-PRESERVATION. A.Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but he caved in to Jewish pressure (Luke 23:4; Mark. 15:15). B.Pilate sacrificed Jesus in an effort to save himself (Mt. 27:24). Seven Views of the Cross

4. From the Viewpoint of… IV. The Roman Soldiers it was about SPORT. A.The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus before He was crucified (Matt. 27:27-31). B.While He was on the cross they cast lots for His garments (Matt. 27:34- 35). Seven Views of the Cross

5. From the Viewpoint of… V. God the Father it was about SACRIFICE. A.In His grace, God sent Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins cross (Rom. 5:8-10). B.The sacrifice of Jesus sanctifies once for all (Heb. 10:10-14). Seven Views of the Cross

6. From the Viewpoint of… VI. God the Son it was about SUBMISSION. A.The cross meant shame and suffering for Jesus, but He submitted to the Father’s will and went to the cross (Phil. 2:8-9). B.The Christian must follow this example and “take up” his own cross and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). Seven Views of the Cross

7. From the Viewpoint of… VII. Disciples of Christ it was about SALVATION. A.Early Christians saw the cross, and the blood that was shed there, as the means of their salvation (1Cor. 1:18,22-24). B.It alone brought redemption, forgiveness, and every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:7; 1:3). Seven Views of the Cross