1. SPC

3. 3 The Despair of the Cross Judas had betrayed the Son of Man with a kiss - Mt 26:46- 47Judas had betrayed the Son of Man with a kiss - Mt 26:46- 47 Peter had denied Him three times in one night - Mt 26:69-75Peter had denied Him three times in one night - Mt 26:69-75 Only a few people were with Jesus when He died - Mt 27:56Only a few people were with Jesus when He died - Mt 27:56 Only one disciple was with Jesus when He died - Jn 19:25- 27Only one disciple was with Jesus when He died - Jn 19:25- 27 3

4. 4 The Despair of the Cross Death was easily associated with the cross - Phil 2:8Death was easily associated with the cross - Phil 2:8 Crucifixion was a shameful death - Heb 12:2Crucifixion was a shameful death - Heb 12:2 Guilt was often associated with crucifixion - Gal 3:10-14Guilt was often associated with crucifixion - Gal 3:10-14 The Law was a system of works and performance - vv 10,12; Lev 18:5The Law was a system of works and performance - vv 10,12; Lev 18:5 Justification is by faith, not by works of the Law - v 11Justification is by faith, not by works of the Law - v 11 The curse of the Law was death for transgression - v 10,13The curse of the Law was death for transgression - v 10,13 4

5. 5 The Question of the Cross “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - Mt 27:46; Ps 22:1“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - Mt 27:46; Ps 22:1 Jesus’ garments being divided was a fulfillment of prophecy - Mt 27:35; Ps 22:18Jesus’ garments being divided was a fulfillment of prophecy - Mt 27:35; Ps 22:18 Jesus being mocked was a fulfillment of prophecy - Mt 27:39-44; Ps 22:8,13-16Jesus being mocked was a fulfillment of prophecy - Mt 27:39-44; Ps 22:8,13-16 5

6. 6 The Question of the Cross The Context of Psalm 22The Context of Psalm 22 Seeking deliverance during tribulation - vv 1-5Seeking deliverance during tribulation - vv 1-5 Relying on God is necessary during trials - vv 9,10Relying on God is necessary during trials - vv 9,10 Distress and anguish resulting from persecution - vv 11- 18Distress and anguish resulting from persecution - vv 11- 18 Acknowledging God’s power to deliver - vv 19-21,24Acknowledging God’s power to deliver - vv 19-21,24 Even in death, Jesus was trusting in God - Lk 23:46Even in death, Jesus was trusting in God - Lk 23:46 6

7. 7 The Illusion of the Cross Illusion #1: Jesus is rejected by God for blasphemy - Mt 27:40,43Illusion #1: Jesus is rejected by God for blasphemy - Mt 27:40,43 Illusion #2: Jesus does not have the power to save - Mt 27:42Illusion #2: Jesus does not have the power to save - Mt 27:42 Illusion #3: Jesus is not the King of the Jews - Mt 27:37Illusion #3: Jesus is not the King of the Jews - Mt 27:37 7

8. 8 The Reality of the Cross The Son of God died to atone sins - Heb 2:17The Son of God died to atone sins - Heb 2:17 The Son of God purchased His church, establishing the kingdom, which He is now reigning over - Acts 20:28; 2:36The Son of God purchased His church, establishing the kingdom, which He is now reigning over - Acts 20:28; 2:36 The Son of God established the new covenant - Heb 9:16- 20, 24-28The Son of God established the new covenant - Heb 9:16- 20, 24-28 8

9. 9 The Hope of the Cross The cross would be a symbol of despair and hopelessness if God had not raised up His Son - Acts 2:22-24The cross would be a symbol of despair and hopelessness if God had not raised up His Son - Acts 2:22-24 The resurrection proves:The resurrection proves: The Sonship of Christ - Acts 13:33The Sonship of Christ - Acts 13:33 The Lordship of Christ - Acts 2:36The Lordship of Christ - Acts 2:36 The Words of Christ - Mt 12:37-40The Words of Christ - Mt 12:37-40 9