March 20, 2016

The Crucifixion

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Characters of the Crucifixion Scripture: Matthew 27

The Crucifixion
Matthew 27

(To download and print blank sermon notes to complete while you listen, click HERE.)

Jesus Christ changed a symbol of failure and shame into a symbol of hope and faith!

1. The Intentionality of the Cross

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:22–23)

Jesus’ death was not an Unfortunate event.

Jesus was not a Victim; He was a Victor!

2. The Suffering of the Cross

• His Physical suffering

• His Spiritual suffering

• His Triumphant shout

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), 'I thirst.' A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:28–30)

• It is finished – “Tetelestai”

A. Servant to a master: I have Completed the
work assigned to me.

B. Merchants: The Debt is paid in full.

3. The Meaning of the Cross

• God Knows what it is to suffer

• God Showed us how much He loves us

• God Broke the stranglehold of sin in our lives

• God Liberated us from the fear of death

4. The Call of the Cross

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, 22–24)

• The message of the cross is sometimes Offensive

• The message of the cross is sometimes Redemptive

• The message of the cross is always Decisive

What have you decided about the Cross of Jesus Christ?