Chardon church of Christ

The Foolishness of Preaching - Preaching The Cross

1st Corinthians 1:21-24

INTRO: Good morning church. Every year many people celebrate an event they call the Holy Week and Easter. The focus of this event is on the last days of Jesus on earth and culminates with Easter Sunday, the cross and the resurrection. To some it is an obligation from the religious community to which they belong. They go to church because they feel they have to put in an appearance, but most of the rest of the year they do not show up.

When we began this series we talked about “the scandal of the cross”. In the religious world the reality of the cross is not often preached. I wonder if by going to an assembly on Easter some of these people are put off from looking deeper into the cross. A Baptist preacher once said: “Bluntly stated, the cross is bloody, it's an offensive message and it's a shameful death in the ears of the world”.

Death is a topic most people like to distance themselves from. The preacher continued; “the word of the cross is foolishness. In other words, it's nonsense, pointless, idiotic, and mindless. That is what the cross is to the natural man”. Perhaps that is why most of the year in many churches you do not hear the cross preached.

I. FOOLISHNESS.

A. That preacher said “the word of the cross is foolishness”. What is foolishness? What is a fool? What is it to be foolish? The synonyms in the dictionary give us some hints. These include: simpleton, dolt, dunce, blockhead, numskull, ignoramus, dunderhead, ninny, nincompoop, saphead, sap. 2. Zany, clown. 5. Moron, imbecile, idiot. 6. To delude, hoodwink, cheat, gull, hoax, cozen, dupe.

1. Turn with me in your bibles to 1^st Corinthians 3:18 – “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” Interesting, I thought that foolishness was the opposite of being wise. Doesn’t Proverbs 1:7 say in part: “Fools despise wisdom”? Yet, here Paul says something that sounds different, “let him become foolish that he may become wise.”
2. Let’s look at 1^st Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Are not those that are lost… perishing… the ones in need of this message? Why then is it foolishness to them?

B. Consider what some people think about preaching the cross.

1. They say; someone dying on a cross almost two thousand years ago has no relevance today. They are not interested, and they don’t even want to discuss it. Besides, - they might tell you, - there have been many good men who have died for good causes down through the years. Surprisingly this is also the attitude of some in the religious world.
2. A Dean of St. Albans Cathedral, Jeffrey John, said on BBC radio that the crucifixion of Jesus for the sins of the world is: “pretty repulsive as well as nonsensical [i.e. foolish] … What sort of God was this, getting so angry with the world and the people He created and then, to calm Himself down, demanding the blood of His own son? ... Anyway, why should God forgive us through punishing somebody else? It was worse than illogical, it was insane. It made God sound like a psychopath. If any human being behaved like this, we would say they were a monster.”
3. Dr. John Dominic Crossan, former co-chairman of the theologically liberal Jesus Seminar, made a similar comment in October 2000 when he said he finds it "an obscenity" that God had somebody else suffer for our sins and that sacrificing His own son was "a sort of transcendental child abuse."
4. Yes, for the unsaved and the unrepentant … the preaching of the cross is foolishness.

II. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TELL US?

A. Paul says in 1^st Corinthians 9:16 – “…woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”

1. Paul knew how unacceptable his preaching would be … but still, he preached the cross.
2. He knew the words he was saying were completely contrary to the spirit of the age. He came to them in fear and trembling. His message was alien to them. Many had never heard of Jesus, and they had no interest in hearing about Him. “Why tell us Greeks and Romans about a Jew whose end was crucifixion? He is nothing to us. We have our own gods and our own religions, we don’t need another!”
3. Paul wasn’t telling them “nice‟ stories, with fanciful lyrics and ear-tickling daintiness. He preached to them nothing else and nothing less than the Son of God who died on the cross to save sinners.
4. It wasn’t as if he didn’t know anything else, because he did. He was a clever and intelligent man who had been taught the deep things of his Jewish faith from a master, the Pharisee Gamaliel. He had an advanced education. … Yet, when the Lord saved him, he did not hesitate to become a fool for Christ.
5. Paul was not an uneducated man. We read in 1^st Corinthians 2:1-5 – “1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5. that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

B. That brings me to our text for this morning. Read with me 1^st Corinthians 1:21-24 where Paul tells us – “21. For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23. but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24. but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

1. When the apostle Paul referred to the “the foolishness of preaching”, he acknowledged that there were many who considered the message of the cross just plain foolishness.
2. I am not certain just what was happening among the Christians in Corinth, but we know they lived in a city dominated by Greek thinking and wisdom. We also know that the church there was one of divided loyalties.
3. There was some pressing need for the apostle to emphasize the cross of Christ. While the resurrection was central to the apostle’s preaching, we cannot escape the fact that the cross was always in his mind and teaching.
4. I would like us to think for a few minutes of some things in the context of the verses we have just read.

III. THE CONTEXT

A. The cross was to the Jews a stumbling block - 1:23a. Why?

1. In spite of scripture to the contrary they expected a militant Messiah. They cried “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!” when He went into Jerusalem. (John 12:13)
2. We read the Jews sought a “sign” - Let’s look at Matthew 12:38-40 – “38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.'' 39. But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40. "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

B. We read that the cross was to the Greeks foolishness - 1:23b Why?

1. Theirs was the world of the great Greek philosophers.
2. Secular wisdom is what was highly valued among them.
3. The idea of a savior executed by crucifixion made no sense to them, just as it makes no sense to some today.

C. Preaching the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing– as we read in 1^st Corinthians 1:18a. Why was that?

1. To the Jews and Greeks of Paul’s time, they just could not get past their prejudices. In fact, Paul, then called Saul, was among those. He wasn’t interested in Christ. Jesus held no appeal whatsoever for him. In fact, more than any other name, he despised and rejected the Name of Jesus. Yes… he understood those to whom he was preaching because he was once as they were.
2. The Jews and Greeks had a lot of trouble accepting the idea of a crucified Savior. As in our day, so it was in Paul’s day … Speak to them about anything else, virtually, and they will listen to you, at least for a short while … but speak to them about Christ, and immediately the “shutters come down”. Every type of religion is given a platform, but if you preach the Gospel, you meet with aversion and opposition.
3. Look with me at 2^nd Corinthians 4:3-5 – “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world (referring to Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.”[KJV] There is a personal choice involved and Satan is right there to blind those who will not believe. ... Failing to accept the benefits of Jesus’ atoning death is true foolishness.

D. Worldly wisdom leads to unbelief in 1^st Corinthians 1:21 – “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, …”[NKJV]

1. Worldly wisdom puts its trust in what man can do and provide. Many attend church to be entertained, to be made to “feel good”.
2. Worldly wisdom does not believe in what it cannot see - or in that which does not seem logical or rational.
3. We need to remember Romans 1:20 – “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” - unbelief is inexcusable!

E. In 1^st Corinthians again, look with me at 1^st Corinthians 1:26 – “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.”[ESV] The wise, the powerful and the noble of the world are rarely among the called.

1. It is a sad, true fact confirmed in human experience, yet it is not to say that none of the wise and mighty are called for we find there was Dionysius at Athens (Acts 17:34); Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of Crete (Acts 13:6-12); the noble ladies at Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:4,12); and Erastus, the city treasurer (Roman 16:23).
2. When we are called we are called by the gospel 2^nd Thessalonians 2:14 – “to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ”[NKJV] Paul writes that God called them by the gospel. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are the central facts of the gospel.
3. Are perhaps, those who reject the gospel simply “above” such needs as those the cross supplies? I’m thinking of the sermons on Solomon’s porch.

F. In 1st Corinthians 1:18b we read: - “… but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” In v.24 “but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The preaching of the cross is the power of God to the saved.

1. The word translated as “preaching” is from the Greek word which means “to proclaim or to publish”.
2. We may tend to forget in this world which emphasizes entertainment, that it is the message and not the messenger or their eloquence which is God’s power.
3. Human wisdom is very dismissive of God’s truth for so, so many reasons - but the “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3) can accept His truth and act upon it.

G. The idea of the cross is rejected by human wisdom. This morning I mentioned some religious leaders that were talking negatively about the idea of the cross. In 1^st Corinthians read with me 1^st Corinthians 1:25-28 – “25. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28. and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,” That cross, that thing of disgrace, is a challenge to human wisdom. “that old rugged cross, so despised by the world”.

1. I would suggest that the whole idea of the word of the cross is to bring one to faith. God explains something to us in Isaiah 55:8-9 – “8. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,'' says the Lord. 9. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
2. Think about baptism – it is so rejected by the wisdom of the world. I know of those who profess belief up until the act of baptism, and then they say they cannot see the point!
3. Human wisdom would design something much more elaborate, more “meaningful” or logical ... but faith simply acts in obedience to the word.

IV. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PREACHING THE CROSS.

A. The world looks at us as fools, - and even in some church circles there are those who look at us as fools because… we hold to the Gospel and we continue to preach it. It is foolishness to them … but it is the message God gives His children to proclaim the way He has set before us. Yes, the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but it is a message the Christ-rejecting world cannot afford—not to hear, and consider …

1. What is said in v. 21 is in part … “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”
2. There is only one means of entrance into Heaven and it is on the basis of what Christ did on the cross. There is no other way of salvation, only God’s way which He purposed, and has completed, through His Son.
3. Therefore, each time we present the Gospel there is always, - a response. God’s Word is met with either acceptance or rejection. Either the Christ of the Gospel is accepted, or He is rejected; there is no “in-between”, there is no half-way decision.

B. How does the foolishness of preaching the cross become effective in the salvation of souls? If I was to stand and preach the Gospel with tears running down my face, would that convince someone to be saved? If I was with them in a room for hours and we spoke about nothing but their need to come to Christ, would that be effective? Is it about the methods we use, - how up-to-date, or how old-fashioned? No, we are clearly told not to attempt to use the worldly wisdom of words.

1. Here is how the preaching of the Gospel becomes effective … “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” The salvation of lost souls is the consequence of God’s pleasure to offer salvation, - in other words, His will. The means by which His will in the salvation of souls becomes effective is through the foolishness of preaching the Word of God.
2. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached Christ. He spoke to the crowds about their need for salvation. Following Pentecost, what were the apostles doing? … “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42).

V. WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE?

A. Search the Scriptures and you will find preaching is God’s way of telling lost sinners they need to be saved. Ah, some say, we’re not in the first century anymore! … Yes, I know we are not, but what we need to realize is God has never instructed us to replace preaching. … Preaching has always been the method He has used to proclaim the Gospel.

1. It is not the plans, programs, or the latest techniques of men that capture the soul for Christ … It is the Holy Spirit Who draws the sinner to salvation through the preaching of the Word of God!
2. Advance another method, and you’re attempting to take away from God and apply man’s wisdom!
3. Lost souls can only be saved when God’s word is sown in their hearts, and then He brings it to fruition.
4. This is the Gospel He sets in your heart, and this is the Gospel with which He saves you. Through the preaching of His Word, we learned we were sinners in need of a Savior. We were led to that place where we would believe and accept that message. True salvation has no other source than God. It will never be attractive or appealing until through His word, He opens our blinded eyes to see it. It will never make sense until through His word He gives us understanding. It will only be “foolishness” and a “stumbling-block”.

B. What kind of people does God call to preach the foolishness of the Gospel? He calls those who are committed to it, and convinced of it ... the kind who know it is real themselves. It is not just the person that stands up here, it is all of us. It has nothing to do with titles, or degrees, or anything else... It has all to do with knowing Christ, and desiring to make Him known.

1. Christ, and all He represents, is the true wisdom of God – 1^st Corinthians 1:30 – “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption ”
2. Because of the wisdom of God, we, (“the called”), are in Christ.
3. Christ and the cross are set in contrast to the wisdom of the world. The wisdom of the world crucified Jesus – but because of Jesus the called are seen by God as righteous, sanctified and redeemed!

C. Yes, we glory in the Lord! I would call to your mind Galatians 6:14 – “But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

1. So many in our present world would dismiss Christ and scripture.
2. The world argues today for a secular society with no mention of God ... much less the cross. “The cross of Christ crucifies Christians to the world, by inspiring them with such principles and leading them to a course of life which renders them in the eyes of the world as contemptible, and as unfit for their purposes as if they were crucified and dead." (MacKnight)
3. But we are of the called ... and we will preach Christ and Him crucified ... and we will find our joy in the blessing of the cross.
4. It is the only message we are told to preach. From the moment of our conversion until the moment the Lord calls us home or comes for us – it is our responsibility to make the Name of Christ known as the only Savior.

CONCLUSION:
Of course, not every believer is called to stand before a group or teach a class … but every believer is called to make the Name of Jesus known. Some of us are tillers of the soil. We, by our actions or our words, help prepare the ground for the gospel to take root. Like those early New England farmers we find rocks in peoples lives that can hinder the seed taking root. By our actions and our words we can help to remove those rocks. Sometimes it is only one rock at a time, perhaps by a kind word or deed. Sometimes by finding a rock that is a misunderstanding and doing a little teaching. In the end, stone by stone, the ground is cleared and the seed finds a place to grow.

You don’t need to stand at the podium to preach a sermon. You can preach a sermon in your own home or in your work-place. The words you say, the attitude with which you say them, the opportunities you take … your friends may look at you and think you are “strange” … They might not understand or be able to make sense of what you are saying …

But you don’t have to use fancy words and try to impress them … simply believe and trust in what God’s Word says in, 1st Corinthians 1:17f – “… preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” … 21. “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” …

God has blessed us with many things; that includes the ability to choose. He has also blessed us with the ability to learn, given us His word and this wonderful universe to learn from. With the abilities to choose and learn, we also have the ability to change our minds as we learn. We see this all the time as we study the natural world and learn more. If one never hears the word their choices will be limited. Preaching the cross, be it with our words, our actions, our lives, is our joy and this foolishness ... the wisdom of God.
Folks, if you are here this morning and subject to the gospel invitation we invite you to come and let us know your need. For those who need to be baptized into Christ we would like to assist you in that need. If your need is prayers of your brothers and sisters we are ready to pray with you. However we can help you, we encourage you to come while we stand and sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

The Third Sermon - Preaching The Cross

Acts 5:42

INTRO: Good morning church. We continue our look at the cross today with Acts 5:42 – “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” This tells us that the apostles preached Jesus "daily in the temple, and in every house". Last time we read of the healing of the lame man at the Gate called Beautiful at the temple. Peter has declared this healing was done by the power of Jesus, “whom you crucified”. The Sadducees were incensed at this! But Acts 4:14 tells us – “And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.”

We do not find that the council gave any reason why the doctrine of Christ must be suppressed. They could not say that it was either false or dangerous, or of any evil tendency; and they were ashamed to own the true reason… that it testified against their hypocrisy, wickedness and tyranny. What the Sanhedrin did not do is of great significance. They had denied the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fact Peter had boldly affirmed in their presence, but they could not deny the healing of the lame man.

They conferred among themselves determined to oppose the teaching of the apostles. The best thing they could think of, at the moment, was to threaten them. Therefore they "commanded” the apostles “..not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus" (Acts 4:18).

The early days of preaching and teaching in Jerusalem must have been exciting. The word "multitude" was used to describe the number of the disciples. Can you imagine a time when hundreds of people were responding to gospel preaching in a desire to be baptized into Christ? It was a time of great generosity as people shared their material blessings with those who had little or nothing. It was a time when miracles of healing were very evident. All of this, however, did not go unnoticed by the high priest and his henchmen! So...

I. THE "ADDING" OF DISCIPLES CONTINUED DRAMATICALLY

A. Teaching continued on Solomon’s porch and Acts 5:14 tells us – “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,”.

1. Remembering Acts 2:41 – “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” these are people being baptized!
2. We also remember Acts 2:47 – “… And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” these are saved people being added!

B. The apostles have been warned, commanded, not to speak in the name of Jesus and then let go. What happened? Let’s read in Acts 4:23-31 – “23. And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25. "who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: `Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? 26. the kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.' 27. "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28. "to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29. "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30. "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.''”

1. Notice this next verse, Acts 4:31 – “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” God gave this visible sign that His promise of miraculous power to the Twelve would continue to be honored. The place was shaken.
2. They had prayed to be granted that “Your servants with all boldness may speak Your word,” Then in v. 31 we are told “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” This was not a repetition of the wonder at Pentecost, but a continuation in the apostles of that power "from on high" which had been promised, and the result was their speaking the word with boldness.
3. We know they spoke of the crucifixion and we read in Acts 4:27-28 – “"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together "to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.”
4. They also spoke powerfully of the resurrection - Acts 4:33 – “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.”

II. BUT HOSTILITY TO THEIR PREACHING WAS VERY REAL

A. I recall when Paul was giving his defense to King Agrippa what he said about Christ...

1. Acts 26:26 – “For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.” Done in a corner? In a manner of speaking it was done in a little corner of the universe known as the Planet Earth; but it was not unnoticed. As some of the Sadducees and Pharisees were able to see while He was among them: “The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "… Look, the world has gone after Him!”” John 12:19.
2. The preaching of the apostles was not done in a corner hidden from view either. They were in Solomon's porch - they could hardly be missed!

B. Let’s move on to Acts chapter 5. Acts 5:12 – “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.” They had prayed in Acts 4:29-30 – “grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.''”

1. We read “…through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done…”
2. Their power and authority were vastly strengthened; and the forward thrust of Christianity was greatly augmented.
3. Acts 5:14-16 – “14. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15. so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.”

a. The scripture does not tell us that any of the people upon whom Peter's shadow fell were healed. However, this does emphasize the overwhelming popularity they were experiencing.
b. Luke testified, particularly at the close of Acts 5:16 that Peter performed many miracles of healing, but he does not describe the mode.

C. Done in a corner? Oh no! The results were predictable. Acts 5:17-18 – “Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.” Ah, the Sadducees again

1. Preaching of Jesus' resurrection was grossly objectionable to them. It was a repudiation of their system; and therefore they seized the apostles.
2. That teaching would undermine the Sadducees credibility. Their solution? Jail them!

D. But God had other plans for them. Acts 5:19-20 – “But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.''”

1. This deliverance from the prison was certainly an exceptional thing. This is another of the supernatural wonders that attended the inception of Christianity.
2. I notice though that the reason had nothing to do with the injustice, the personal discomforts, and such things - it was all about teaching "the words of this life". This means all the words relative to eternal life in Jesus Christ. A similar meaning to what we see in John 6:68, where Peter's words to Jesus are recorded, "you have the words of eternal life."

E. What did the apostles do? We continue in Acts 5:21-28 – “21. And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22. But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23. saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!'' 24. Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25. Then one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!'' 26. Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council…” Let’s stop there for a moment.

1. The first thing we see is they did EXACTLY as they were told by the angel. They went to the temple and taught. The command to go straight back and preach in the Temple sounds to a prudent mind almost incredible. To obey that command seems like an act of reckless audacity. Yet, they went.
2. It is clear now that the purpose of the angelic rescue of the apostles from prison was not connected with their personal safety; for the angel's directive put them right back in a position that was vulnerable to the persecution of the priests. We conclude then, that the purpose of their release was the continuation of their preaching the word of God to the people.
3. None of the miracles done by the apostles, through them, or upon their behalf should be viewed as anything other than God working with them for the preaching of the gospel.
4. Sign after sign was given to these hard-hearted leaders of Israel, but they remained stubborn. Under the circumstances, they could not have failed to know that God was with the apostles of Christ, but they were determined to carry forward their opposition in the face of all this.
5. It seems to have been utterly beyond their comprehension that God would remove their whole nation rather than allow them to block the world-wide proclamation of the faith in Christ.

III. THE HIGH PRIEST'S CHARGE

A. Acts 5:27b-28 – “…And the high priest asked them, saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!''”
B. The high priest said three very distinct things here.

1. First, he reminded them they had been forbidden to teach in Jesus' name. It seems incredible to me, the hatred which the Jewish religious hierarchy had for the blessed name of Jesus, which name they simply would not say under any circumstances, saying "this name," as is said here instead, and always referring to Him as "this man" or "that man."
2. Second, he accused them of filling Jerusalem with their doctrine. I suppose we should not be surprised at that. These religious leaders had been replacing God’s word with their own “doctrine” for generations.
3. Third, he accused them of trying to lay the blame for Jesus' death on them.

a. They remembered well the crucifixion ... they had initiated it.
b. Guilty people often want to shift blame to others - guilt is not fun. Thomas Scott wrote in his commentary; “See how those who with presumption will do an evil thing, yet cannot bear to hear of it afterward, or to have it charged upon them. They could cry daringly enough, ‘His blood be on us’; but now they take it as a heinous affront to have Christ's blood laid upon them.”

C. The "words of this life" referred to by the angel, challenged their tradition and status quo.

1. Arrogance and prejudice are enemies of truth and are the children of pride.
2. If there is any challenge to arrogance, or prejudice… it is unwanted, and unpopular!
3. This high priest and his crew were well entrenched in position and power - leaving no room for any admission of error – no room for change – and no room for growth.

IV. THE APOSTLES' RESPONSE TO THE HIGH PRIEST

A. They first acknowledged loyalty to God - Acts 5:29 – “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.”

1. It is true, human authority had commanded them to stop preaching. There was no device by which the powerful priestly enemies of the Lord could intimidate the witnesses of His resurrection.
2. When faced with this choice - God, or men – the only choice is God. They were bluntly told by the apostles that they were subject to God's orders, rather than to the Sanhedrin's prejudice. A new age had dawned, and the religious leaders could not prevent it.
3. The apostles’ response is a truth for you and me as well.

B. They proclaimed the cross of Christ - Acts 5:30 – “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.”

1. They make clear that Jesus was sent by God - thus, He is the Messiah.
2. The apostles are unafraid of identifying them as guilty of crucifying Jesus.
3. When we read and study the book of Acts, we see the crucifixion mentioned in various ways - but always as central to the proclamation of the word of God.

C. They proclaimed the resurrection by reference to exaltation - Acts 5:31 – “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

1. The “One” that the Jewish rulers had declared unworthy, God declared to be Prince & Savior. It is implied that repentance as well as remission of sins is a gift; however to give repentance does not mean to bestow it without the exercise of our own will; for repentance itself is an act of our will.
2. The great need of Israel? Repentance. This statement that Israel needed to repent was totally unacceptable to the Sanhedrin. That they, the religious leaders of the people, needed to repent was preposterous in their eyes. As Walker said: “They were as much incensed as a body of bishops would be today, if the same charge should be made against them. They had absolute confidence that their descent from Abraham guaranteed them complete possession of every promise of the Old Testament.
3. Pride and arrogance led them to prejudice, the “us vs. them” mentality which still divides the people of the world into the imagined “good guys vs bad guys”, friends versus foes. The “us” group consists of people who agree with our beliefs, share our worldview, and hold to our same prejudices and preferences. In the “them” are those who disagree with us or hold a different ideology. There are many dangers in having an “us vs. them” mentality as a Christian, the uppermost being that it is contrary to the heart of God our Father.
4. Last week we saw that the great possibility because of the cross, was forgiveness, the blotting out of our sins. Something not possible under the Law of Moses and something the religious leaders should have embraced. Instead they rejected the Just One.

D. This is not a retelling of a tale heard from others, for the apostles proclaim in Acts 5:32 – "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” ... "we are his witnesses of these things"

1. The high priest and Jewish leaders could deny, complain, and do bodily harm, but there was no way they could bury the truth of Jesus.
2. Their predictable response? Acts 5:33 – “When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.”[KJV] ... their answer for any opposition seemed to be "kill it"!

a. This sermon was essentially the same as the one delivered on Pentecost; but the results produced by the declaration of the gospel were different. On Pentecost the people were pricked in the heart, they believed and many repented. Here the priests were infuriated and filled with murderous intent.
b. The difference being the ground on which these words fell. Paul affirmed this in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16. It saves some, destroys others, yet it is not the gospel, but people's response to it. There is an old saying "It is the set of the sail, and not the gale, that determines the way we go."

3. The word "Obey," is used here, indicating that "a lifelong obedience to God" was a continuing condition to be fulfilled by those desiring to enjoy the continued gift of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 4:6-7 we read – “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!'' Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” [NKJV] Here is declared that the Holy Spirit is given to men, not to make them sons, but as a consequence of their already being sons. The popular notion to the effect that God sends the Holy Spirit with the purpose of making men desire to serve Him is totally wrong.

CONCLUSION: In the past few weeks we have seen three sermons given by the apostles.
The first sermon was on the day of Pentecost following the resurrection when Peter preached the gospel, convicting those listening of their guilt and confirming the risen Christ. Peter told them the answer to sin, of what Jesus had done for all of us, and how to accept God’s grace that was offered. Three thousand obeyed.

The second sermon of the apostles was on Solomon’s porch at the temple following the astounding miracle of the healing of the man born lame. Peter preached the cross and the resurrection to the people gathered there. The religious leaders showed up and detained the apostles. We saw the defense Peter gave, convicting those same leaders and we are told five thousand people believed.

In this third sermon the apostles are again teaching on Solomon’s porch. It was a time of great teaching and healing and people flocked to the apostles even from the surrounding cities. For some physical healing of course, but for those who believed the healing of their souls. Peter again preaches the gospel message, the religious leaders interfere and put the apostles in common prison. God sends a messenger to release the apostles and confirms they are to continue the work.

Each one who hears the gospel message is at some point going to give an answer. Even ignoring the message is an answer. What is your answer to gospel truth? To the cross? Jesus' crucifixion is not isolated in history, it happened - and it happened for you and me.

Preaching the cross does not always make sense to the prideful and arrogant people, who have become stubborn and prejudiced. My hope and prayer are that the preaching of the cross of Jesus will affect each of us and make of us better people. . Like the high priest, we make the choice - he chose badly - will you?

We are about to sing the invitation song. God’s invitation to “come” is always open.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

The Second Sermon - Preaching The Cross

Acts 3:1-15

INTRO: Good morning church. Last week we looked at Acts chapter 2 and the first sermon that was preached after the resurrection. Today we are going to read a portion of text which describes what happened because of an incident which occurred in the temple. Christians for a time after Pentecost continued to frequent the temple, especially at the hours of prayer, not merely for the purpose of praying, but also, it may be supposed, for the opportunities afforded by such occasions for preaching Christ to the people. In time though, God would remove the temple; and the separation from Judaism would become complete.

Let’s read Acts 3:1-11 – “1. Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3. who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us.'' 5. So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6. Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.'' 7. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God. 9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11. Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.”

The scripture continues in Acts 3:12-15 – “12. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13. "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14. "But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15. "and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” Then in Acts 4:4 we read – “However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.”

I would like to have seen the temple in Jerusalem of that time. From an architectural point of view it must have been a splendid place. Solomon’s porch was a very large covered area on the east side of the temple and was the place the teachers and rabbis would be found teaching. For a while it was a gathering place for Christians. The incident surrounding our text for this study began there. We may read Acts chapters 3 and 4 not thinking of what is going on there as preaching, such as we understand it today, but we need to realize that there was powerful preaching being done in Solomon’s porch. As a result of this powerful preaching 5000 men came to believe, and I assume to obedience to the gospel. This morning I want to talk about the preaching that occurred where we might not expect it, in the very midst of the temple area. Let’s begin by thinking of the incident before us.

I. THE INCIDENT AT THE TEMPLE

A. Remember that the disciples have not yet become unwelcome at the temple.

1. Peter and John are going into the temple for what is called the hour of prayer which was 3 in the afternoon and the time of the burning of incense.
2. Remember that the temple and synagogues were places the apostles often went to preach Christ – at least as long as they were welcome.

B. What do we know about this lame man in the text?

1. We know he was a man who was born lame. We know that carried daily to this Beautiful Gate, as it is called in the scripture, and he was laid there to beg for alms.
2. On this occasion Peter and John are coming into the temple area going from the court of the women into the court of the men and they are passing through the Beautiful Gate. It is there that this man sees them and asks them in v. 3, “for alms”. What were the “alms” which Peter and John gave him? We are told he expected to receive something of them, but he did not expect to get what he ultimately received. Something that was much more valuable then silver and gold! Here we are told is a man who has never walked and now he can! Still there is more.

C. What else happened?

1. Look at Acts 3:8 – “So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God.” Remember that this man had been laid at this gate daily. He was familiar to the worshipers in Jerusalem. Here he is walking ….leaping…praising God…amidst the crowds of people who are in the temple area at three in the afternoon. The people there recognize this man and know it is he whom they have seen laid at the gate for years. We continue to read now in -
2. Acts 3:9-11 – “And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.”
3. Can you imagine this scene? I have no idea of how many people were there but we are told a little later on that 5000 believed so there must have been a throng of people.

II. AN OPPORTUNITY TO PREACH THE CROSS OF CHRIST!

A. Look at Acts 3:12 – “So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” Peter and John took no personal credit for this miracle. Peter then goes on to explain that it was by the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that it was done.

1. I recall that in Acts 2:43 – “Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” What we have in Acts chapter 3 is just one incident of what is described so briefly in Acts chapter 2 about the wonders and signs the apostles did.
2. Perhaps we should also look at Hebrews 2:3-4 – “3. how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,” . Think about this. What has happened in the temple? A great and notable miracle has occurred. Next in v. 4 “God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”
3. What is the power by which Peter and John are able to effect the healing of this man? Not by their own power, but by the power of God… bearing witness to what they are preaching and teaching.

B. As we look at the next verses, Acts 3:13-15, notice how Peter “convicted” the hearers.

1. The first thing he says to them is this; God had glorified this Jesus – this Jesus, whom he goes on to say, you have killed. God glorified Jesus. Remember what we read of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:4-5 – “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”
2. Ok, now back to Acts 2:33 – “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” And in verse 36 – “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Peter begins his process of convicting the hearers by telling them outright God glorified Jesus. BUT;
3. You have delivered up Jesus and denied Him before Pilate when Pilate was willing to release him! That’s not all. You have denied the Holy and Just and you insisted on the release of a murderer!
4. You have killed the Prince of life – folks, think about this. It has just been a short time since Jesus was crucified. The event of the cross is only a little while before the events of Acts 2. These people to whom Peter and John are speaking know very well about those events.

C. Peter and John did not stop there. The cross was not the end ... only the beginning. Look at the last part of Acts 3:15 – “… whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.”

1. You killed him, God raised him.
2. Then they add, … we have seen the risen Christ.

III. THE HOPE BECAUSE OF THE CROSS. The sermon continues.

A. Peter goes on and preaches about the hope we have because of the cross. The blotting out of sins is now possible, Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord”. We now have the hope of the blotting out, the remission of sins.

1. In that connection I’d like for us to recall Hebrews 8:10-13 – “10. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days,'' says the Lord, "I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11. "None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, `Know the Lord,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.” AND “12. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.'' 13. In that He says, "A new covenant,'' He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”
2. That which was not possible under the covenant of Moses can now be preached! Sins can now be blotted out! “Sins and iniquities will I remember no more”!
3. What are the terms of this wonderful blessing of hope we now have? Peter and John explain it. First “repent” - simple definition: change of mind leading to change of life and direction.
4. Then “be converted” and the word in the original means to “turn about” - here is the turning toward God which is accomplished by the change of mind. This turning toward God begins apparently in the obedience of baptism (note the parallel passage in Acts 2:38 – “… Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;…” Peter is talking about the blotting out of sins, how does it occur? When we repent and are converted, when we repent and are baptized. That is where it all begins. That is the great hope we have because of the preaching of the cross. The forgiveness of sins! That is not all….

B. We have the anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ Acts 3:20-21 – “and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” The Lord is coming again, to receive His own to Himself.

1. In Acts 2:38 Peter had promised that remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit would follow their obeying the gospel. Here is assigned another consequence, namely, that (God) may send the Christ, etc. Christ had already come and completed the work of His First Advent, making this a reference to the Second Coming.
2. I don’t know how many of us might think about this, but a little while ago we ate the unleavened bread, we drank the fruit of the vine as the Lord had instituted in the book of Matthew. One of the things we do as we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine is to declare the death of Jesus Christ till He come again. 1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.”
3. As often as we eat the bread and drink the cup, what are we doing? We are remembering the cross, we are remembering the death of Christ, and we are remembering the body and the blood given in our stead. That is true. Inspiration has the apostle Paul remind us something else... We show forth the death of Christ till He comes again.
4. This is the wonderful news of the preaching of the cross. Not only the blotting out of our sins, but the Lord is going to come again and receive us to Himself! We will get to spend the vastness of eternity in the presence of the Lord who loved us, died for us, and was raised by the power of God! What wonderful good news we have!
5. This all unfolds even more in - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 – “13. But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
6. Everything is moving along clearly at this point in Acts… until the priests get wind of what is occurring at Solomon’s porch.

IV. THEY WANTED JESUS DEAD!

A. Acts 4:1-4 – “1. Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2. being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” Note verse 4… “ 4. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” – What was the offense? preaching the resurrection

1. We learned in previous lessons that the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection. We learned of the two groups, Pharisee and Sadducee. Though the Pharisees were the larger of the two groups, the Sadducees were the more powerful. Often the chief priest and the high priest were Sadducees.
2. When Christ was crucified, and remember the chief priest (a Sadducee) was instrumental in that action, they thought the “nonsense” of Jesus was ended. But even a guard could not keep from happening what happened on that first Lord’s Day following His crucifixion. The stone was rolled away and Jesus, by the power of God, was raised from the dead to live again. The Sadducees were not happy.
3. The apostles could not preach the cross without preaching the resurrection. Then on this particular occasion such an amazing thing occurred. 5000 men believed! Why men? This was a part of the temple where the women were not permitted.

B. How did Peter and John defend themselves? Acts 4:7-10 – “7. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?'' 8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9. "If we this day are judged for a good deed done to the helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10. "let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.”– The defense? It is healing by the power of Jesus.

1. Notice how Peter identifies that the healing, the miracle, was by the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Once again Peter adds, “whom you crucified” - the cross again. But the cross was not the end and Peter goes on ... “whom God raised from the dead”
3. It is by the name of this man, whom God has raised from the dead, that this once lame man stands before you whole. The risen Christ is their worst “nightmare” because it directly contradicts their belief. Peter concludes Acts 4:11-12 – “This is the `stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
4. In his conclusion Peter quotes from Psalm 118:22 – “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”. – The significance of that passage is those words were well-known to Jewish people.
5. Notice also that he says, “...which was rejected by you builders...”. Peter does not give them any space at all but leaves them accused. You have cast aside the stone that has become the head of the corner. You have rejected the only name by where men must be saved.
6. Peter concludes by affirming that salvation is only possible through Jesus.

C. I wonder how many people there are who will hear this message of Peter and still reject the preaching of the cross. Reject all that it means and seal their eternal fate? Rejecting as those people did on that day. You can not preach the cross without preaching the resurrection.

CONCLUSION: What began that day as a simple trip to the temple at the hour of prayer… concluded in a wonderful exhibition of the power of God and His word. Matthew Henry wrote of this sermon; “The scope of the sermon which was preached here was to bring people to Christ, to repent of their sin in crucifying Him (Acts 3:12-19), to believe in Him now that He was glorified, and to comply with the Father's design in glorifying Him, (Acts 3:20-26). The former part of the discourse opens the wound, the latter applies the remedy.”
We must not forget, however, in considering this miracle that it provided an opportunity to preach the cross of Christ! We can say today, there is power in the blood! The blood that was shed at Calvary, the blood that was shed for you and me, the blood which cleanses away our sins. Believing and penitent people in the first century, confessing the name of Jesus Christ were buried with Christ in baptism to receive newness of life because of the cross. Yes, there is power in that great sacrifice, and in baptism we are immersed into the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, and receive the benefits of the cross, the cleansing, the blotting out of our sins. There is power in the blood.
We are about to be led in the invitation song. For those here today who need to respond in a public way as we sing this song, we want you to know that you are welcome to do so. If we can help you, if we can assist you in any way, we want to do that. If you need to come, come now while we stand and sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

The First Sermon - Preaching The Cross

Acts 2:22-24

INTRO: Good morning church! As we drew to a close last week we read in Matthew 28:19-20 that Jesus gave the apostles instructions to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.''” Then in Mark 16:20 we were told, “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.”

We said this period of time was not the end but the end of the beginning. Let’s turn to the book of Acts where we find the writer describes an earlier report he wrote to someone named Theophilus. Acts 1:1-3 – “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

In v. 8 Jesus tells them that they were to be “witnesses to me” to the “end of the earth”. With those thoughts in mind we are not surprised by the events in Acts chapter 2. There are for example the coming of the Holy Spirit (as Jesus had foretold), the speaking in languages not learned, and a reference to a well-known prophecy from the book of Joel. There was also the “first” sermon preached in keeping with the marching orders of the Lord. It was the first occasion recorded of the preaching of the cross by someone other than the Lord Himself. We begin this morning on a day called Pentecost in Acts 2.

I. THE DAY OF PENTECOST

A. This was the first day of the week and we read in - Acts 2:1 – “Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”

1. The day of Pentecost was determined by seven Sabbaths (weeks) plus one day ... thus, it was the day we call Sunday. Seven Sabbaths from the Passover Sabbath plus one day.
2. This was one of three great feast days ... the feast of weeks. You can read about it in Exodus 34:22-23 – “And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the year's end. Three times in the year all your men shall appear before the Lord, the Lord God of Israel.”
3. Certainly, on this day Jerusalem would have been very crowded with worshipers because it was one of those three days when all Jewish males were required to come to Jerusalem to worship. On this particular Pentecost it was the first feast of weeks following the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

B. On this day of Pentecost we are informed of the coming of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:2-4 – “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The coming of the Holy Spirit. This was that which Jesus had promised before death on the cross and before His ascension.

1. Turn with me to: John 16:7-13 – “7. "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8. "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9. "of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10. "of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11. "of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12. "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13. "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”. – The coming of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus had promised before the crucifixion.
2. Then in the gospel of Luke: Luke 24:49 – “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” - This was truly a significant day in God’s plan!
3. Turning back with me to Acts chapter 1. Here are two verses for us to consider: Acts 1:5 & Acts 1:8 – “for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Next, in verse 8, and here we see things concerning the coming of the Holy Ghost, the coming of power, and the coming of the Kingdom of God. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The coming of the Holy Spirit. This was indeed a significant day, but that is not all!

C. There was more on this day. There was this incredible speaking in languages by people who had never learned them. We continue to read in Acts the second chapter beginning at verse 5. - Acts 2:5-11 – “5. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak, Galileans? 8. "And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9. "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10. "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11. "Cretans and Arabs we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.''”

1. “Tongues” were known languages which the speakers had not learned—a phenomenon significant to that time and to that place.
2. Notice here that the writer records the apostles spoke of “the wonderful works of God”.
3. That suggests to me that before the sermon begins, which is recorded, at least in part in Acts 2, that the wonderful works of God are already being expounded. They were already hearing praise to God and hearing of the wonderful things that God has done.

D. We notice as we read on in Acts the people were amazed and wondered about the meaning of it all. Some were wondering if perhaps the apostles were drunk, but verse 16 begins - Acts 2:16-21 – “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17. `And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. 18. and on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 19. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and notable day of the Lord. 21. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'”

1. The first thing to notice is that Peter by inspiration of the Spirit of God identifies the prophecy of Joel with the coming of the Holy Spirit and the initiation of the messianic age. This point is made very clear.
2. I notice how Peter gives emphasis to these words “who ever shall call on the name...”
3. It is with this statement that Peter transitions to preach of Jesus Christ - crucified, and raised.

II. WHAT HE SAID OF THE LORD ON WHOM THEY(WE) SHOULD CALL?

A. The first thing that Peter says, … lets read in verse 22: - Acts 2:22 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know ” The first thing we see is that Jesus Christ is a man approved by God.

1. How do we know this? by miracles, wonders, and signs. This takes my mind to - John 20:30-31 – “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”. And then in
2. John 3:1-2 – “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God;" how did they know? Listen and think about it. "for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” To this Jesus replied ….. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” What I want us to see here is this very logical observation of Nicodemus.
3. Now today’s text, Acts 2:22-24 – “22. "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know 23. "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24. "whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.”
4. Peter as he preaches in Acts 2 makes it very clear there are some of those people in the audience who had seen the things of which he speaks “...in the midst of you...” he says. Jesus Christ, a man approved of God, how? By miracles and signs which you actually saw he says to them. What else does Peter say?

B. Acts 2:23 – “Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;” You have crucified and slain this man approved of God.

1. Peter first plainly tells them that Jesus’ death was God’s plan. Notice how he says it; “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,” - His death had everything to do with our calling on His name for salvation.
2. Recall in: 1 Peter 1:19-20 – “but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you”. This was no accident. It was not something that Pilate decided. It was part of God’s plan long before there was an earth, and was something that had to be done to take care of the sins of people like you and me.
3. Peter goes on to say in Acts 2:23 “you have taken by lawless hands”. In other words, they were guilty.
4. It may be true that it was the Romans that actually killed Jesus by crucifying Him. For the Jews, themselves, could not do this at that particular time. Nevertheless, they were responsible! Who was it that brought Jesus, the Jewish leaders, and who was it that cried “crucify him, crucify him”? It was the Jewish mob. From the Jewish religious leadership down to the mob it was they who were also guilty. There is still more.

C. Peter goes on to say in: - Acts 2:24 – “whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” “whom God raised up”

1. Preaching the cross does not end with the cross! That is the magnificent truth we are privileged to declare to the world even today.
2. Preaching the Cross continues with this great fact: “Whom God raised up”
3. In 1 Corinthians 15:14 – “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain and your faith is also vain.”- The resurrection is “the rest of the story”. Many of us have actually heard or heard of Paul Harvey. Paul Harvey was a news commentator and he always told of something and then went on to tell “the rest of the story”. This “rest of the story” made it all complete. The Cross is part of the story, but the rest of the story is the resurrection. The preaching of the cross is considered by many people to be foolishness. Folks, crossless preaching is powerless preaching. The wonderful thing about preaching the cross is that we do not have to end with a death. We are privileged to continue with a resurrection, a living savior.

D. Peter continues on and takes pains to confirm the resurrection fact. All knew Jesus died on the cross. How does he do this?

1. First by prophecy Peter quotes from the prophecy in Psalms chapter 16. Let’s read that and then we need to look at what Peter says about this prophecy. Start in Psalm 16:8-11 – “8. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. 10. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
2. Thus Peter says, Acts 2:29-31 – “29. "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30. "Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31. "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.”
3. Second, Peter appeals to eyewitness testimony - Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.” There is a common expression that is something like “we are going out to witness” or ‘we are his witnesses”. Folks, neither you nor I are a true witness, for neither you nor I saw the risen Christ, but the apostles did! They are God’s witnesses not I. I may give testimony through the preaching of God’s word but it is through my faith that I believe and not by sight. The apostles were witnesses however. They saw the risen Christ.
4. Third, Peter appeals by David’s testimony - Acts 2:33-35 – “33. "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. 34. "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: (These are the words of David in Psalm 110:1 – ) `The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, 35. till I make Your enemies Your footstool.'''” David acknowledges his Lord. Approved of God? Oh, yes. Crucified by wicked hands? Oh, yes. Raised by the power of God, and this confirmed by the resurrection.

III. THE GREAT CONCLUSION?

A. “...Jesus, whom you crucified...” is your Lord and your Christ - Acts 2:36 – “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

1. Notice that Peter refers again to the cross. He is not accusing the Romans. It is the Jews to whom he is speaking.
2. Lest we get too caught up in thinking about the guilt of the Jews let me remind you that you and I, though we were not present on that day on Calvary, are as guilty of the sin as they, for we practice sin in our lives and it is for our sin Christ died. 1 John 2:2 – “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

B. They are complicit the in crucifying of the Lord. What are they to do? We read next that very question - Acts 2:37 – “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?''”

1. They face a situation we all face when we sin. Once the deed was done there were things that could not be changed. They could not change the fact that Jesus had been crucified. They could not change the fact that they had cried out for his crucifixion.
2. They are cut to the quick. They are pierced through and stand convicted in their deeds.
3. They feel acutely their guilt and the fact that it can not be undone. “… What are we to do?”

C. Because of the cross, here is the answer - Acts 2:38 – “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.” Here is what you can do. You can’t change what you have done. You can’t change the fact you have sinned. But…

1. You can repent. There must be repentance (more than just acknowledging guilt). It must be a change of mind leading to a change of life. That is what they were told to do. You can’t change the facts, but you can change your direction, your life, by changing your mind.
2. You can be baptized then ... into the death of Jesus. Romans 6:3 – “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” By doing this they could receive the blessing and benefits of the sacrifice of Jesus at the cross. It becomes mine when I am baptized.
3. According to Acts chapter two there were many who did exactly that. Acts 2: 41 – “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; …”

CONCLUSION: Because He died on that cross, I can live again. Because He lives, I have a real tomorrow.
Because He lives, folks, we have the hope of eternity. If your sins are remitted, you receive that forgiveness. On that day of Pentecost we are told that about three thousand souls were added unto them. Three thousand people! Thinking of their sins, applying the lesson to themselves, understanding they could not change what was done.
Have we ever felt what those people felt? I wonder. Is the fact of our sin just an intellectual thing? Do we understand how we hurt God with our sin? I don’t know. They did. 3000 of them were baptized on that day and added to the Lord’s church--because He lives.

I wonder this morning, is there anyone hearing this message, that needs, because He lives, to claim the benefit of the death that He died? To claim the blessing of that sacrifice? Is there anyone here who needs to be baptized for the remission of their sins? Each of us must decide what we are going to do with the death of Christ and the fact of His resurrection. If you have that need, or if you have any other need, we stand ready to assist as we invite you to come while we stand and sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

The End of The Begining - Preaching The Cross

Matthew 28:19-20

INTRO: Good morning church! As we continue our look at the cross today we will be starting with Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” [NKJV]

The empty tomb. There were angelic announcements. Appearances to the disciples. Forty days of appearances and teaching concerning the kingdom of God. All of these things brought from the disciples mixed reactions. We saw the enemies of Jesus had concocted a story about His body having been stolen by the disciples, in order to have some credible explanation on why the tomb was empty on that awesome first day of the week. That story, according to Matthew’s gospel, was commonly reported in certain quarters as late as the writing of his gospel. (Matthew 28:15). Interestingly even today some espouse the idea that His disciples stole the body.

Was this the end? Or, was this just the beginning? His enemies most assuredly wanted it to be the end. Even His closest associates, the apostles, had difficulty with the idea of the third-day-resurrection. They had to be reminded repeatedly that He had told them that He would rise from the dead on the third day. As I look at this brief period of time, from the resurrection to the ascension, I’ll prefer to refer to it as the end of the beginning.

I. CLEARLY, THE CROSS WAS NOT THE END SOME HAD HOPED

A. The cross was not the end many had hoped it would be. I invite you to turn in your bible to the gospel of John chapter 11. There starting at verse 47 I would like us to read. John 11:47-53 – “47. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48. "If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.'' 49. And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50. "nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.'' 51. Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52. and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53. Then from that day on they plotted to put Him to death.” [NKJV]  “...it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish....”

1. There was apparently a great deal of “hand wringing” among the Pharisees, the Sadducees… the priestly class.
2. They recognized that the popularity of Jesus had grown to the point that it was eclipsing their own influence.
3. It is of interest to me they even recognized that He performed many miracles, and signs as some translations say.
4. These religious leaders had a great fear, and fear causes people to do illogical and irrational things. Their fear was that if Jesus prevailed, the Romans would take away their position.

B. What to do? Instead of seeking a means of dealing with this question in a way that was lawful and right and moral, they chose expediency.

1. Their choice was; for Jesus to be killed. That, they believed, would make their position secure.
2. They sought then for a means to accomplish that. They believed that it was better for one man to die (innocent, or not) than for the Romans to take away the last vestiges of their power. They feared that Jesus’ claim of being a King would get to Roman ears and those authorities would come and bring an end to any power that remained.
3. A dead Jesus was their answer. It did not matter that He might be innocent of anything punishable by death. An idea of expediency was all they could conclude. If we just kill Him that would be the end of the matter.
4. There is something else about that passage… so interesting to me… here is this man Caiaphas, the high priest at that time, and John says: he prophesied concerning the death of Christ and that Jesus’ death would bring all of God’s children into one. Did Caiaphas prophesy knowingly? Or were the words of Caiaphas, words of the high priest’s own choosing, yet with God’s providence behind them?
5. Whatever the case, the death of Jesus was not the end His enemies sought. Not the end, but the end of the beginning.

II. BEFORE THE ASCENSION

A. If you would please turn in your bibles to John’s gospel, chapter 21. I’m going to spend a little bit of time in this chapter today because there are some things found here that are interesting to me…this time before the ascension. John 21:1f – The first of them is Peter’s “last” fishing trip. I’m going to read a fairly lengthy section of scripture beginning at verse 1. Please follow with me. “After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:” In other words, here is how it took place. “2. Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing.'' (pause) They said to him, "We are going with you also.'' They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5. Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?'' They answered Him, "No.'' 6. And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.'' So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!'' Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.'' 11. Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12. Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast.'' Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?'' knowing that it was the Lord. 13. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.”

1. What is going on here? “I am going fishing” I have thought about this little incident many times. “I am going fishing”. The cross is still vivid in memory. The death of his dear and beloved friend Jesus has occurred. There have been reports of Jesus being raised from the dead. And Peter says, “I am going fishing”. What is going on?
2. Was it just the need to fill some empty time? Or was this a manifestation, at least in part, of some doubt? Or a feeling that “it’s all over”? I don’t know. I just know Peter went fishing. They returned to their old tasks.
3. We also know this; the occasion provided Jesus an opportunity to “prove” it was indeed He. To prove His identity to these men who knew Him so intimately, so well.
4. Later the idea was spoken that the apostles had only seen “visions” - “spirits”. That idea did gain some credibility in that time and even now some would suggest such a thing.
5. It was therefore important that Jesus prove beyond a shadow of any reasonable doubt, to credible eye witnesses, that He had risen from the dead.
6. When the fishermen came to shore, they see Jesus, and they recognize Him! Jesus has made a fire and cooked a meal, they ate with Him. Ghosts do not build a fire, cook a meal, and eat bread and fish.
7. Later, much later, John would write this in: 1 John 1:1 – “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life” Now verse 3: “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” They saw Him! They touched Him, they ate with Him. There was no doubt Jesus has risen from the dead!
8. Yes, they had returned to their old tasks and did not catch anything. Jesus shows up, gives them instructions, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” … “So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish”.

B. Returning now to chapter 21 of John’s gospel and starting in verse 15. John 21:15f – we see Peter’s three affirmations of his love for Jesus. “15. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?'' He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.'' He said to him, "Feed My lambs.'' 16. He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?'' He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.'' He said to him, "Tend My sheep.'' 17. He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?'' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?'' And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.'' Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.”

1. I suspect this must have been an embarrassing time for Simon Peter. Why? Because of those three denials Peter made not very many days before and was still fresh in his memory.
2. “...do you love Me more than these...?” Jesus says. I don’t know what the “these” are. The text does not specifically tell us. Was he being asked - more than “things”? These nets, these boats? Was he being asked more than other apostles? I don’t know. Yet I feel certain that Peter must have felt the pain of the question repeated three times.
3. Something you do not see in English is the different words for love that are used. The first two times Jesus asks He is using a form of the word “agape”. When Peter says “you know I love you” he does not use that word. He uses a form of the word “philia”. They are different words. Philia is the love of a friend for friends, agape is that wonderful spiritual love which loves in a supreme way above everything else, seeking that which is best for everyone and for the Lord. A sacrificial love. Then the third time Jesus asks and He uses a form of the word “philia”, leaving the spiritual plane of the word agape and asks if Peter loves Him as a friend. Peter uses the same word to respond, “yes I do”.
4. Three times Peter is asked. How many times did Peter deny the Lord, three? In the gospel of Luke, chapter 22, would you turn there and read with me? Beginning in verse 31 I want you to listen again to what happens before the death of Christ, before the denials Luke 22:31-34 – “31. And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32. "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.'' 33. But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.'' 34. Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.''”
5. What is going on here? Peter, do you love me? I love you. Second time, Peter, do you love me? I love you. Third time, Peter, do you love me? Lord you know everything. Peter is grieved by his having to be asked the third time, but there were three denials and three questions. I wonder, is there perhaps, in the mind of Peter a relationship between the questions Jesus asks and those three denials?
6. I wonder too if what is going on here may not be a very integral part of what Jesus said; “…when you have returned to Me…” Another translation puts it this way; “…So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
7. I suggest that perhaps this exchange between Jesus and Peter becomes a vital part of that which Jesus spoke. Is this part of the process of that great change that has to take place in Peter? The change that must take place so that this man, who has failed miserably at the cross, would become an effective proclaimer of it!
8. We are not finished. Let’s return to John’s gospel chapter 21 again, and we read at v. 18: John 21:18-19 – “"Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.'' This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me.''” The Prophecy of Peter’s martyrdom.
9. Do you love me? Yes, Lord, you know I love you. Let me tell you something Peter, your love for me is going to result in your being killed someday. Your life will be taken from you. I know there are many different legends about how Peter was killed, martyred. The most well-known of these is that he was crucified and that he chose not to be crucified in the same fashion in which the Lord was, but he requested to be crucified upside down.
10. John’s gospel does not tell us the means by which Peter will be killed. Just that Peter’s life will be taken from him in his old age. Just as the cross was always in Jesus’ future, always looming as a reality, so martyrdom always loomed as a reality in Peter’s.
11. Peter says something in the second of his two letters to which I would like to make reference. 2 Peter 1:12-14 – “Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.”
12. I have work to do. I will work while it is yet “day” - but “night” is coming when I will not be able to work. During my life, he says, I am going to do whatever I can to help you remember what you need to remember about our Lord. Peter is now an old man, but notice he refers to the very words our Lord spoke to him so many years before. Peter says; “…just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me…” Years had passed, but Peter did not forget what Jesus had told him.

C. Let’s look now in the gospel of Luke chapter 24. Luke 24:43-45 – “And He took it and ate in their presence. Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.'' And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Here, and the successive verses, we have what we might call the dawning of the light.

1. Now they understand. Jesus’ death folks, was not an accident - it was not the result of some great conspiracy.
2. It is true, human agencies had been very much involved in the events. We have the advantage of seeing with the light of the scriptures.
3. We realize that all of these things that took place were just the serving of prophetic purpose! Jesus needed for these men to understand that He, His life, His death, were all a part of God’s great plan to redeem humanity from the curse of sin.
4. Jumping ahead to Acts 10, Acts 10:39-43 – Here Peter is the preacher and Cornelius and his family, are the audience. Peter says: “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.” There it is, the cross… “40. "Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41. "not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42. "And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43. "To Him to whom? To Jesus… all the prophets witness that through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.''”
5. Those words “To him all the prophets witness…” You see, what Jesus was doing in Luke 24:44-45 in referring to the Law of Moses and the prophets, Psalms, all of which have in them reference to the coming messiah; what He was doing was reinforcing that none of these things have happened just a quirk of circumstance. All these things that have happened were to fulfill the prophecies; and that which God prophesies, He brings to pass. Later in the preaching of the word of God the apostle can say; to this Man, with Whom we talked and walked and ate, to this Man, give all the prophets witness.

D. That brings me to Matthew 28:18-20 – “18. Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'' Amen.”

1. These are their “marching orders”. They have seen Him for 40 days. He has taught them of the kingdom of God. With those words ringing in their ears they watched Him ascend to the Father on high.
2. Mark 16:19-20 - what did they do? Mark’s gospel concludes with these two verses: “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they (the apostles) went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”
3. What did they do? They are no longer a dispirited band of men. “...they went forth and preached...” And they never forgot, folks, the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ in all that they taught.
4. There is a verse in the book of Galatians that helps us to understand in the successive years the depth of feeling these people had about the cross. Galatians 6:14 – “But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” As old as these men became they never forgot the cross.

CLOSE: From a trip to catch fish, the apostles went forth to fish for men. What was the drawing power of their preaching, their message? I’m sure their message included many things needful for that world and ours. Folks, the drawing power of their message; was the message of the cross. It is still the cross which draws people to Jesus. In John 12:32 – Jesus says; "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
It is Christ that draws all people unto Him. It is our privilege today to take the gospel of the cross to mankind just as the apostles took that message all those years ago. The message of the cross, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and His resurrection are just as important and compelling today. Every day more people come into the world, and even in a great land like ours, there is a very real possibility they will go through their lives without ever truly, having heard the gospel message.

When we are united in the death of Jesus Christ in baptism our burden of sin is lifted. We no longer live under its weight. In prayer, because of the cross, we have this marvelous advocate to the Father, Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you have not been baptized into the death of Christ, then friend, you still labor under the burden of sin. Jesus would lift that burden when you are baptized into His death, burial and resurrection. That burden of sin cannot be lifted in any other way.

We know from scripture that we must hear the word, believe in Christ, confess our faith in Jesus, repent of our sins and then be baptized.

There may be Christian people listening whose burdens need to be lifted, who need the advocacy of Jesus Christ with the Father. Remember; it is for us to take this message to others so they can take the first step and hear the word, and we cannot do so if we ourselves are not right with God. Come boldly to the throne of grace with your needs as we stand and sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

He Arose - Preaching The Cross

He Arose
Luke 23:55 – Luke 24:1-7

INTRO: Good morning church! As we continue our look at the cross today we will be starting with Luke 23:55-56 – “And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.” Continue with me at Luke 24:1 – “1. Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.”[NKJV]

It had no doubt… been a somber and agonizing Sabbath day for the disciples of Jesus. Mark’s gospel tells us that “they mourned and wept” (Mark 16:10). We can understand and appreciate this grief. Through the gospel records we see the closeness of the disciples interactions with Jesus, their Lord and Master. It was more than simply a “teacher/student” relationship, and the manner in which He had been taken from them contributed to the pain they felt, and the grief they endured. From what we see in scripture I believe that among the disciples there were no expectations of resurrection on that Saturday. They intended to go to the tomb on that first day of the week for the final burial preparations. As the first day of the week dawned they most assuredly were not prepared for what they found! We remember, it had been Friday, now it is Sunday. We begin our thoughts today early on that Sunday morning.

I. EARLY ON SUNDAY MORNING

A. Turn in your bibles with me to the sixteenth chapter of the gospel of Mark. Mark 16:1-3 – “1. Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3. And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?''” “And very early in the morning the first day of the week...”

1. You recall that Joseph & Nicodemus had taken the body of Jesus and laid it in Joseph’s own tomb. There had been some preparation for burial but it had been late on the day before the Sabbath. They were rushed to complete what they could before the Sabbath would begin.
2. The Sabbath is now past and the women were coming to finish the burial process according to the customs of the day.
3. They are concerned because they recall having seen a very large stone rolled across the entrance to the tomb. They ask among themselves “who is going to roll away the stone?” To you and me that may not seem like a great concern, we would imagine we would find someone to help. Yet, no matter how small the issue might seem to us, what they are asking tells me that they have no expectation, what so ever, that Jesus is going to rise from the dead. Their concern is on who is going to roll away the stone. They had no idea that when they arrived the stone might already be rolled away. They did not understand that on the third day He would rise again.

B. As we continue, Luke’s gospel tells us in verse 2 of chapter 24. Luke 24:2-7 – “But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.” They needed the stone rolled away so they could prepare the body of Jesus for its final internment. They arrive and they find the stone rolled away from the tomb… and they enter.

1. “3. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6. "He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7. "saying, `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' ''”
2. They had been worried about the rolling away of the stone, and when they arrive they find the stone is rolled away. Then they enter the tomb and the body of Jesus is missing! They were very perplexed, we might say confused. They had seen Jesus body laid in that tomb and now they are faced with the fact: the body of Jesus was not there!
3. But there is good news - “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!"
4. These “two men”… are doubtless angels sent from God for this very purpose. They remind those women of what had been said over and over again by the Lord. Oh yes, - it is His lot to suffer and to die but always He said He would rise again. There are in Luke 9:21-22, these words of Jesus which finally… they remember! – “And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.''”

C. You are probably thinking, wait, you skipped over something, and I did. What about this business of the guards that were put at the tomb? We remember that because the enemies of Jesus asked Pilate to do something to prevent anything happening which would give anyone cause to claim that He had been raised from the dead. Pilate told them to take a guard, and make the tomb as secure as they could. “So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.”

1. What happened? The stone was rolled away, the body of Jesus missing. How is this going to be explained?
2. Going to Matthew 28:11-15 – we read about how all this is going to be explained. “Now while they were going, (that is the women going to tell the disciples) behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.”
3. “12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,” (in other words they bribed them) 13 saying, (here is why they bribed them) “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying ( that is, the saying that His disciples stole His body by night) is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
4. It was important to the Jewish leaders that nothing happen that could give rise to a claim of Jesus resurrection. Now that the tomb is empty, they have to concoct a story, an explanation. Something has to be said to explain why the tomb is empty or else His disciples are going to say “He is risen!” What they came up with was to bribe the soldiers to say that His disciples came by night and stole away his body. A plausible explanation for the empty tomb. (or was it really plausible?)
5. The fact that money was paid labels their report as false; no bounty would have been required to tell the truth. Interestingly the record says that this was the explanation still being believed at the time of the writing of Matthew’s gospel, among the Jews at least.

D. Let’s look at another incident found in John’s gospel involving Mary Magdalene and the empty tomb. Look with me at John 20:1-2 – “On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.''” Now look at verse 11 – “But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping,…”

1. Mary Magdalene had come with the other women early on that Sunday morning to prepare the body of Jesus. (Matthew 28:1)
2. Seeing the open tomb, she immediately ran to Peter with the only conclusion she could imagine - “they have taken away the Lord...”
3. You may recall from Luke 8:2 that it was Mary Magdalene out of whom Jesus cast seven devils. No wonder her appreciation for Jesus. No wonder the emotions she felt at the death of her Lord. Doubtless, from this healing grew great love, and appreciation.
4. The guards are to say that His disciples’ had stolen His body but His disciples did not know where it had gone.

E. Two important things to remember at this point...

1. Jewish leaders absolutely could not have a risen Christ. They had to have some explanation, as implausible as it probably seemed. They knew the disciples had not stolen the body but the story would be that they did.
2. The disciples themselves are saying that the tomb is empty and we don’t know where the body is.
3. The fact is, that the tomb was empty. No one argued against that fact, the tomb was empty. –all agreed ... but the question was, what happened to the body?

II. SOME OF THE RESURRECTION APPEARANCES - That brings us to the resurrection appearances. These moments in time where the disciples see the risen Christ, sometimes with fear and trembling.

A. Turn in your bibles to John 20:11-18 – Here we will read of the first of His appearances. This one was to Mary Magdalene after the other disciples had gone to their homes. “11. But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13. Then they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?'' She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.'' 14. Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?'' She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.'' 16. Jesus said to her, "Mary!'' She turned and said to Him, "Rabboni!'' (which is to say, Teacher). 17. Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, `I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.' '' 18. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.” Can you imagine this grief stricken woman standing outside of the tomb weeping? She stoops down and looks inside and there are the two angels. Why are you weeping? Who are you seeking?

1. Notice that Mary says, she believed someone had taken away the body.
2. Then Jesus appears to her and she does not recognize Him. She thinks He is the gardener, and asks if He moved the body. Then Jesus calls her by name. When He called her by name she recognized that it was Him.
3. In v. 17- He says to her “do not cling to me”. Again, can you imagine the emotions she must be feeling at that instant? Surely she would have wanted to embrace and cling to her Lord. Hang on to him because she had seen Him die! Now He is there! … I would suggest that Jesus is asking her not to cling to Him, since He had not ascended and there would be time before He did. There was something more important for her to do right then. Go and tell the disciples that Jesus is alive and not yet ascended, and she obeyed.

B. In Mark 16:12 – we see another appearance to two of the disciples. “After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country.”

1. Look now at Luke 24:13-17 – “13. Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus (uh•may•uhs), which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17. And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?''”
2. Here you see a fairly full account of this particular appearance of the Lord to these two disciples and we are told they are on their way to Emmaus upon leaving Jerusalem after the Passover. They are on their way home and as they walk along it is obvious they are very sad. Jesus comes along, and they do not recognize who He is, and He asks them, why are you so sad?
3. Let’s continue reading starting in verse 19. Luke 24:19-24 – “19. And He said to them, "What things?'' And they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20. "and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21. "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22. "Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23. "When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24. "And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.''”
4. Here then is why they are sad. These are His disciples and they loved Him. This is the third day and they are remembering that on the third day He would be raised from the dead. There have been reports that the tomb is empty and certain disciples have gone there and confirmed it. They have heard of visions of angels who have said He is alive! “but Him they did not see” All these things have happened… but they have not seen Him.
5. I wonder, are they laboring under the impression that someone has stolen away the body of Jesus? Perhaps. Take a look at verse 31… Luke 24:31 – “Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him;…” Mary Magdalene knew it was Jesus whom she had seen. Now these two disciples know that it is Jesus whom they see.

C. Reading at verse 33… Luke 24:33-36 – “33. So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34. saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35. And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. 36. Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.”” Jesus appears not to one, not to two but to the eleven and others with them.

1. It was already being reported that He had appeared to Peter (v. 34)
2. Late on this first day of the week, He appears to the group and confirms His identity. Jesus confirms to those who knew Him best, that He is risen from the dead.
3. What was their immediate reaction to this wondrous event? (read verse 37) Luke 24:37 - “But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.”
4. Jesus then challenges them to look at His hands and feet where they would see the marks of crucifixion. Seeing those marks and His being with them surely… they would understand that this was the Jesus whom they loved in life and is now risen.
5. It seems though they are having a problem. Because we are told, “they still did not believe … and marveled,” - a ghost? a spirit?
6. Then Jesus does something that a spirit would not do. He asks them, do you have anything to eat? They give Him fish and honeycomb and He eats before them. By doing so, they realized it is He! This is our Lord, our Master! You can read this in Luke 24:40-43

D. One more resurrection appearance I must not forget is found in John 20:24-29 -

1. You remember Thomas, and reading at v. 24 we find that Thomas had apparently not seen the Lord on the previous Lord’s Day, and he manifests the same disbelief which had been evident in the others. “24. Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.””
2. In verse 26 we find they are gathered together again and this time Thomas is with them, and Jesus appears in like manner as before. “And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!””
3. In vs. 27-28. Jesus confronts Thomas and his unbelief in the marvelous incident which has given rise to a name for Thomas, which I’m not sure he deserves… Doubting Thomas. Did not all of them doubt at one time or another? Specifically to Thomas Jesus invites him to touch the nail prints on His hands and feet and place his fingers into the wound in His side. Thomas says these wonderful words, “My Lord and my God”. “Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!””
4. Let’s look at the words in v. 29 – the last part of this verse is so important. “Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” This, folks, applies to you and me. Thomas was privileged to see with his physical eyes the risen savior. He was privileged to put his physical finger in the physical nail prints and the wound in Jesus’ side. You and I have not been so privileged… yet based on such credible testimony, - we believe. We sang “He Arose” and we believe in the living Christ.

E. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 – we find a section of scripture that deals with the resurrection. “3. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4. and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5. and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” I read this verse because I want you to know that the resurrection appearances of Jesus, unmistakable as they were, are too numerous for a credible question or doubt. Inspiration calls Paul to write, “some have died but most are still alive”. That is a challenge isn’t it? If you do not believe me go ask these people. There are plenty of them around.
F. For us, all of them have long since died and you and I are left with the certified testimony, of credible witnesses, that Jesus is alive.

CLOSE: It is the first day of the week and He arose. The resurrection transformed this dispirited band of disciples into the courageous men and women they became. In Acts 2:32 the apostle Peter says: “we all are witnesses”. You and I are not witnesses who have seen with our physical eyes the risen Christ and cannot witness that fact. They could and they did and because of their testimony, this morning it is our privilege to declare, Jesus, is alive. Jesus is in heaven reining at the right hand of God. The tomb could not keep Him. The guards could not keep Him. The seal could not keep Him. He is alive! Because He is alive, we can face tomorrow with confidence and certainty... confidence in our future and the certainty that the promises of God are kept.

Just As I Am (the song says). Our salvation is not something we merit or earn from God. That has been done for us at the cross and has been confirmed for us by the resurrection. It is provided by a loving God and we need to respond to this gift with loving obedience to His word. God’s word tells us; you need to believe in Jesus; repent of your sins; then confess your belief that Jesus is the Son of God; and make the decision to be baptized into His death.

If you have not done so, I would urge you as we sing the song of invitation, to make the decision to be baptized this morning. Leave this place with your sins forgiven. Forgiven because of the cross, not because of anything you’ve done to claim, or to earn, but because of the cross and what Jesus did. Come and be forgiven.

There might be Christian people in the assembly today that have let the meaning of the cross slip from their minds. Things and events and even people have become too important to them and the fact of the cross has slipped away. The cross my friends is all there is.

If you need to come we invite you to do so now as we stand and as we sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

Calvary - Preaching The Cross

Luke 23:33 - Matthew 27:33

INTRO: Good morning church!
The trials, such as they were, have been completed. Pilate has tried numerous times to find a way to release Jesus from His captivity, but political pressure was too strong.
He yielded to the demands of the enemies of Jesus knowing full well that Jesus was not guilty of any crime worthy of what they had planned. The words “wanting to gratify the crowd” (Mark 15:15) are some of the saddest words I know… yet they give great insight into the mind of Pilate. Furthermore and perhaps more importantly, they give us insight into the mind of human nature. Pilate released to the people the known criminal Barabbas and “… he delivered Jesus to their will” (Luke 23:25).
All of this is happening early on a Friday, and these events have been recorded for us by the Biblical writers.

They took Jesus to the place of execution ... Golgotha, or Calvary, meaning “skull”. Before the crucifixion there are some things we notice.

I. THERE WERE THE SCOURGING AND HUMILIATION

A. There was, for example, the scourging and the humiliation at the hands of Romans soldiers. In Matthew 27:26-31 – “26. Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. 27. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!'' 30. Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31. Then when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.”[NKJV] “...and when he had scourged Jesus...”

1. As I said last week I will not go into the details of a Roman scourging.
2. There is no need for me to recount for you the awful details of this form of human torture.
3. Suffice it to say historians tell us there were those who actually died as a result of a Roman scourging. It was a horrible, horrible procedure. It came in fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah (Isaiah 53:5). I suppose that Pilate did not know that every stripe laid upon our Lord was a fulfillment of the Word of God.

B. “Then the soldiers...”

1. The Bible says that they stripped Him of His own clothing and put on Him a scarlet robe. The robe of course symbolizing royalty, and they plaited a crown of thorns and pressed it on His head. They put a reed in His hand symbolizing a scepter.
2. Then bowing before Him in mockery they said: “Hail King of the Jews!”
3. As if that was not enough, in mockery, in contempt, they spat on Him. Then they put His own cloths back on Him and they led Him out to be crucified. The routine of crucifixion was always the same. When the cross was prepared the criminal himself had to carry it to the place of execution. (Scholars tell us it was likely the cross member portion). He was placed in the middle of four soldiers. In front a soldier marched carrying a board stating the crime for which the prisoner was found guilty. The board was afterwards affixed to the cross.

II. SIMON OF CYRENE COMPELLED TO BEAR JESUS’ CROSS

A. In the next verse we are introduced to another individual about whom we know very little—Simon of Cyrene. He was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus. The Bible says in: Matthew 27:32 – “Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.”

1. Obviously, Jesus is physically weakened. Not only has He been awake for a great many hours. He has been shuffled from place to place in all these mock hearings / trials, and He has been scourged. Doubtless from loss of blood, from physical pain, He is physically weakened, and help is needed.
2. This must have been a grim day for Simon. Palestine was an occupied country, and any man might be impressed into the Roman service for any task. The sign of impressment was a tap on the shoulder with the flat of a Roman spear.
3. Simon was from Cyrene, in Africa. I find it interesting that when a Roman soldier needed someone to help him, whatever the need, all he had to do was tap that person with his spear.

B. On this occasion, Simon of Cyrene, perhaps drawn to the situation by the tumult which is obvious, feels the touch of the Roman spear and he is compelled to bear the cross for Jesus. Who was this man we wonder?

1. According to Mark’s gospel he was a man that apparently in later days was known to the disciples. Mark 15:21 – “Now they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, (notice Mark adds here) the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.” That little notation suggests to us that in later days perhaps that Simon was a man well-known to the disciples and they knew his children, Alexander and Rufus.
2. On this occasion, on this day, he’s just an innocent traveler who has come out of the country possibly for the purpose of celebrating the Passover in keeping with the Jewish law. We might say that he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. At the moment Simon probably bitterly resented this happening to him.
3. If, indeed, this man did become the disciple of Christ, and I’m inclined in view by what is said in Mark to think that might have occurred… in later days he might have rejoice that he had been so favored.

III. THE CROSS, THE INSCRIPTION

A. Now I would like us to turn to the 19th chapter of John’s gospel. In John 19:17-18 – “And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.” “...Golgotha: where they crucified him...”

1. I will not elaborate on the process, the procedure, of Roman crucifixion. We will simply say it was a horrible way to die.
2. Today we would call it cruel and unusual punishment and it would likely be illegal in many parts of the world. Back then it was a form of punishment for runaway slaves or insurgents or the worst of criminals. A Roman citizen could never be crucified it was that horrible, and the Romans had developed crucifixion into an art. The Romans were so adept at this that we are told that there were some victims who took as long as a week to die.
3. Then I recall in Galatians 3:13 it tells us; “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree''),” That last part is from a passage in Deuteronomy 12:22-23 which says: “"If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.”
4. I’m realizing that Jesus took upon Himself, in being crucified, this curse. What this Hebrew curse meant was to be cut off from God, cut off from the land.

B. Then we go on and read in John chapter 19: John 19:19-22 –‘ ‘ “19. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews. 20. Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 21. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, "I am the King of the Jews.'' ‘ 22. Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written.”

1. This was an inscription which was written and usually affixed to the cross to identify the reason that the person was being crucified. It was written in three languages, the languages then current among the people.
2. It has been observed that these three languages stand for the contributions of those nations to the world. Greece taught the world beauty of form and of thought; Rome taught the world law and government; the Hebrews taught the world religion and the worship of the true God.
3. One wrote that the consummation of all these things is seen in Jesus. In Him were the supreme beauty and the highest thought of God. In Him was the law of God and the kingdom of God. In Him was the very image of God. All the world's seeking and striving found their consummation in Christ. It is symbolic that the three great languages of the world should be used to call Him king.
4. I want you to notice here that the leaders of the Jews didn’t like the inscription, and they came to Pilate and said: “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’
5. Pilate says: “What I have written, I have written.” I don’t know the mind of Pilate, but I cannot help but feel that this was done to irritate and annoy the Jews for placing him in a position were he caved in to their demand that a man he knew was innocent should be crucified.

IV. PEOPLE WHO WERE THERE

A. I want us to also look at those people who are around the cross. This could be an entire study in itself. We won’t do that, but we’ll look at some.

1. There were the Roman soldiers of whom we read in verses 23 and 24 of John 19:23-24 – “23. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24. They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,'' that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.'' Therefore the soldiers did these things.”
2. The custom of that day was that the clothing of the person being crucified was given to the contingent of soldiers who carried out the execution. On this occasion there were four soldiers and they parted his garments among them, but here was this outer garment, this robe, woven without a seam we’re told. They decided: Let’s not cut it in four parts. Let’s cast lots for it.
3. Notice that John makes mention of Prophesy—Psalms chapter 22, verse 18: “They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

B. In Luke’s gospel in chapter 23 we discover, as all of us know, that there were two others crucified on that occasion. Luke 23:32 – “There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death.” We continue reading at verse 39: Luke 23:39-43 – “39. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.'' 40. But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41. "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.'' 42. Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.'' 43. And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.''”

1. Legend has been busy with this robber. He is called by various names. One legend makes him a Judean Robin Hood who robbed the rich to give to the poor. There are many writings and speculations concerning this incident.
2. They were, according to one of them, guilty of transgressions and were receiving the punishment that they deserved. Then there are those remarkable words of Jesus: "today you will be with Me in Paradise."
3. That has given rise to an amazing remark by many people who come face to face in scripture with the necessity of being baptized, but for whatever reason want to say baptism is not necessary. “I want to be saved like the thief on the cross.” If you study the Bible with people for very long you’ve heard that. That’s a statement which reflects a misunderstanding of the covenant arrangement of history. This thief, as did Jesus, lived and died under the Mosaic covenant.
4. Another thing people do is equate this word Paradise with Heaven. Scripture says here “today you will be with me in Paradise”. It has been noted by scholars that "In some elements of first-century Judaism, (this word for paradise) described the spiritual abode of the soul between death and the resurrection." I suspect, this is the meaning here.
5. Now scripture says that on the first day of the week when Mary met the risen Jesus and supposed He was the gardener, He said to her “Mary” and she turned to Him and said “rabboni”, then in John 20:17 – “Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, `I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.' ''” After Jesus rose from the dead, He stated that He had not yet ascended to the Father; therefore, Paradise is not identified as the final abode of the blessed.
6. A second thing I note is that scripture does not say whether or not this man was baptized by John the baptizer for whatever that may be worth. Scripture does indicate however, that many people were being baptized by John.
7. The most significant thing to me is found in Matthew 9:2-6 – “2. And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.'' 3. And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, "This Man blasphemes!'' 4. But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5. "For which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, `Arise and walk'? 6. "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins'' then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.''”

i. Here Jesus tells of a man who is paralytic: to take up his bed and walk. Before He tells the man to take up his bed, He tells him: Your sins are forgiven you. The scribes are incensed at this and they say only God can forgive sins.
ii. Jesus would respond to that: “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins'' then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
iii. There’s the issue. Jesus the Son of God on earth had that prerogative. He could forgive sins.

8. What we must never forget, is that the situation of the criminal on the cross is completely different from our situation, and covenant under which we live is the covenant of Christ. He sent His disciples out into the world to make disciples and to baptize them into the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

C. Here at the cross there were the soldiers, the two malefactors and then there was another soldier mentioned. This soldier is identified as a centurion in: Matthew 27:54 – “Now when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!''”

1. From what history tells us, this makes sense that the group of four soldiers in charge of executing a person was commanded by a centurion.
2. A Roman centurion was an experienced soldier. Because he is quartered in Jerusalem I have every reason to believe that he has watched numerous others die by crucifixion, but he had never seen one die as did Jesus.
3. Of course, there was the earthquake and the eclipse and other physical things that surrounded the death of Jesus, but he comes to this conclusion: “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark15:39.

D. There was another group of people we should notice, the women present at the cross. In John’s gospel, John 19:25-27 – “25. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!'' 27. Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!'' And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

1. All four gospels record that these women were present. His mother’s sister … Salome, the wife of Zebedee, and the mother of James and John, thus making James and John cousins of Jesus.
2. One of the interesting things Jesus said from the cross was to the disciple whom He loved. Apparently that’s John: “Behold your mother!” To her: “Woman, behold your son!”
3. The eldest son in that day had the responsibility of caring for his mother and if her son died she could be in a very sad and tenuous situation. Yes, there were other brothers but it is to John, a first cousin that He says: Behold your mother, and to His mother: Behold your son. From that hour John took her into his house. Women were weeping around the cross, likely not understanding what all this means, but they were there.

V. THE WORDS OF JESUS FROM THE CROSS

A. Let me hurriedly mention some of the other words from the cross. We are told of seven things Jesus said. Some are better known than others.
What were the sayings? What did they mean? We have already looked at two.
B. Of them...

1. Perhaps the best known is the saying from Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” This forgiveness is to me an amazing thing, that Jesus in the agony that He was experiencing, could think of forgiving those who are His tormentors.
2. In Matthew 27:46 we see the feeling of Jesus as He experiences a separation from the Father: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” That separation was so necessary for us. As it says in 2^nd Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us…” Sin does not abide in the presence of God.
3. In Luke’s gospel again, verse 23:46 – and here is this amazing confidence Jesus has about the ultimate destiny of His spirit. “Father, `into Your hands I commend My spirit.'” This word for “commend” is the same word we studied in 1^st Peter 4:19, urging faithful disciples to commit their spirit to the faithful creator as Dale pointed out in class.
4. David said in Psalm 31:5 – “Into Your hand I commit my spirit;” Now David commended his spirit to God that he might live and not die, and Jesus used the same words to mean that He would die, but He would continue to live after the resurrection!
5. In John 19:28 – “Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!''”
6. The last one I’ll mention is found in John 19:30 - “It is finished” - the redeeming work of Jesus was complete - the atoning sacrifice had been offered - salvation could be proclaimed

CLOSE: It was on a Friday, not forgotten by Biblical writers and scholars, perhaps the best known Friday in all of human history—the Friday that the Son of God was killed.
We are sad because of the cross… yet we are glad because of the cross.

Something that we need to remember, and to remember well, is found in Romans 6:3f. There begins an incredible section of scripture in which the subject of baptism is an integral part. That passage tells us clearly that we are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ. We are baptized into the sacrifice, for it is there that the blood of Christ washes away, cleanses us, of our sins.

There are those who will hear this message that have never been baptized for the remission of their sins, never entered into the death of Christ… and because they have never entered into that death, their sins are still with them. They’ve never been remitted. If you are one, you remain in that state and that is so fatal. I urge you to listen to God’s word; believe in Jesus; repent of your sins; then confess your belief that Jesus is the Son of God; and make the decision to be baptized into His death.

If you are one who is here this morning I would urge as we sing the song of invitation that you step into the aisle and come to the front let us know: I’d like to be baptized this morning. Leave this place with your sins forgiven. Forgiven because of the cross, not because of anything you’ve done to claim, or to earn, but because of the cross and what Jesus did. Come and be forgiven.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

The Trials - Preaching The Cross

John 18:37-19:15 Luke 23:1-16

INTRO: Good morning church. For our reference this morning I’m going to read John 18:39-40 – “"But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?'' Then they all cried again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas!'' Now Barabbas was a robber.”[NKJV]

What I want to look at this morning are the various trials of our Lord, if they may be called trials. The hearings before religious and civil leaders are recorded in all the gospel records. One of the things that we discover in examining these records is the trial before the high priest, Caiaphas, and the Jewish council was probably, according to Jewish Law, not legally conducted.

There have been scholars of Jewish Law of that time who have concluded that these were truly unlawful hearings. We should understand that the Pharisees and Sadducees were determined to have their way, and they were not very concerned with the niceties of legality. They were just concerned about being done with Jesus.

During these last hours before His death we discover several things about Jesus. One is, of course, that He is, and claimed to be, the Son of God (we find that in Luke 22:70). A second is that He is truly the Messiah, the Christ, and ultimately in His interview before Pilate that He is the King (as it says in John 18:37).

However, our focus this morning is to look just a little bit further into the last hours of our Lord before His death.

I. FOLLOWING A “RELIGIOUS TRIAL”, HE WAS TAKEN TO PILATE: Jesus first was taken before Caiaphas, the high priest that year, and Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas. After Jesus endured this mock hearing, He was then taken to Pilate, the Roman governor.

A. As the Roman governor, Pilate was the authority for that time and place.

1. Pilate was not an especially astute ruler. In fact history indicates he was a very poor governor, but one thing was certain about Pilate. He had no lost love for the Jews. Historians tell us he was rabidly anti-Jew.
2. With that as background, it seems a little bit unusual to me that the Jewish leaders would take Jesus to someone they did not respect for judgment. Why, I wonder, did they do that?
3. Since we are in our Bibles at the 18th chapter of the gospel of John. I’m going begin reading in verse 28, and I’d like you to read along with me. John 18:28-32 – “28. Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29. Pilate then went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?'' 30. They answered and said to him, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.'' 31. Then Pilate said to them, "You take Him and judge Him according to your law.'' Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,'' 32. that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.” Here are some thoughts, and observations, about what we find here.

i. The first thing that leaps to our attention as we read this, is that we’re dealing with a group of “holier than thou” people. I note that when they came to the judgment hall of Pilate these religious leaders would not even go inside because they would be defiled ceremonially and not be able to eat the Passover. For some reason Pilate conceded this and went out to them and asked them: what is the accusation that you bring against this man? They said: Listen; if He wasn’t a bad person we would not have brought Him to you. That didn’t satisfy Pilate nor would it satisfy most people. He may not have been a great ruler, or a great judge, but he still knew that something was very much amiss with this situation.
ii. He tells them – “you take Him and judge Him according to your law”. But then they responded. Now listen… this is haughtiness gone to seed, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,''. The very next verse indicates that this is all happening in order to fulfill that which Jesus prophesied concerning the manner of His death.
iii. Here’s a little bit of reading between the lines. Was it impossible for the Jews to execute someone? Was it out of the realm of possibility? The answer is no.
iv. They had done it before and they could have done it again. If they did so though, the Jewish leaders that brought the accusation against Jesus would have had to participate in stoning Him which was the custom of their executions. What they really wanted was not to have their hands dirtied by all this. What they really wanted was some way to pass the blame for what was about to happen off to the Romans and get them to legally kill Jesus. Something else we need to note here is - they are talking about putting Jesus to death—even before any judgment is handed down.
v. You’ll notice that verse 32 tells us Jesus had already explained about His crucifixion. What had He said? “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” John 12:32 He said this in keeping with the manner of the death that He was to die. What’s happening here is that the Jews are fulfilling Jesus’ prophesy concerning His death.

B. They brought Jesus to Pilate, and as we consider Pilate we might wonder, what his impression of Jesus is. I’d like you to turn in your Bibles to the gospel of Luke next, the 23^rd chapter, where we read the first impressions of Pilate about Jesus. In the religious hearing with Caiaphas and Annas, Matthew records in Matthew 26:65 that the charge of blasphemy has been leveled against Jesus. The problem is the Romans didn’t care about blasphemy. That’s not their problem, it is a religious issue, and it’s the Jew’s problem.

1. Let’s read Luke 23:1-4 - “1. Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2. And they began to accuse Him, saying, "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.'' 3. So Pilate asked Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?'' And He answered him and said, "It is as you say.'' 4. Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no fault in this Man.''”
2. Notice how these people misrepresented the truth of things. Remember the charge that the Jews have leveled against Jesus is the charge of blasphemy. As far as they are concerned that is an executable offense. They can kill Him for that. When they come to Pilate who is the Roman civil leader, the man with supreme authority over life and death, notice in verse two what they say. We found this fellow perverting the nation and forbidding giving tribute to Caesar saying that He Himself is Christ the King. Hmmmm that’s a shift.
3. What was it that Jesus had really said about giving tribute to Caesar? Do you recall it? We find this in Matthew 22:17-21 – here is what Jesus had really said about this issue. When the Herodians came to Jesus with the question “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”, His response was very simple. “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” That was the truth of the matter. He had never taught anything about subverting the nation, but to get a sympathetic hearing from the Roman governor they had to lie—these Jewish religious leaders. They had to misrepresent the truth to Pilate, and indeed they did. Pilate knew the Jews would follow a king, and not deliver him up. So he says he finds no fault in Jesus.
4. We go on and read just a little bit further. I want to begin at verse five and read through verse seven since here is where the whole scene is going to change. Luke 23:5-7 – “5. But they were the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.'' 6. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7. And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.” - I can just imagine Pilate at this point saying; “Ah, ha! I have found a way to get rid of this issue. I know that this man is not guilty of death, but I don’t see how to deal with this without stirring up the people or offending Caesar. This looks like my way out of the whole problem. The man is a Galilean and as a Galilean He is a subject to Herod Antipas. “I have nothing to do with this” and he sends Him to Herod.

II. THE HEARING BEFORE HEROD: Now there is another hearing, and this time it is before Herod.

A. We need to understand a little bit about the political geography of that time. The area we would call the Holy Land was divided into parts. One part which was overseen (the part where Pilate was) by the Romans themselves. The part involving Galilee, Nazareth or Capernaum, all places to which we attach the name of Jesus, these are all places under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas.

1. Historically we are told, there was no “love lost” between Pilate & Herod.
2. Why send Jesus there except to wash his hands of the matter? Perhaps as a favorable overture to Herod Antipas? We are not told though there is a hint.
3. Let’s look just a few verses later at Luke 23:12 and notice; “That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for before that they had been at enmity with each other.” This gesture on the part of Pilate, sending Jesus to Herod for judgment, apparently was a good gesture as far as politics were concerned.
4. That then brings us to the actual hearing that takes place with Herod.

B. Luke 23:8-11 – “8. Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.”

1. Herod was very interested in Jesus and very curious about Him. He had heard many things about Jesus and in his curiosity he hoped, as many curious people might have at that time, to see some miraculous thing done by Jesus. But nothing was done.
2. So, Herod questions Jesus and in the course of this questioning he gets no information to satisfy his curiosity.
3. At the end of the day what he and his minions do, is to mock Jesus, to hold Him in contempt and jest. “I don’t have to deal with Jesus. After all we’re in Jerusalem. This isn’t my bailiwick. I’m going to send Him back to Pilate, just send Him back, and let Pilate take care of this.” That’s exactly what he does.

III. PILATE IS AGAIN FACED WITH A DECISION ABOUT JESUS:

A. Neither Pilate nor Herod could find any reason why Jesus should be executed, but Jesus is delivered to Pilate again. Look a little further in Luke 23. As we read the account, we find Pilate is responding to the Jewish people and saying he finds no fault in Jesus concerning the accusations against Him. I will begin reading in Luke 23:13-16 – “13. Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14. said to them, "You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15. "no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing worthy of death has been done by Him. 16. "I will therefore chastise Him and release Him''”

1. Do we see how unjust all of this is? Can we put ourselves in Jesus place for a few minutes, seeing all this going on against Him and yet Jesus is calm, like He has no despair.
2. Pilate says to the Jewish leaders: “look, your own king which is part of the political world over in the region of Galilee has said he didn’t find any cause of death in this man, and I don’t find any cause of death in this man. I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. I’m going to chastise Him and release Him.” Pilate may have been cruel, unprincipled ... but not dumb. He recognized the charges against Jesus were spurious, so he would “chastise him, and release him”

B. Let’s turn to the gospel of Mark where we read about the attempt of Pilate to release Jesus. This is the Passover season, remember. Mark 15:6-11 – “6. Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. 7. And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow insurrectionists; they had committed murder in the insurrection. 8. Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. 9. But Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?'' 10. For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. 11. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.”

1. Pilate is in a political mess and he has expressed that he knows Jesus is innocent. It sounds like he tries over and over again to release Jesus, but if he does, the political mess is just going to get worse. He knows the religious leaders have trumped this up.
2. Then he remembers that at this particular season of the year it is the custom to release a criminal to these people—someone whom they asked to be released. So he goes to the people and asks: “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
3. But the priests have influenced the people, so they say “No”! The chief priests moved the people to demand Pilate should release Barabbas unto them, a murderer, an insurrectionist, and a thief.

C. There’s one other little incident that takes place in all of this. It’s something that goes almost unnoticed in all the trials and hearings that are going on. Let’s turn in our Bibles to Matthew 27:19 it says of Pilate, “While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.''”

1. To us this might not seem the least bit significant. Most of us have dreams and not too many of us care about what the dream may or may not signify or mean—probably nothing. We are not pagan people even if some of us may act that way at times. We’re Christian people. We live in a nation that is not overseen by pagan beliefs—at least not yet.
2. In the pagan world dreams matter a great deal. Dreams were very significant. Dreams were powerful influences in the lives of people. Here’s a woman, Pilate’s wife, who has a dream. Scripture has not told us exactly what the dream was. We’re not given any substance of the dream at all, but she says: It really bothered me. She was very disquieted by her dream.
3. She was so disquieted by it that she sent word to her husband: Don’t have anything to do with this man. Pilate would have been very concerned about this. You and I would not, but Pilate was a pagan, and dreams meant so much, and here’s his wife telling him—“you don’t want to have anything to do with this man. I had a dream about Him and it really bothered me.”
4. This would have been bothersome even to Pilate. What would he do? He is on the horns of a political dilemma, and now his wife has had this dream. He is likely thinking, “I need out of this situation.”

D. Let’s turn back to John 18 again to see what happens. Pilate does his very best to get rid of the situation, to release the Lord to the people, and to get rid of this entire problem.

1. Start reading at John 18:32-36 – “32. that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die. 33. Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?'' 34. Jesus answered him, "Are you speaking for yourself on this, or did others tell you this about Me?'' 35. Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?'' 36. Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.''”
2. This interview goes on as we look at John 19:1-6 – “1. So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3. Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!'' And they struck Him with their hands. 4. Pilate then went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.'' 5. Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, "Behold the Man!'' 6. Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!'' Pilate said to them, "You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.''”
3. How many times does Pilate have to say this to the people? I find no fault in Him. He brings Jesus forth wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe and said unto them: Behold the man. He wants to get rid of this issue. He wants to release Him. His wife has told him that she’s had a dream: don’t have anything to do with this man.
4. Pilate thinks; “What I will do is scourge Him.” I’m not going into all the details of a Roman scourging now. It’s enough for me to say that it is one of the most terrible beatings. Pilate hopes that if he scourges Him it will satisfy the people. Pilate knew that the charges against Jesus were scurrilous. He thought that if he just beat Him badly that’s going to make everybody happy and he can be rid of Him.
5. In verse six, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out saying: “Crucify Him, crucify Him”. Pilate said to them; “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.” He’s saying: Do your own dirty work, you have my permission. You kill Him. I’m not going to do it.
6. Let’s go on reading in John 19:10-11 – “Then Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?'' Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.''”
7. Jesus tells Pilate that the only way you can do this is because it’s part of God’s plan. Its part of God’s agenda otherwise you would have no power over me whatsoever. The power has been given to you from above. Here’s poor Pilate, he is in a political mess and the Jews knew they had him in a box.
8. John 19:12 – “From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.''”
9. Then in John 19:15 – “But they cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!'' Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?'' The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!''”
10. Wow! What duplicity, what lies they were willing to tell to get Jesus to the cross. They knew that Pilate was not a particularly popular person with Caesar. They believed that if word got to Caesar that Pilate had released a man who claimed to be King of the Jews it would be all over for Pilate—political pressure, and it was to this pressure that Pilate ultimately yielded.

E. That brings us back to another one of those little incidents in Matthew 27:24-25 – “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.'' And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children.''”

1. In Matthew 27:19— we saw Pilate’s wife had a dream, and told him don’t have anything to do with this. Our reading in John’s gospel indicates from the time the trials began Pilate sought a way to release Jesus and he claimed over and over again, “the Man is innocent”. He’s not worthy of punishment.
2. He knew it was for envy that Jesus had been delivered to him. What does he do? Pilate took water and washed his hands and said I have nothing to do with it. I want nothing to do with it. In this symbolic act, he sought to absolve himself in this terrible drama.
3. The fact is, by the washing of his hands, he could not absolve himself of his responsibility in the unjust ending of this whole affair. We see that he wasn’t a courageous man, but he didn’t want to have anything to do with what was about to happen.
4. He washed his hands of the affair and sought a way to transfer the guilt for the injustice that was about to occur to others and they accepted it by saying: “His blood be on us and on our children.”

F. When it is within our power to change or adjust that which is unjust and wrong and we seek to wash our hands of the affair, we cannot absolve ourselves of responsibility.

1. I’ve wonder if we at times, not by a symbolic act perhaps, but by some mental gymnastics, seek to do the very same thing that Pilate did. I’m not going to do the right thing. I know I should. I’m not going to do it, —BUT— I don’t want to be seen as guilty for my behavior.
2. How many times are there that we know what we should do, but don’t? Or what we shouldn’t do, but do, with no more justification than Pilate had?

G. Finally, this morning let’s go Mark 15:15 – “So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.”

1. Listen to those words, “wanting to gratify the crowd ”.
2. Is this the reason for the conduct that takes us into places that we should not go? Is this the reason for the conduct that leads us to do things that we should not do, or causes us to not do things we ought to do?
3. Willing to gratify the crowd—that’s pressure, folks. Recognize it? In today’s world we often see it as peer pressure, social pressure.

CLOSE: How often do we find ourselves in a situation of conviction knowing what we ought to do or what we ought not to do, yet because of the people around us, the pressure of the moment, the circumstances of the situation, we are willing to gratify the world.

Pilate delivered Jesus to be crucified. All of this folks was done for us. All of this unfairness, all of these indignities, all the suffering of the sinless Savior was done for each of us. As we read and re-read these narrative events of the cross, we should more deeply appreciate and understand how much Jesus loves us because He did all of this for me and for you.

You can’t wash your hands of Jesus, my friends, and remove your responsibility toward Him. You can’t wash your hands of Jesus and wash away your responsibility for sin.
There is one place, though, where the washing can occur and will occur and that’s in baptism. It’s not the washing away of your responsibility to Jesus; it is your response to His gift. It is a washing away of your sins, and that is a gift made possible because of the cross.

You can be cleansed from your sins because of the cross. You can be forgiven of your sins because of the cross. While we’re singing the invitation song, if you have not been baptized into Jesus Christ, would you make that decision this morning and respond to God’s invitation to come?

Take this simple step and this morning before you leave this place, you will be washed, cleansed of your sins, because of the cross. Then you will be prepared to meet God in that day.

If there’s any way we can assist, we invite you to come as we stand and as we sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson

Prayer

I have a sermon this morning that I have entitled simply, Prayer. We know as God's children, prayer is a very serious privilege that has been bestowed upon us. I believe the disciples only asked the Lord to teach them one thing and that was prayer. As we find in Luke 11:1-2, “…Lord, teach us to pray…”.

The question may arise, what is prayer? Some may think that the attempt to define prayer is something that is pretty difficult to do, but it's like anything that God has created, complete knowledge of it may be beyond our understanding, but we still benefit from trying to study it. Much like, for example, the human body is beyond our complete understanding, but we still study it. Just like a simple plant. People today, even though a plant is a simple form of life, people still study them. I don't think anybody has complete knowledge.

What is prayer not? I’d start out with prayer is not a bellhop to get out of trouble. Prayer is not merely a psychological release of our pent up emotions. Prayer is not a stump speech that we want to give to God, demanding or commanding him to give us our whims or our desires. Prayer is not a kind of vehicle to display one's proficient knowledge of the language or one's sufficient knowledge of the Bible, even. Prayer is not just for our desires.

What is a good definition of prayer? Someone has said prayer is a line of communication between God and man. That's a simple definition, but it sounds pretty good. Someone else has said prayer is God's love device to maintain fellowship with man. It could be said that prayer is asking, seeking and knocking. This morning, I'd like to read in the beginning here a number of scriptures to help us get an idea of what prayer is.

Starting with Matthew 7:7-8 where it says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Now, I'd like for us to take a journey to First Kings 17:1; 18:41-46, then we will go into James. First, I Kings 17:1. “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”

Then I Kings 18:41, “And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, 43. And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. 44. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not. 45. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. 46. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”—First Kings 18:41-46.

Let's look at James 5:17-18. “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

One more, Luke 18:1-7, “1. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2. Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5. Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?”

The way I understand it, the Lord wants us to be individuals that are diligent in prayer. We are not to just ask the Lord or go before the Lord just one time. We are to continue to ask our Lord. We are not just to seek Him one time. We are to continue to seek the face of our Lord. We're not to knock just one time, but the Lord will have us to keep on knocking—be persistent. Now consider the widow's conduct. This widow was one thing, at least. She was persistent. She troubled this wicked judge. This may be an individual who was without a conscience. He did not fear God. Neither did he regard man. He didn't care much about man, but this widow was not deterred because of this judge's conduct. She continued to come before this judge. She didn't give up. What we should gather from this is, unlike the judge, our God is a loving God. He cares about us. Therefore, how much more should we be persistent in our prayers before him?

Consider Elijah's prayer. This was a great man. After praying that there would be no rain, later for the first time when he prayed the first time, no rain came. He didn't quit. He prayed a second time, and again, no rain appeared, but he didn't quit. Then he prayed a third time, and, of course, no rain came at that time. He still did not quit. This man of God prayed the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh time. Then the Lord answered his prayer and there was rain. Many people probably would have given up earlier than Elijah.

Some people would have perhaps given up the very first time and began to think that maybe God does not exist. He did not hear my prayer. Some may give up thinking God don't love me, therefore I'm going to stop praying. Some may conclude that maybe they committed some sin they are unaware of, and therefore, God is not answering their prayer. Some may say or think that they're not good enough, therefore God is not hearing my prayer. We must remember that God is not like man. Peter says. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” That's Acts 10:34-35

Notice God is no respecter of person. In other words, he shows no favoritism. He heard Elijah's prayer and he also will hear our prayers. As long as we are individuals that fear God and as long as we are individuals that work righteousness, our prayers will be heard just like Elijah's prayers were heard many years ago. This means, of course, that we're living for Christ, that we are doing God's will, that we are 100% committed to the Lord. If we want God to hear our prayers, we must constantly keep in mind His will. That's very important.

Notice what we read in First John 5:14-15. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

We must remember that prayer is not an avenue to get whatever we simply desire. There is a poet that has written these words; He says, I ask for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for help that I might do great things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might enjoy all things. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for. Despite myself, my prayers were answered. I am among all things most richly blessed.

The author is unknown. God is out for our best, not necessarily for the things that we desire. Therefore, prayer must be within God's will. Prayer is a great privilege. Before men can fully appreciate what prayer is and what it means, I think we need to know some things about God. First, we must know God. Notice these scriptures.

“Jesus said, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.” John 8:54-55.

Again “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” John 14:6-7

One more, First John 2:13-14. “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one”

Knowledge of God is crucial. It is crucial. It is necessary. The Jews did not know Him at least in an intimate way that should have been revealed in their lives. Knowledge is equal to access. In the general sense, without knowing God, people cannot know how best to approach God. A person may have general ideas about God. The lost may cry for mercy. The lost may cry to know God, but no man can expect God to hear him if he don't want to know God in an intimate way. Personally, I believe, to know God means that first I must know Jesus.

To know Jesus means to know God's will. To know God's will means I know how to pray. The early disciples knew Jesus, and consequently they knew the father. By knowing the father, they could go to him with confidence. They could go to him with confidence because it was according to a proper knowledge. We must get to know God.

What is your concept of God? What is your knowledge of God? Let's consider some things that should mold our concept of who God is. First, God owes His existence to no one. The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” That's John 1:1-3.

God owes His existence to no one. There is no beginning for God. The Bible says all things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. I think that's pretty clear. Everything made was made by God the father, or you could say God the son. It was made by the God head therefore He wasn't made by anyone. We should be mindful of this. God is accountable to no one. There's no one higher than God. There's no one that we can appeal to above God. God answers to no one… You know what? Everyone answers to God. Every person, you and I, and every person on this planet answers to God, but God answers to no one.

Next God has no need to depend upon anyone. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty”. Revelation 1:8.

In life, man is born depending upon others, and he dies depending upon others. A child depends upon his parents. In essence, he depends upon God indirectly. An adult depends upon others in life. Ultimately he depends upon God as well to even help sustain him. God has never needed others. God created the earth. He did it alone. He did not need an aid or someone to help him in making the earth. He did not have helpers. Unlike man, God has no parents. God is the beginning. God has no end. There's no death for God. Everything starts with God, and everything shall end with God.

Next, God has learned from no one.

“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.” Proverbs 8:12.

That's wisdom speaking.
Then Proverbs 8:22-30 says, “22. The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26. While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28. When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29. When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30. Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;”
A couple more, Isaiah 40:13. “Who hath directed the spirit of the Lord, or being his counseller hath taught him?”

Then First Corinthians 2:16, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Everybody has to sit at the feet of another. One can argue that Adam had sat at the feet of his creator, God. Every person has to learn from someone else, even those who would be considered geniuses among us. They have to learn from someone else. No one is so smart that they do not need someone else in their lives for them to learn.

Think about it. God knew all. He learned from no one… no one at all. From the beginning, He possessed wisdom. Before all His works of old, God possessed wisdom. He did not need a counselor. He did not need a teacher. He did not need someone to give Him directions. God did not have to go to the equivalent of Home Depot to get instructions on how to create the mountains or the deep. He did not need such help.

Next, with God, nothing is impossible. “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” – Mark 10:27. With God, all things, all things are possible.

Just to consider what we know that God has created is mind boggling. Think about the heavens, the space, and how it is expanding, expanding at a rate, as I understand it, faster than the speed of light. We would never be able to view or touch the end of the heavens or the space.
He's the creator of the earth, the skies that we gaze upon, the land that we walk upon, the mountains that sometimes we try to climb, the waters that we love to find ourselves within, and all the creatures that we have discovered, and not to mention those that we haven't discovered that God has created. Since nothing is impossible, you know God, if he so chose, he still can make new creatures. That's how nothing is impossible with God. He created all that we know and understand and beyond that.

God is everywhere. The Bible says in Psalms 139:7-12, “7. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8. If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10. Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”

Next, God is everywhere. He is in the heavens, beyond our reach. He is also in the depths of the ocean, in the middle of the ocean, places that we have not placed our feet upon. We can say God is there. God is throughout the earth, and we cannot run from him, we cannot hide from him, and we cannot escape His presence. That is very significant.

Next, God is all knowing. Again in Psalms 139:1-4 says, “1. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”

God knows all about us. There's nothing about us that He does not know. God has searched me, and He knows me. God also has searched you, and He knows you. God has searched me. He understands my thoughts from afar off. God also knows your thoughts from afar off. He's acquainted with all my ways, good and bad. He is also acquainted with all your ways, whether they're good or bad.

Before a word is on my tongue, before I say a word, he knows it before I utter it. It’s the same for you. Before a word is on your tongue, He knows it all too well. Having this knowledge should impact how we view God, first of all, and also how we pray to God.

The things mentioned does not cover all that there is to know about God. There's obviously much more about God for us to understand. As God's children, we have the privilege that very few people truly have. Yes, there are hundreds or millions probably that pray daily. How many are praying according to biblical knowledge? How many, even among God's people are praying according to biblical knowledge? Unfortunately, I think we can say that probably not everybody's praying according to biblical knowledge.

A spiritual growing congregation is a praying congregation. Numbers are not always a true representation of spiritual growth. It's a congregation that looks to Christ for His guidance, looks to Christ for its strength. It's a congregation with courage to face sin when they see it. It's a congregation that has Christian character and is willing to deal with difficult problems without strife among God's people. All this starts with knowing God today.

How is your prayer life? One thing is for sure, if we're living in sin, we don't have an effective prayer life. One's prayer just goes no further than the ceiling. If one is living in sin. Sin is something that hinders prayer. It stops our prayers if we're ignoring sin in our lives. God is ignoring our prayers. Until you are willing to confess, repent, turn from your sins, your prayers will go unanswered. They will go unanswered. Basically, you're wasting your time. That's something to think about. You're wasting your time if you're in sin and you're praying to God and you never obeyed the gospel. Your prayers only reach the ceiling.

Your sins hinder your prayers from being answered. Unless you are willing to know God in an intimate way by obeying the gospel, your prayers will continue to be unanswered.

“Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” John 9:31

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil”. First Peter 3:12

If we choose to do evil, we need to understand that the Lord face is against us. He is not for us.

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” That's Acts 10:34-35.

Another scripture says, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24

If you're here today and you have never obeyed the gospel, you need to know that you are in sin and you need your sins to be removed. The only way to have your sins removed is by obeying the gospel.

The gospel says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16

We also need to repent of our sins and to confess our sins and then be baptized for the remission or the forgiveness of our sins. If we choose to do that, the Lord will add us to His church, the body, as we find in Acts chapter 2.

If you are a member of the church and you have not been faithful, or you stand in need of prayer for any reason, we encourage you to come forward as we to sing this song of invitation. Thank you.

The Last Hours - Preaching The Cross

Luke 22:7-13

INTRO: Good morning church. Our text today is Luke 22:7-13 – “7. Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8. And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.'' 9. So they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare?'' 10. And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11. "Then you shall say to the master of the house, `The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?'' ' 12. "Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.'' 13. So they went and found it as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.”[NKJV]

We have, over the past few Lord’s days, been approaching the cross in our lessons. We have come now to the last hours of Jesus. At Matthew 26:18 – “And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, `The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.'' ' ''” Jesus says, “My time is at hand.” Very little time now remains before Jesus will be crucified by Roman soldiers. Yet, in the hours remaining there is so much to see and to learn. For Jesus the economy of time and the use of precious hours are so important ... and so obvious to readers of the gospel narratives. It is the Passover season. Jerusalem is crowded with worshipers. The enemies of Jesus, as much as they wanted Him dead concluded, as we find in Matthew 26:5 – “But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.''” It was an emotional time in Jerusalem. Almost anything could happen. Historians tell us that during the Passover a special contingent of Roman soldiers was posted there in the event of a disturbance of some sort. Amidst all of this, Jesus quietly, calmly eats the last supper with the apostles. We come to our view of the last supper in the 26^th chapter of the gospel of Matthew.

I. THE “LAST SUPPER”

A. It is at this supper we find the betrayer is identified. Matthew 26:21-25 – “21. Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.'' 22. And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?'' 23. Then He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24. "The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.'' 25. Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?'' He said to him, "You have said it.''”

1. The betrayal “deal” had already been made as we read in Matthew 26:14-16 – “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?'' And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”
2. Prophetically we read in Psalm 41:9 – “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” – Jesus identifies this passage from the book of Psalms as specifically referring to the betrayer in John 13:18 – “"I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, `He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.'”

B. More significant though is the “institution” of what we refer to as the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:26-29 – “26. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body.'' 27. Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28. "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29. "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.''”

1. Elements present at the Passover Feast were unleavened bread, and the fruit of the vine – In Exodus 12:18-20 – we read, “18. `In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19. `For seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses, since whoever eats what is leavened, that same person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a stranger or a native of the land. 20. `You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.' ''” This is the Passover Season and during this season according to what we just read in Exodus, no leaven would be permitted in Israel. It is called the feast of unleavened bread.
2. Again in Matthew 26:26 – “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body.” – In Paul’s review of the institution of the Lord’s supper in - 1^st Corinthians 11:24 – “and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.''” Though not a single bone of His body was broken, yet in His dying on the cross His body is broken for us.
3. Next at v. 27 of Matthew 26 we read of the fruit of the vine. Matthew 26:27 – “Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” - “this is my blood” - In Hebrews 9:22 – we are reminded that “…. without shedding of blood is no remission.” His body, His blood. The great atoning sacrifice, memorialized in simple, unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine. Memorialize is defined as providing a memorial for, and a memorial is defined as something which brings to mind a person or an event. To bring to remembrance.
4. Now Matthew 26:29 – “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” – This reminds me of – 1^st Corinthians 10:16 – “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” What a significant word, communion. You and I this morning have communed with the blood and the body of Jesus Christ. Communion or fellowship. You and I this very morning, with our Lord, have observed the Lord’s Supper in the Kingdom.
5. In Luke’s gospel concerning the last supper. Luke 22:19 – “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'' - “do this in remembrance of me” - clearly, a memorial feast. We have today memorialized the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
6. Look with me now in 1^st Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.” – Notice Paul says that this is a declaration of His coming again - confirmation that humanity is not finished with Jesus! We have eaten the Lord’s supper this morning not only as a memorial to the death of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for our sins—but also as a declaration that Jesus is coming again.

II. HE WASHES THE FEET OF THE APOSTLES

A. In John’s gospel we find something very unusual took place at this feast. At the feast Jesus washes the feet of the apostles. John 13:4-5 – He “rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” - “and began to wash the disciples’ feet”

1. What is unusual in this event is at that time this was a servant’s responsibility - a menial task of lowly service.
2. I can only imagine how the disciples were taken aback by this. Jesus gets up from the table and lays aside His garment, wraps a towel around Himself, takes a basin of water and stoops to wash the dusty feet of the apostles - note Peter’s reaction at v. 8-9.

B. What Jesus did, was memorialized in John 13. Jesus gave a great demonstration, an object lesson. I know there are those that try to decipher other things from this. Does this mean we need to have a basin and be washing one another’s feet? Let’s read;
C. John 13:12-16 – “ So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?” Let’s pause here and hold that thought as we read Luke 22:24 – “But there was also rivalry among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.”

1. “Do you know what I’ve done to you” Jesus asks. As I think about that against the background showing that they are divided among themselves about who is to be considered greater; I wonder, could this strife have motivated Jesus’ action?
2. Continue in John 13:13f – “"You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.” – The disciples are divided. Who is more important? Jesus demonstrates to them that not a single one of them is greater then the others. He agrees that He is their master. Yet, He can wash their feet. What can we learn from this? Let me suggest;

a. If a person has a good understanding of himself, who he is, his identity, he can stoop to any kind of service.
b. Jesus uses the word we translate “as” “as I have done”. A word of comparison that indicates the service they should do is not necessarily in the literal washing of one another’s feet but “as” He has done. Taking the opportunities to serve in any way possible.
c. If the Master can serve in the most menial of ways, His servants must not think they are too good to do so. Not one of us is so important in the following of Christ, in the Kingdom, that they can not stoop to lowly service. John 13 teaches by demonstration how you and I, as disciples of our Lord are not to elevate ourselves in any way where we can not serve.

III. JESUS’ PRAYER FOR HIS DISCIPLES

A. In John 17 we read the wonderful prayer of Jesus that He makes in these last hours. John 17:4 – “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” – I wonder how one glorifies the Father? I suspect all of us have wondered that from time to time. How do we glorify God?

1. Then immediately I see that Jesus gives the answer right there in simple words: “I have finished the work...”
2. We glorify God in the careful obedience to His will - as Jesus exemplified.
3. As we read this in John’s gospel I wonder if we don’t miss the point, that this simple, sweet prayer ... is truly instructive! This, like all other things is preserved in scripture for our instruction. The first thing this prayer teaches is how to glorify God, and that is in the same way that Jesus glorified Him by accomplishing the work He has set out for us to do, by obeying His revealed will.

B. The second thing we are taught in this prayer is found in John 17:14-16 – “14. "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15. "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16. "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” - Discipleship must be lived in the real world. There are times when I could pray that it be time to go home to be with the Lord. I get tired, and discouraged, and I lose sight of the point of this life.

1. We must always remember while we are to live in this world we are not of the world.
2. The secret folks to living in, but not of, the world I find in John 17:17 - "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."  The word sanctify comes from the same root as the word we translate Holy. This word means in its root form, “different”. Make them different, different from what? Different from the worldly people whose minds are all on worldly things. Make them different “through thy truth” :” thy word is truth”
3. Later, just before Jesus is sent to the cross, Pilate will ask, “What is truth?” - The answer is clear! God’s word.

C. John 17:20-21 – “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” – He has prayed so we understand what it is to glorify God. He has prayed so we understand how it is we live a different life here in this world. Now He prays so we understand the need for unity among believers.

1. And yet, that unity has been so difficult to achieve and maintain over years of time. 1^st Corinthians 1:10 – Here the apostle writes to a church which unfortunately is much divided. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”– He goes on to explain concerning the division there. That church was divided ... and the solution was that they all needed to speak the same thing. What is it that they, and we, are to speak? The word of God.
2. We need, you and I to do all that we possibly can to achieve and maintain unity. Not by negotiation and compromise with worldly things but unity based on the word of God. Not union but unity.

a. Too much, the religious people of this world seek union. You be this and we will be that, but we will be at union one with another. We will work together in union to accomplish some goal, some charitable need perhaps.
b. All of that sounds oh so good to our “human” minds. But folks, that is not unity based on the word of God. The only unity worthy of the name is unity that goes to the word of God. We can be one, as long as we teach, preach and practice exactly what the word of God defines.

3. One more thing about those last hours I’d like to look at. Go back with me to

IV. WELL MEANING AFFIRMATIONS BY THE APOSTLES

A. Matthew 26:31-35 – “31. Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: `I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' 32. "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.'' 33. Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.'' 34. Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'' 35. Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!'' And so said all the disciples.”

1. Jesus, once again, speaks of His death and resurrection - He quotes from Zechariah 13:7 – “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion,'' says the Lord of hosts. "Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; then I will turn My hand against the little ones” - prophecy concerning the Messiah’s death.
2. He adds that “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night”
3. Jesus even tells them that after His resurrection He will meet them in Galilee!

B. This, of course, brings a well meaning protest from Peter and the rest.

1. “I will not deny You” - “And so said all the disciples.”
2. I do not doubt for a single minute the sincerity of these words of the apostles. I believe that when they said this they believed they could remain steadfast even to the point of their own death as Peter suggested.
3. We simply do not know what the “hour of trial” may bring - how will we react; respond when the pressure is very real. In the hour of trial when the cost may be so great… even to the cost of ones life. There was a requirement of the Roman government in the first century that every person say that Cesar was lord. Simple words. Christians were required to do the same thing. Historians tell us that there were those Christians that steadfastly refused to do so. But there were pragmatic Christians, who in the hour of trial said; “those are just words. I know Jesus is Lord and Cesar is not deity, but I’ll say those words so I can continue with my life as usual.” Think of 1^st Peter 5:8-9 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

CLOSE: It is interesting to me that Jesus’ last meal before His crucifixion is at the time of Passover. Even more interesting, it was the last meal before He became our Passover. I’m thinking of 1^st Corinthians 5:7 – “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”! It was the blood of the Passover lamb which spared the children of Israel on that fateful night. It is the blood of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, which can spare us from eternal death. Have you availed yourself of that sacrifice? In Revelation 1:5 John reminds us it is by the blood of Jesus that our sins are washed away. We find that word “wash” again in Acts 22:16 in connection with baptism. It should be logical to us then, that it is the blood of Jesus which cleanses us and washes us from our sins. In the washing, not the filth of the flesh, but the washing away of sins in baptism, Jesus becomes our Passover. But have we applied the blood?
If you have never been baptized into Jesus Christ you are in danger of eternal death just as the children of Israel so long ago in Egypt, were in danger of death if the blood of the Passover lamb was not applied to the doorway of the house. You can apply the blood of Christ this morning in faith and penitence as you confess the name of Jesus Christ, you can be buried with Christ in baptism. Think of where you are beneath the cross of Christ. Are you in Christ or are you just an onlooker? If you need to be baptized or if you have any other needs we invite you to come as we stand and sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson