G Friday

Good Friday
April 6, 2007
Luke 23:44-49
The King conquers death with faith

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the Ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

I.        Jesus’ death is different from all other deaths

A.     He was innocent having committed no sin – He was completely innocent.

B.     He alone could call God “Father” (a claim which cost Him His life!)

C.    Qt. from Lion Witch and Wardrobe of Mr.  Beaver; “when an innocent victim, who had committed no treachery, dies in a traitor’s stead - the table would crack and death itself would start working backwards”

II.     His death restores  humankind back to the Father

A.     The curtain of the temple was torn in two.

1.      This was a curtain between the Holy Place & the Most Holy Place.

2.      It’s tearing symbolized Christ’s opening the way directly to God.

a.      Hebrews 9:3, 8

b.      Hebrews 10:19-22

3.      His last words; “Father into Thy hands I commit My spirit” becomes our prayer.

Conclusion:

+ Soli Deo Gloria +