Good Friday

Good Friday

April 18, 2003

Luke 23:46

7th Word - "The word of Conclusion"

INTRODUCTION:  "Father into Your hands I commit My Spirit" This is the 7th and last word of our Savior spoken from the cross. Having spoken these words the Son of God breathed His last and rendered up His life.  What can we draw from this final testimony of the Son of God?

1.                  Notice that Jesus dismisses His own spirit.

A.     Jesus' death is different from any other

1.      The wages of sin is death - the Bible tells us. Each man must die as a result of sin. We will face death because of our common corrupt nature - found in every person who has ever taken the breath of life.  Jesus' death is different, as He never sinned.

2.      The Bible further tells us; "It is appointed for man once to die and after this comes judgment" We will face the judgment seat of God once we die. There will be a day or reckoning for every soul upon this earth. Again, not so with Jesus. His was a perfect sacrifice. As He was innocent and yet charged and judged. Yet He bore our punishment for us - that His sentencing might be sufficient for the sin of the entire world.

B.     Jesus' death is absolutely voluntary - no one else- including His enemies or the devil himself -can take His life from Him. The death of Jesus is a supreme sacrifice.  Jesus tells us plainly "No one takes My life from Me - I lay it down and I take it up again"

Transition:   Jesus dismisses His life voluntarily. He does it of His own will. This selfless act is necessary and essential to your salvation.

2.                  This voluntary element is absolutely essential to salvation.

A.     It had to be voluntary for God to be just. There is an element of justice with God. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. Each sin must be dealt with. Total payment must be made. The debt for sin must be paid. Jesus Christ by His voluntary death paid the ultimate price for sin.

B.     It had to be voluntary for God to be God. People can't kill God. We can ignore Him.  We can defy Him. We can abandon and disown Him. But we can't kill Him. The devil thought in his heart of hearts that he had killed the Lord of life. Not so! Remember those words of Jesus "No one takes My life from Me - I lay it down and I take it up again.  That's why Jesus could pray "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit."

C.     It had to be voluntary to display fully His love. The death of Jesus was not a selfish act. It was a labor o life to demonstrate fully His love for us. Jesus says in John chapter three: "God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

CONCLUSION:  See what manner of love the Farther has for us that we might be the children of God. As the Son has given up His life for you now you are free and your sins they are no more!

M Thursday

Maundy Thursday 

April 17, 2003

John 19:30

6th Word - The word of completion

INTRODUCTION:  From the 6th hour to the 9th hour the Bible tells us, the sun was hidden from view. Darkness covered the land. Then at the 9th hour Jesus offered to us His 6th word - a word of completion. It is finished! When Jesus cried these words what exactly is finished? I would suggest four things were brought to completion on the day Christ died -

1                    The first thing to find its conclusion is the physical sufferings of Jesus.

A.     This was the plan of God from the very beginning. On the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus Jesus had to explain to the two from Scripture that the Son of God had to be arrested, tried, crucified, died and rise again.  The crucifixion of Christ was never a surprise to the Father. It happened all according to His divine plan.

B.      Because the Savior fulfilled this divine plan we no longer have to fear that we will have to suffer for our sins. Oh yes, there might be consequences that we might have to bear because of sin. For example; a thief might have to do time when caught.  Running a stop sign might mean an accident. However, we need not fear that we will have to suffer for our sins as punishment from God. All suffering for punishment was finished at the cross - mark the words of Jesus well: "It is finished!" 

2.                  The humiliation of Jesus Christ is now finished.

A.       Because Jesus has suffered all His mission of humiliation is finished. What is the humiliation? The humiliation are those steps Jesus deliberately took where He had all of the power and glory and majesty of God but refused to use it.

B.        Let's retrace those steps again-

Ø   He was born of the virgin Mary

Ø   He suffered

Ø   Under Pontius Pilate He was crucified

Ø   He died

Ø   He was buried

3.                  The whole program of the Old Testament is now finished.

A.     The gap bridging institutions of the Old Testament was no longer necessary nor are they valid. A question - why don't we sacrifice animals any more?  Why don't we observe ceremonies established in the Old Testament any more? There is a clear answer - "It is finished!" These things are no longer necessary because they were a focus of things to come. Their substance belongs to Christ.

B.      To symbolize that these practices had come to an end the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. The rent of the veil in the middle of the temple speaks volumes - the animosity and the barrier that separated God and man are now broken down! Why do we have nothing hindering the chancel area in the front of the church? Because Jesus speaking from the cross said: "It is finished! The cross reminds us that there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!

4.                  The work of redemption is now finished!

A.       The center of Christ's of redemption is found at the cross. Throughout the pages of the Old Testament we see a common thread that says at the fullness of time, at just the right time - the Son of God would suffer and die on a cross for the redemption of man. The whole world's salvation is focused on the cross. Your personal redemption is found at the cross. When the Son of God suffered and died on the cross all sin was forgiven. At the cross all debts were canceled. So the cross now stands at the center of the entire world's and your personal salvation.

B.        What does this mean for us today?

1.   God and man are now reconciled. St. Paul tells us "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"

2.   The conflict of the ages is already won. Now there is peace on earth and good will toward men. The powers of sin death and Satan are now rendered powerless. They have no control over you. They are no longer in control. They can no longer have any power over you.

3.   Because of Jesus' work on the cross a door is now open to all to receive the Lord's free salvation. It is great and free. A glorious future awaits you because this redemptive work has been completed.

CONCLUSION: It is finished!  It is finished indeed! 

The 5th Word

April 9, 2003

John 19:28

5th Word - "The Word of Personal need"

INTRODUCTION: One can only imagine the personal sufferings of Jesus on the cross. There is trauma on a number of levels. Jesus suffered sleep depravation, the trauma of four trials; three Jewish and one Roman.  For a period of roughly twenty-four hours he was beaten flogged; spat upon, humiliated and mocked. Jesus shows us that there is human suffering on the cross as he cries His fifth word: "I thirst!"

1.                  The 5th word of Jesus "I thirst" shows us the extent of His physical suffering.

A.     One can only imagine the level of Jesus' suffering. The monitoring of physical pain has become a major concern of those in the health care field. Those enrolled in the hospice program, for example, must meet certain criteria. To enroll, they must have a physical sign off on their care. They must certify that the patient in question has six months or less to live. A terminal condition must be verified. The patient must also sign off on any prohibitive measures. In hospice care creature comforts and pain tolerance needs are the most critical issues.

In our day and time we strive to alleviate pain. We can do this with continuous dosages of morphine. The Romans of Jesus' day the focus was on inflicting pain and making a science out of it. Once I remember a twenty-six year old medical school resident at the Indiana University medical center telling a parent not to trust any pain medication older then he. Modern man is fixated on relieving pain. At the time of Christ the Romans spent decades perfecting the craft of human torture through the art and craft of crucifixion. As Jesus cried from the cross "I thirst" He was ravaged by extreme physical pain.

B.     Yet, in the midst of His sufferings and pain Jesus will not speak until words of concern for others are spoken first. Did you notice that? First He has compassion the world's sin followed by words of comfort for the dying thief. Next His own mother. Not until He has addressed the needs of others does He consider His own.

Jesus would not place His needs about any other. If this were not so His goal of winning the world's salvation would have been diverted. Had He placed His own needs above others the Father's plan of salvation would have been perverted. Jesus would not think of His own needs thus He remains for us the Lord's suffering servant being abandoned by God and by men

Transition:  Why was it necessary for Jesus to utter this phrase "I thirst"?  As Jesus cries out "I thirst" we find Him to be truly human.

2.                  These words demonstrate Christ's complete humanity.

A.     As true man Jesus felt separated by God. God the Father turned His back on the Son as He once turned His back on Adam and Eve, by the inhabitants of the world at the time of Noah, and by the citizens of Sodom and Gamier when He rained down fire from heaven. Now God will never turn His back on you for He did it once at the cross when He turned away from His own Son.

B.     As true man Jesus was allowed to feel extreme human pain.  We might have to experience extensive and extreme human pain but it will only last for a short season. Even if you have some sort of debilitating or disabling condition it will end in death.  Those who don't know Christ will continue enduring the same pain Christ endured into eternity because they rejected the Son of God.  The rich man crying out to the Father says "send even Lazarus to dip his finger in cool water and rub it on my tongue for I am in torment in this flame!" Any human pain the Christian will experience is temporary for Jesus has endured eternal physical pain at the cross.

C.     Thank God Jesus did suffer the manner in which He suffered. The fact that Jesus did suffer makes His humanity real for us. The work of Jesus, that suffering servant, is a valid and certain work - recognized by the Father. The Father accepts the Son's suffering for you. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us: "By His stripes you are healed".

Transition:  There is still a matter of Old Testament prophecy that needs to be cleared up.  Jesus' suffering fulfills prophetic predictions.

3.                  These words spoken from the cross shows the fulfillment of prophecy.

A.     Jesus' suffering was predicted in Psalm 22 and Psalm 69. Although they were written centuries before Jesus was born David speaks as if He is standing there at the cross.  Read through these wonderful Psalms this week. The prophecies have been fulfilled by Jesus at the cross when He cried out "I thirst"

B.     Fulfilled prophecy authenticates Christ.  If Jesus were to fail in any of the clear Old Testament prophecies which predict what the Son of God would do Jesus would be considered a fake, a fraud, a false Christ. Yet because prophecy has been fulfilled we can say with Thomas "Jesus you alone are my Lord and my God!"

CONCLUSION: The 5th word spoken from the cross: "I thirst" shows the extent of Jesus' human suffering. It helps us endure our own hurts and pains and authenticates Christ as our one and only Messiah - the Savior of the world.

The 4th Word

April 2, 2003

Mark 15:34

4th word - "The word of Abandonment"

INTRODUCTION: Christ our Savior suspended on the cross cries out with a heart felt cry: "My God, why have You abandoned Me?"  To understand these words is to understand not only what the cross preaches but also what Jesus hanging on that cross offers for a lost and dying world.

1.                  These words express the extent of Jesus' suffering.

A.     Jesus endured enormous physical agony. Jesus endured a most shameful death. The Old Testament Scriptures remind us of the curse: "Cursed be anyone who hangs on a tree" Thus the sufferings Jesus endured from God were even more profound.

Roman citizens were exempt from crucifixion.  It was reserved for the vilest of offenders. Crucifixion would take days for death to become a reality. It could take a week before crucifixion would run its full course. The cause of death by crucifixion was asphyxiation; a slow, methodical excruciating form of torture. Pain, dehydration, hallucinations were all accompanied this mad form of capital punishment.

B.     The silence of God and nature demonstrate how profound the death of God's only begotten Son would become. The sun hid its face - there was a total eclipse of the sun from noon until 3 PM as darkness covered the earth.

C.     What are we to make of all this?  What was God the Father doing as His Son was dying?  The Father was actually turning His back away from His Son. The Father abandoned His Son so that He would not have to abandon you for He bore your sins in His own body on the tree that dying to sin you might live unto righteousness.

2.                  Then there is the cause of Jesus' sufferings.

A.     On the cross, abandoned by God and by man Jesus Christ was made sin for us. He carried our sin; He became sin for us. At the cross we see the great exchange all of the world's sin including your own is placed on the shoulders of Jesus. Jesus became sin for us. At the cross the Father accepts the Son's sacrifice and removed your sin, stills the Father's anger, and forgives your sin. 

B.     Thus, all of the world's sin was poured out on Him. "In Adam we have all been one; one huge rebellious man. We all have heard that lonesome voice that called us when we ran" Jesus became the world's substitute. All of the world's hatred, misery, sins and guilt have been transferred to the Son of Man. If the world's sin has been transferred to Him what else remains on you?  There can be only one thing left -the Lord's innocence, righteousness and peace.

CONCLUSION:  At the cross the Father abandoned the Son so that you and I could never experience being abandoned by God. Thanks be to Jesus for this most precious gift.

The 3rd Word

March 26, 2003

John 19:25-27

3rd word - "The Word of dying concern"

INTRODUCTION:  In the midst of His suffering Jesus reaches out to two of His closest associates a dear friend and His own mother. Jesus says: "Woman behold your son…son, your mother"

1.                  Mary is suffering as she watches from a distance.

A.     Simeon of old had predicted that a sword would pierce her own heart when Jesus was but eight-days-old. I have been privileged to share in some tremendous joys among the families of Friedheim. Some of the most painful are the hurts of parents and children.  It is painful to be a parent at hospital when the surgeon gives the news that the procedure did not go well. To coax and prod and encourage a child who finds school a challenge is often so painful for the parent. Consider your own experiences of being a child - of being a parent.

B.     There is a special bond between mother and son; here at the cross Simeon's prophecy is being fulfilled. Now she is sharing in Jesus' suffering. On strictly human terms Mary is loosing her beloved son and there is nothing she can do to stop it!  She must watch from a distance, as her own son is tortured!

2.                  In calling His mother Jesus singles Mary out for attention.

A.       Notice that Jesus calls His mother "woman".  Why the term?  Why not "mother" or "Mom"?

1.    Jesus shows a desire to spare her the hurt of hearing from His dying lips "mother".  Jesus realizes that His fate is in the Father's hands - There is nothing that Mary can do not.

2.    Jesus also imparts for us a proper perspective - She is as any other woman. True, she bore Jesus in her womb but she would have to be saved like anyone else.

B.       In singling Mary out Jesus turns her over to John. John has received a stepmother. Mary a stepson. John will now have the responsibility to care form Mary as his own mother. This is the 4th commandment - the honor and care of parents.  Jesus would not be able to physically care for His mother so He chooses John. Whom do we choose when parents' cant care for themselves?

3.         By these words Jesus demonstrates:

A.         Proper families regard.

1. Parents own children spiritual and physical care, love and support.

2. Children owe parents love, honor, service, obedience. When they are older physical care and support.

B.          Jesus by these words demonstrated deep concern for others. Half of Jesus' last words on the cross are concerned with the needs of others.

CONCLUSION:  We are connected to each other by blood and by faith. May we show proper human regard especially with those from our own family.

The 2nd Word

March 19, 2003

Luke 23:39-43

2nd word - "the word of Compassion"

INTRODUCTION:  Each of us is terminal - all of us here in this room share two common realities - We're all sinners. Not a single person here can claim to be perfect. Every man, every woman, every boy and every girl - we're al sinners.

The second reality common to us all is that death is a reality for each must die. "The wages of sin is death" the Bible tells us. Each of us will face our end. When we close our eyes to death then we will meet our maker.

Then what?  That's the issue we will address tonight. The second word of Jesus from the cross is the word of compassion - "Today you will be with me in paradise!"

1.                  Notice first the penitent thief.

A.                His rebuke of the other thief and his request of Christ reveal a change in heart. First he coursed the Savior - he was exactly like the other thief; cursing Jesus, cursing the Romans, cursing life. But then he comes to his senses and realizes this reality known to man. He is going to die. He will meet his Maker - then what?

B.                 This thief in calling out to Jesus reveals the recognition of his own guilt. He comes to the realization that he is a sinner. He comes to his senses and realizes his own mortality. In calling out to Jesus he realizes that his sins have condemned him!

C.                In calling upon Jesus he expresses he knows in a cry of faith. He knows he is a sinner and he knows in death he will depart this world and meet him Maker. All he can request is that Jesus remember him. "Lord, remember me when you enter into Your kingdom!"

2.                  Notice Christ's reaction.

A.                First, Jesus expressed help. He will remember this repentant thief - but the Savior's help is beyond the thief's request. Jesus offer is beyond our comprehension. Jesus offer is beyond what we could ever ask or think. He gives us not what we want. He gives us what we really need.

B.                 Jesus' reaction reveals the nature of His work. He came to seek and to save that which is lost. He went to the bloody cross to offer us Himself as a sacrifice for sin. In Jesus Christ all sin is forgiven - period!  In speaking to this thief he shows him the reward of all who call upon the name of the Lord - they shall be saved!

C.                Christ's reaction shows us the place of the dead believer. We shall be with Christ eternally!  Mark the Savior's words. Today you will be with Me in paradise. Dead defined by the Christian is the separation of the soul from the body. Death to the Christian is our entrance into glory

3.                  Notice also a word of caution.

A.                Many have used this verse from the Lord's passion to excuse procrastination. I have plenty of time they reason - after all, the thief was given a final chance on his deathbed. This is true, yet who among us can predict their own death? What about sudden death? We dare not use the Lord's compassion as an excuse.

B.                 Notice also that two men come to their deathbeds. One repented - yet one did not repent. There can be for some a point of no return when they turn their back forever on the Lord.

C.                The third word of caution must remind us that while the Lord's grace is shown in Christ receiving this repentant thief - think how much was missed - consider the wasted opportunities - the misspent years that could not be reclaimed.

CONCLUSION:  Everyday is a gift. Every day is an opportunity to do good, to make a difference, to dream big and to act.  In Jesus Christ our destiny is secure - make good use of the present as you anticipate eternity.

The 1st Word

Luke 23:34

March 12, 2003

1st Word - "The word of Intercession"

INTRODUCTION:  As He began His passion knowing all that was going to take place; knowing all that would be required of Him Jesus took the time to pray. It is a simple prayer yet a profound petition. It gives us an overall picture of what this Jesus is all about.  Jesus - on the cross suspended between earth and heaven prays: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do"

1.        The reason for this prayer is obvious.

A.                It tells why He was dying. He is dying for man is blind to his sin. In ignorance man falls to the wayside and follows a different road.

B.                 This prayer reveals Jesus' character. The ruthless world says: " Don't get mad - get even!"  The attitude of this present age says, "divide and conquer" "to the victor comes the spoils" "An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth."  Jesus responds by saying: "Father forgive them"

C.                This prayer becomes a perfect example for Jesus' followers - His disciples.  As the Savior has forgiven so we too forgive. A student is under his master and taught by Him. As the Savior has so taught us to forgive what else can we do but forgive?

D.                Jesus prays this pray to fulfill prophecy. As He prays for and asks for His accusers' pardon the events once predicted of old are beginning to take shape. God is acting - God is moving. 

2.        Who are the objects of this first prayer from the cross?

A.                First there are the soldiers who nailed Him there. Do they recognize Jesus to be the Savior, the world's redeemer? Or do they see Him as one of many upstarts among the Jews?  Do they simply see Him as one who is worthless? It does not matter what they thing of Him. He prays for them - regardless - regardless of whom they were, regardless of where they had been, regardless of what they had done.

B.                 Then there are the Jews who condemned Him to be nailed there. "It is necessary that one man die for the sake of the country".  That's how the High Priest and the leadership sized things up. Little did they know they were speaking prophetically. His death is sufficient for all.

C.                 The Savior prays for all who have in any way contributed to the sin load, which brought Him to the cross. The Savior, as He prays offers up this request to the Father for you and for me.  All who are in need of the Savior's mercy are included in this petition. How good it was of the Savior to pray for you and me.

Transition: Thus the Savior offered up a prayer as the first word from the cross. How was that prayer answered?

3.        Jesus prayer was answered in three specific ways.

A.                First, the soldiers and the Jews were spared then and there. The Lord's visitation was curtailed and halted. Jesus had told Peter in the garden  "are not 10,000 legion of angels at My disposal?  Yet all this must be done that the Scriptures may be fulfilled".

B.                 The Jewish nation was give 40 years of grace to receive the great message of the cross and empty tomb. When Jesus rose from the dead appeared to His disciples and ascended the early disciples didn't run off to Athens or Rome. They went right back to the very city where Jesus was crucified. Until Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 70 AD the inhabitants of that city had the very eyewitnesses of the resurrection living in their neighborhoods.

C.                This prayer was answered as all people have been forgiven - God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son - Now, people must simply receive the forgiveness, which has already been provided. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  "Whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life."

CONCLUSION: On the cross, suspended between earth and heaven the Savior prayed for you - Father forgive them for they know not what they do.