Go! And Reflect On The Cross Series

Go! And Reflect on the Cross

Introduction

Today, as we continue our journey through the Word of God, we approach a passage that carries both profound weight and incredible significance. Our key text is Matthew 27:25 (NLT): "And all the people yelled back, 'We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!'"

This verse captures the crowd's shocking response during Jesus' trial before Pilate. It is a statement of collective accountability, and it leads us to consider the themes of human sin, divine justice, and God’s incredible grace in Christ. Today’s message, titled “Go! And Reflect on the Cross,” will challenge us to examine the cross’s implications for our lives.

Context: Setting the Scene

Before we delve into the verse itself, let’s briefly examine the context. Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, falsely accused by the religious leaders. Pilate, perceiving Jesus’ innocence, attempts to release Him, but the crowd demands Barabbas, a notorious criminal, instead of the sinless Son of God.

When Pilate symbolically washes his hands of responsibility, the crowd declares, "We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!" This tragic moment reflects the human rejection of Christ and sets the stage for His atoning work on the cross.

Point 1: The Weight of Sin

Matthew 27:25 "And all the people yelled back, 'We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!'"

The phrase "We will take responsibility" in the Greek is apokrinomai, meaning to answer or respond with authority. Here, the crowd is not merely speaking but making a solemn declaration.

This statement reveals the blindness of humanity’s heart. The crowd does not realise the depth of their sin in rejecting the Messiah.

Romans 3:23 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard."

Paul reminds us that sin is universal. The crowd’s declaration is a mirror of our own rebellion against God.

Picture a courtroom where the guilty party insists on their own punishment, not realising the full extent of their guilt. That’s humanity’s position before a holy God.

John Stott wrote, *"Before we can see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us."

Take a moment to reflect: Have we truly grasped the weight of our sin? Recognising our sinfulness is the first step toward understanding the depth of God’s grace.

Point 2: The Fulfilment of Divine Justice

Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed."

The Hebrew word for “pierced” (chalal) implies a violent wounding. This prophecy, written centuries before Christ, vividly describes the suffering Jesus endured for our sins.

The cross is where God’s justice and mercy meet. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, satisfying the righteous demands of a holy God.

2 Corinthians 5:21"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

This verse highlights the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. Jesus bore our sins so that we might receive His righteousness.

Imagine someone stepping in to pay an unpayable debt for you. That’s what Jesus did on the cross.

Timothy Keller writes, *"The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope."

Have you accepted the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf? Living in the light of the cross means embracing both the seriousness of sin and the beauty of grace.

Point 3: The Invitation of Grace

John 3:16 "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

The Greek word for “world” (kosmos) signifies all of humanity, emphasising the inclusiveness of God’s love.

The crowd in Matthew 27:25 assumed responsibility for Jesus’ death, but through the cross, Jesus extended grace to them and to all of us.

Romans 5:8 "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

God’s love is proactive, reaching us even in our rebellion.

Think of a parent who forgives a wayward child, welcoming them home with open arms. This is the heart of God for us.

Charles Spurgeon said, *"Jesus Christ is both the love of God and the wrath of God satisfied."

Application:

The cross is an open invitation to receive God’s love. Have you responded to His grace? Will you share this message with others?

Conclusion:

Matthew 27:25 is a sobering reminder of humanity’s rejection of Christ, but it also points us to the hope of redemption found in the cross. Jesus took our sin, bore our punishment, and offered us grace beyond measure.