Preparing For Easter

Preparing for Easter

Luke 23:44-56

Introduction

- Up to this point, we’ve seen several key events that surround this sacred time

-- We’ve seen our Lord and Savior fulfill Zec 9:9 and ride into Jerusalem

-- We’ve seen one of the 12 betray Him for 30 pieces of silver; the wage of a slave

-- We’ve also recounted the beating that Jesus took for our sins; to be free

- But, even after all of that – both the worst (and the best) is yet to come

- George Bernard penned it best in 1913:

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross; the emblem of suffering and shame

And I love that old cross, where the dearest & best; for a world of lost sinners was slain

So I’ll cherish, the old rugged cross

Till my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it someday for a crown

- Jesus was nailed to a cross in a savage manner, placing Him on display for all

- The crucifixion was the same as that of a common criminal, and just as routine

- There was no mercy; nor any justice that mankind delivered that day

- But, from the beginning of time … the justice of God was being carried out

- This justice was so that all of us could be free – if we accepted His sacrifice

- Stand and read Luke 23:44-56 / Pray

Point 1 – The Death of a Savior (44-49)

- For six hours the King of Kings hung in total display for all to see

- The Bible records in differing ways that He was stripped of His clothes

- And that those who removed His clothes were tossing dice to see who gets it

- This was not a matter of dying honorably; it was the death of thieves

- Consider for a moment being his friend; or even His family (Mary was there)

- To watch this man hang cruelly for hours and hours is the worst torture

- There is nothing that can compare to this; Jesus was put on display for all

- Then, with the wave of a wand the sun stopped shining; time stood still

- The curtain which separated the holy of holies was ripped in two

- And the Messiah promised for all died rejected; despised; and alone

- His final words were ones of compassion, and utter respect and devotion

-- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

- As if to say; I have done what you’ve asked – and now I’m ready to return to you

- Can you imagine the incredible amount of obedience Jesus had at this moment?

- This was perhaps one of the most underrated events surrounding His death

- He died because of the sins we committed; and He still communes with God

- Still He is faithful to speak with His Father; the same one He asked to not leave

- APP: For us, there is incredible strength here: No matter the issue, God is there

- It does not matter what we are seeing or dealing with; God cares about you too

- Even a roman centurion (guard) who was standing by was convinced who He is

- Why? Because of the light show? Because of the temple cloth? An earthquake?

- No, because in His heart (spirit) He knew who had just died on that cross

- That cross that perhaps he helped put him on; he realized the righteousness

- And all those who were there beat their chests as if they were saddened

- But notice; after they did so they left; and the followers watched at a distance

- TRANS: But, now comes the most difficult task for those who loved him

Point 2 – The Burial of a King (50-56)

- Joseph was a man who had come believing He would see the Kingdom of God

- He came as a man convinced that the Messiah was coming; and so he went

- APP: It is amazing when you consider that simple concept of obedience

- If Jesus were coming here on Sunday, I bet we’d clear our calendars and be here

- Joseph was willing to go against the entire religious order

-- Let’s remember, he’s a member of the council that desired the arrest/execution

-- It is because of his faithfulness in the Lord that he asks for the body of Jesus

- To be buried in a tomb that had already been occupied was considered shameful

- It is no different than digging up a grave and adding another body to it

- The importance was to honor Jewish tradition & have Him buried before Sabbath