Summary: Knowing the Power of the Cross

BEING REDEEMED

John 19:17

What is the worst scenario you fear most? Well, in the justice system the one that gives nightmares and make grown men cry like babies is the death penalty. Be it the gas chambers, lethal injection or the electrical chair. Any of those would give you the chills. Why the cross? The worst of the worst!

The crucifixion in Jesus’ time was one done by the Romans. It originated in Persia and passed to the Greek and the Romans. It was done more to slaves and criminals. When crucified they usually died by: Thirst, hunger, exhaustion, exposure and trauma. They were supposed to be whipped until they got to their place but in Jesus’ crucifixion it was one of many other things they did out of order.

Let us see why the crucifixion was needed and why this kind of death?

I. IT HAD TO THE WORST OF THE WORST

a. Gal. 3:13 “ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

II. HE HAD TO DIE AS ONE OF THE WORST

a. Phil. 2:8 “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

III. THROUGH IT HE WOULD RECONCILED MEN WITH GOD

a. Eph. 2:16 “and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

IV. HE CANCELLED EVERYTHING THAT WAS AGAINST US

a. Col. 2:14 “having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.”

V. HE GAVE US PEACE WITH GOD

a. Col. 1:20

VI. DISPLAYED EVERYTHING OUR ENEMY HAD AGAINST US

a. Col 2:15 “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross”

VII. GAVE HIM GREAT JOY BEFORE HIM

a. Heb. 12:2

CONCLUSIÓN: