Scripture: Matthew 27:29 – 38
Title: “The Door Key To Heaven”
Introduction: Jesus made the ‘Cross’ famous by His sacrifice on it.
Jesus made many references to the ‘Cross’ before He faced it for Himself.
The act of crucifying people was a very common occurrence during N.T. times. (“And sitting down they ‘watched’ Him there!”) (Traffic jams because of rubber-necking)
Over familiarity with the ‘Cross’ in our day has blurred its meaning to the point it has become highly misunderstood. (Jewelry – Tattoos – Etc.)
o The ‘shock value’ has been covered up by pretty decorations!
Oswald Chambers - “All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell is terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning.”
The Door Key To Heaven
o The Cross is the door key to heaven – “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27
Question: “Why is this so?” ------- Because of what the Cross stands for!
The Cross stands for: ----------- Cruel and Unusual Punishment!
o It shows how badly the people hated Jesus and what He stood for. (Religious)
o The Cross stands for the greatest display of LOVE ever presented to mankind!
o The Cross stands for Responsibility! (“O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”)
o The Cross stands for Sacrifice! (“Father, If there is any other way”) Mt. 26:39
o The Cross stands for DEATH – Not a slap on the wrist! (It was a final sentence!)
o The Cross is standard equipment for the Christian – It is not an option!
THE CROSS SHOP
o Somewhere nearby were some “Cross Makers!”
o There were three needed the day Jesus was crucified!
o Whoever these ‘cross makers’ were they probably didn’t understand what they were really doing when they made those three crosses. (They had gotten use to it)
o Would you have made the cross that Jesus was crucified on?
o Would you have driven the nails into His hands and feet?
o Would you have pierced His side?
THE CROSS OF CHRIST WAS ENOUGH!
o The ‘Last Words’ of Jesus was, “It is finished!”
o Refusing to accept the Cross of Christ places us with those of Hebrews 6, “they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
CONCLUSION: When the Cross comes into view!
o The purpose of the Cross – The cross is standard equipment for the Christian.
o Neglected Crosses – Do you have yours with you?
o After the Cross – Burying the Flesh – Resurrection to new life!
