33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." Luke 23:33-37 (NIV)
2000 years ago – a multitude found themselves at the foot of a cross – from many walks of life, for many reasons. In hindsight, we know that they were witness to the most pivotal event in human history. But they had no idea… Some of them would come to realize – and their lives would be forever changed.
The crowd has grown... Regardless of race or religious persuasion, mankind cannot escape the cross. Every time we talk about dates we position ourselves relative to the cross. The cross has become a symbol for medical healing and efforts (Red Cross).
Today across America, millions of people will wear a cross on a chain around their neck, and walk through doors that are underneath a cross on a steeple, and listen to a preacher behind a pulpit with a cross on it – and in all of that, will miss the blessing of the cross.
On the cover of your bulletin today, you will see an artist’s rendering of Golgotha. It is one of my favorite works of art, painted by a man called Pordenone in 1520. Unlike many of the paintings of the time – he attempted to capture the struggle - the passion - the emotion. It is a dark, disturbing image, as was the reality.
As I reviewed many paintings of the cross – one thing I noticed… Jesus looks much the same in each – but the crowd seems to be dressed appropriate for the day in which the artist lived. Imagine if an artist did that today – we would be incensed. Why – because it would make it much more difficult for us to distance ourselves from the moment. But we were there – we are there!
Whatever the perspective of those gathered there that day – their lives would never be the same. I invite you to find yourself in that crowd - break through the reasons that you came – and discover the life-changing difference that the cross makes.
THE CRITICAL
One of the groups there were the critical. There was a great deal of attention given to Jesus – and they resented it for one reason or another.
- Critical RELIGIOUS people (v 35)
These Jewish leaders expected a miraculous deliverer. They constantly looked for a sign – a quick fix to their problems. They simply did not understand or respect the idea of a suffering Savior. They definitely did not want to yield to his authority – he was not compelling enough for them.
Certainly the message of Christ is not the message of religion. If we’re honest – we have to confess it is not even the message of Christianity! American Christianity serves a sterile Jesus – a long-haired, fair-skinned pansy – who speaks softly. They picture a Christ that loves and accepts nearly everyone, that never makes waves.
I’m wondering – if Jesus came today, and told us what he really thought about our churches, what would we be saying?
Unfortunately – many cannot receive the cross. It is not a pleasant thing. It’s not about success. It’s not about wealth and prosperity. It’s not about laughing children and smiling parents. It’s not about quick fixes and signs and wonders.
I’m amazed at the reasons people decide on churches… It has little to do with a desire for truth. It has little to do with sacrifice and mission. Everyone is looking for a Christ that fits. But Christ comes and says – the way you are now is not right. You must change. You must submit your life to me. You must take up your cross, and follow…
Unfortunately – even here in the heart of the Bible belt – we may find ourselves looking critically on the scene, saying – this isn’t what I came to church for! This Jesus can’t save himself – how can he save me?
- Critical SECULAR leaders (v 36-37)
Besides the religious folk – many of the Romans were scoffing as well. They really could care little for religion – to them this was simply stupidity. This was not the path to prosperity. This was not about winning friends and influencing people.
They looked at Jesus – so far away from their dreams and goals in life. If he was so smart, why wasn’t he rich and famous? Jesus is a long way from the American dream…
“Just in terms of allocation of time resources, religion is not very efficient. There’s a lot more I could be doing on a Sunday morning.” Bill Gates - Time Magazine, January 13, 1996
22 Jews ask for signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified. He is a stumbling block to Jews and nonsense to Gentiles, 1 Cor 1:22-23 (ISV)
- Critical bitter CRIMINALS(v 39)
Not only were the religious folks and the secular leaders critical – but even the down-and-out criminal at Jesus’ side was critical. Out of his mouth spewed evil accusations. The focus was on himself (save us, too – if you can save).
There are so many with the “victim” mentality. Blaming their problems on everyone else, and bitter that they are in this place. We find many that blame God.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18 (NKJV)
THE CARELESS (v 34)
This is one of the most disturbing of the groups of people. There were some soldiers that were sitting nearby, gambling for Jesus clothes.
Can you imagine – not 20 feet away the sins of the world were being forgiven. Sickness was being healed. A man was breathing his last breath. And they were playing games!
The first time I ever preached this message – I titled it “Playing Games at the Foot of the Cross”.
How did they get so hard? This was just another day, another dollar. Just another crucifixion. .. They had been here so many times before.
Some of us, as Christians – have become so familiar with the cross we are no longer moved by it. The repetition has practically put us to sleep. We come to church week in and week out – sing our three songs – listen to a motivational message – shake a few people’s hand, and leave.
These are probably in the most danger of missing the blessing of Calvary… They simply don’t care anymore.
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Rev 3:15-16 (NKJV)
THE CURIOUS (v 27, 35, 48)
There were those un-named people that were there for reasons that we cannot know. Many of them may have been “ambulance-chasers” – just trying to see what the commotion was all about .
Others may have simply been caught up in the mob, and found themselves pushed by the tide of humanity to Calvary’s hill.
Perhaps you are one of these… You just came today to see what was going on – to find out why we’re making all this noise. Or perhaps you’re here because you felt forced – someone made you come. Everybody is heading that way on Sunday morning – it’s just what we do here in Alabama.
I was headed somewhere else… but found myself here instead.
Some of those spectators got a little too close. You’ve all heard the Latin “Carpe diem” – “Seize the Day”. But sometimes - the day reaches out and seizes us! Like Simon, the Cyrenian…
THE CONFUSED (v 27, 49)
Then there were those that were his friends and followers… People such as Mary, his mother, Mary Magdalene, John, and perhaps others.
For them – their world had been turned upside down. Their hopes and dreams were being crushed. For Mary, her son was dying. For Mary Magdalene, her counselor and comforter was gone. For John, his closest friend was being taken from him. For all of the disciples – it appeared that they had given the last three years of their lives for nothing!
This isn’t the way it was supposed to turn out!
All of them stood their helpless. They probably all felt some sense of guilt, of having failed a friend. If only they had done more, or said the right thing.
Perhaps you find yourself in this place… Life just hasn’t turned out the way you hoped. You may even be blaming yourself for the way it has turned out.
But your desperation puts you in a good place today… You see – of all the people gathered at the cross that day, Jesus only spoke directly to a few… It was these confused friends of his… While Jesus remained silent before kings and judges on that day – he did take the time to talk to a few weeping women on the road. He did take the time to give direction to his friend, John.
If you’re hurting – desperate for answers… The foot of the cross is the best place to be. You’ll here Jesus say – quit beating yourself up! I’m here because I want to be here. I’m here so you can go on – so you can be a family again…
THE CONTRITE (v 42, 43)
Finally – I want to point out what may be the most enviable position at Calvary that day… There was a thief crucified with Jesus – a sinful man that deserved his punishment.
Somehow – this man saw something that nobody else saw. Through all of the noise, through all of the commotion – he caught a glimpse of what was really happening. Somehow – faith rose in his heart.
He spoke the most effective words that a man can speak – “Jesus, Lord, remember me…”
Jesus responded to these words, as he does today – “Today, you will be with me…”
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart - These, O God, You will not despise. Psalms 51:17 (NKJV)
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal 2:20 (NIV)
