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
- The Sabbath is on a Sat; it always has been; and so they are following the Law
- The same Law that Jesus came to fulfill, Joseph was still obeying it fully
- Even the women who came to prepare the body for burial followed
- But, they rested in obedience of the Sabbath and came back later with spices
- Very important note here: Luke was not one of the 12 disciples, he was not at this scene when it was taking place; this is why Luke’s Gospel differs slightly than the other three. He was writing it from a historical vantage point; recording what others had told him during his own travels. For example: the whole sealing and guarding of the tomb is not recorded simply because he didn’t see it. There is no other reason here, and nothing to get worried about.
Conclusion
- What IS important is that all 4 gospels recount the very same thing:
- Jesus was in fact crucified
- Jesus did die on that cross
- Jesus was removed from the cross
- Jesus was taken for burial
- Jesus was laid to rest in a tomb that Joseph had offered
- Let’s conclude here to allow us to reflect this week on what’s about to take place
- Sunday’s coming church … are you ready?
- Pray
