Consider The Cross
I Peter 2:21-25
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14 Years ago this Friday our country changed forever. For those of us who lived through the terrorist attacks on September 11th 2001 our lives changed as well. We sat in awe as those plans crashed into the world trade center. As the buildings burned we witnessed people jumping from windows to their death to avoid being consumed by the raging fire. We watched in terror as those buildings fell with thousands still inside. We also witnessed the tragic attack on the U.S Pentagon.
But here were some encouraging things that happened on that day. For a little while our country came together. Blacks, whites, Hispanics, democrats, republicans, liberals, conservatives, independents, Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and even atheists... all groups were united! Countless first responders willingly gave their lives to save others. Each year we pause to remember the sacrifice of those brave men and women. This week you will see tributes this week that say "NEVER FORGET". And we will NEVER FORGET!
Each spring we set aside a few services and we remember the greatest sacrifice of all... The sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When it comes the great price that Jesus paid on Calvary's Hill... May we NEVER FORGET! The sacrifice of Jesus is not something we should just think about on Resurrection Sunday. It is not just some ordinance that we observe a few times of the year. We should live each day with the amazing sacrifice of Our Savior at the forefront of our minds. We must never forget what occurred on the Cross at Calvary.
Oswald Chambers said - "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". In our day, some preachers rarely if ever preach about the cross. - R. G. Lee once stated - “Taking the cross out of our preaching": is like taking heat out of fire, melody out of music, numbers out of mathematics, fact out of history, mind out of metaphysics, words out of vocabularies. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #6190).
We must always remember the glorious Cross! In our selected text Peter gives us a great reminder of the cost of our freedom. I would like to look at I Peter 2:21-25 for a little while and "Consider The Cross". These verses are in between two sections that cover how to react when we are treated unfairly. Last week we saw: How Servants Are To React When Treated Unjustly - 2:18-20. Next week we will see: How Wives Are To React When Treated Unjustly - 3:1-2. In these verses we see how to endure the suffering of injustice through the life and sacrifice of our Savior.
Peter learned the concept of Christian suffering from Jesus Himself. Notice what Jesus taught His Apostles - John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Peter had personally suffered for the cause of Christ. He was seized, imprisoned, and Herod had every intention of beheading him. As Christians we are “suffering servants,” who are to imitate Jesus Christ, the “Suffering Servant". His suffering gives us both the motivation and the means to follow in His steps. Furthermore, His suffering provides us with the example of how we should suffer innocently to the glory of God.
I would like to look in detail at the sufferings of Christ and preach on the thought "Consider The Cross" . As we "Consider the Cross" let us:
I. Consider The Reason - v21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Why was there a cruel cross on Golgotha?? Peter says it was here that "Christ suffered FOR US"!!! We were lost sinners destined for Hell and He came for us! He suffered at the hands of His own Heavenly Father on our behalf! He who knew no sin became sin FOR US!! Jesus became the sin of the world and He was judged by the Father. God poured out His wrath onto the body of His Son and Jesus suffered the undiluted, unfiltered wrath of Almighty God. Jesus literally suffered the worst agony in the history of the world when He was on the cross!
The words that Peter writes in these verses are a reference to Isaiah's prophecy concerning the Messiah in Isaiah 53. Long before Jesus came as a babe in Bethlehem God gave a promise to the world that a Savior would come! Isaiah tells us that this Savior would suffer because of you and me!! Isaiah 53:6 says that "the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
We are guilty ...HE WAS INNOCENT! We are responsible for His death on that cross! When you look at the cross never forget that you are the reason for it! God in His amazing love sent His only Son to die for you so that you will not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus in His great love for you, left the glories of Heaven and faced that cruel Cross so that you could be saved!!! You are the reason for the cross!!!
As we "Consider The Cross" let us also:
II. Consider The Righteousness - v22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Peter illustrated the righteousness of Christ so well in the previous chapter - 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Now he speaks of how Jesus handled Himself during the events of His passion. It is stated that "He did no sin" this means that Christ's suffering was innocent suffering. He suffered because of His righteousness. He “committed no sin" during His amazing life. Jesus whole life on earth was lived under assault of Satan. We cannot comprehend the intensity of temptation thrown at Him by Satan (Matt. 4:1-11) And in the midst of His horrific cruel death He remained "sinless". Jesus did not sin in deed or in word, either before His crucifixion or during His suffering. Jesus Christ, the righteous One, always did what God wanted.
- The thief on the cross proclaimed - "we are condemned justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:41).
- Pontus Pilate proclaimed "I find no fault in Him"
- The Centurion proclaimed - " Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:39)
- Ultimately the Father proclaimed - "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!"
The events leading to the cross and the actions of Christ while on that tree serve as an example as to how we are to react in the midst of suffering. Consider what Isaiah said in - Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Jesus is our example and verse 21 says that "we should follow his steps". If we face persecution and oppression, we are to act in the same manner as our Savior!
Let's move further... As we "Consider The Cross", let us:
III. Consider The Reliance - v23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Jesus never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted by the crowd and the soldiers. He did not threaten revenge when he suffered at the hands of His enemies. Do not think for a minute that the sufferings of Christ were imposed upon Him by His enemies! This was the path the He chose!
He chose the tree over life
as He suffered and He died
In His hands He held and felt the penalty
He chose the tree by his will,
all humanity would feel.
Either life or death to
choose what would it be?
He chose the tree
(Source: "He Chose The Tree" chorus from the album "decade" theoldpathsonline.com)
He could have inflicted any kind of punishment on his persecutors. Peter knew this first hand - Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
Though He possessed this kind of power, Jesus gave us and example of how to endure persecution and suffering. "He committed his cause to him who is the righteous Judge" - v23
When trouble comes our way.... When we face persecution... When we suffer for the cause of Christ... We are to "follow Christ's steps" and commit our cause to the Father above... the Righteous judge! Are you facing trouble today... RELY ON GOD!! This is a matter of obedience... and this too is modeled in the life of our Savior. Jesus did not want to become sin. He did not want to be separated from His Father. He did not desire to experience His Father’s wrath. He did not want to face the agony of the cross. But He was willing to endure all of this because it was the Father’s plan for His life. There in the Garden of Gethsemane "He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." Matthew 26:42
Christ's death on the cross was never in question! Jesus came to this world to die for sinners and that is what He did. His Father’s will was what He lived for! He completely fulfilled the Father’s plan on Calvary - John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
If it is the Father's will that we suffer, then we must follow in the steps of Christ and rely on God!! Moving further, as we "Consider The Cross", let us:
IV. Consider The Redemption - v24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Because of Christ's sufferings at Calvary.....And because of His victorious resurrection our sins are forgiven and we are made to live to righteousness. Peter says in verse 24 that it is "By His wounds we are healed". Simply put Jesus' sufferings saved us! This is motivation for us to suffer as He did. And our suffering may result in the redemption of others. We know that Jesus paid it all, and only He can provide redemption. But when we endure suffering God's way we may be able to point others toward redemption in Christ.
Let's look for a few moments at the suffering that Jesus endured for our Redemption. If you have never been born again, this will show you what Jesus has done for you!
- He was beaten - (Luke 22:63-64)
- He was scourged - (Matthew 27:26)
- He was spat upon - (Matthew 27:30)
- He was mocked - (Matthew 27:26-29)
- His beard was plucked from His face - (Isaiah 50:6)
- He was stripped naked - (Matthew 27:35)
- He was nailed with spikes through His hands and feet and crucified (Matthew 27:38)
A death on the cross is the most horrible form of execution known to mankind! We get the English word "excruciating" from it. We will never be able to grasp the horrific death that Jesus died at Calvary. Let us never forget that the suffering that He endured He endured for us!!! And because of His sacrifice we are REDEEMED!! Christ’s redemption on the Cross freed us from our guilt - "being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
Consider the benefits of our redemption through Christi's sacrifice. Because of Jesus we have:
- Eternal life (Revelation 5:9-10)
- Forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7)
- Righteousness (Romans 5:17)
- Freedom from the law’s curse (Galatians 3:13)
- Adoption into God’s family (Galatians 4:5)
- Deliverance from sin’s bondage (Titus 2:14)
- Peace with God (Colossians 1:18-20),
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
This is all because of Christ's suffering on the Cross. And He is our example as to how we should endure suffering for His names sake! Finally as we "Consider The Cross" let us:
V. Consider The Relationship - v25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The One who suffered and died on the Cross is now the “Shepherd and Guardian of our souls”. Suffering was His path to glory. And in this life we shall suffer as well. II Timothy 2:11 It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us
Notice the phrase "shepherd and bishop of your souls". Sheep know their Shepherd will not follow another. And the shepherd knows his sheep. The individual sheep in a flock all look alike to the untrained eye. A good shepherd, however, can tell them apart--often because of their defects and peculiar traits.
Dr. Alan Carr shares the story of A man who was tending a large flock. He had a Christian friend who expressed surprise at his familiarity with each animal. "See that sheep over there?" he asked. "Notice how its toes bend in a little. The one behind it has a squint; the next one has a patch of wool off its back; ahead is one with a distinguishing black mark, while the one closest to us has a small piece torn out of its ear." Observing all of them, the believer thought about Christ...the Chief Shepherd, who also knows the individual weaknesses and failings of His flock and watches over the members with discerning love and sympathetic understanding. With infinite concern He notes the doubts, fears, trials, conflicts, and defeats that disturb their peace, and He swiftly comes to their aid.) (Source: thesermonnotebook.com)
Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He knows all there is to know about His sheep. He knows your strengths and your weaknesses. He knows your joys and your burdens. He is with you on the mountain top and down in the valley! Every battle you face, HE IS RIGHT BESIDE YOU! When you stray He knows where you are! When you hurt He feels your pain! No matter how strong your storm, you are in the palm of His hand. When you are weak...HE IS STRONG! When you are fearful...HE IS FAITHFUL! When you are distressed... HE IS A GREAT HELP IN A TIME OF NEED! He is the Good Shepherd and He will take care of you!!
Because of Jesus' work at Calvary we have been redeemed. For those who are redeemed... the cross is the pattern for our lives. Christ suffered innocently for our salvation. We are called to suffer innocently for His sake. In doing so, we bring glory to God and may be privileged to point others to the cross for salvation as well. There on Golgotha Jesus suffered innocently and silently, so we are to suffer in the same way. Maybe you are going through a time of great suffering. Can I encourage you to "Consider The Cross"? Think about what Jesus faced in order to secure your salvation.
When I see the cross you carried
to the crest of Calvary
The symbol of your suffering seems beautiful to me
On a day filled with injustice, when the cup you drank was bitter
All that I can see is love whenever I consider
The cross, the precious old cross
where you took all my sin and you covered the cost
And apart from your mercy my gain is loss
when I consider the cross, oh when I consider the cross
Maybe you are here and the Cross has little significance in your life. Let me show you just why Jesus had to die on that cruel cross.
1. You are a sinner - Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
2. God's penalty for sin is death - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death…
3. In His great love, God has made provision for the salvation of sinners - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
4. Each person must put his trust in God's Son, Jesus Christ - Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
You are on a path that leads to destruction. If you die without Christ you will suffer in an eternal lake of fire. But the good news is that this doesn't have to be! You can be saved today. How? The answer is found in -Romans 10:13 whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
I would like to encourage each person here today (saved or lost) to take a moment and "Consider The Cross"
