Video Transition: Before there was Resurrection there was Death!
Easter Series: Not Another Dead God!
Thesis: Jesus was unlike any other god or person in history because He did not stay dead – Death did not consume Him or contain Him.
Introduction:
This makes Jesus so unique, so different in light of what others said about being a god or their beliefs in mythological god’s.
In my research this week I came across a book written by an atheist who was trying to deny God, Jesus and the message of Christianity. He cites the essay of H.L. Menchen “Graveyard of Dead Gods” He even lists all these gods by name –
Here is the list (put on power point screen):
Aa, Aah, Abil Addu, Addu, Adeona, Adjassou-Linguetor, Adjinakou, Adya Houn'tò, Agassou, Agé, Agwé, Ahijah, Ahti, Aizen Myo-o, Ajisukitakahikone, Ak Ana, Aken , Aker , Äkräs, Aku, Allatu, Altjira, Amano-Iwato, Ame-no-Koyane, Am-heh, Amihan, Amon-Re, Amun, Amurru, Anapel, Anath, Andjety, Anhur, Anit, Anu, Anubis, Apsu, Arianrod, Ash , Ashtoreth, Assur, Astarte, Aten, Atum, Ayida-Weddo, Ayizan, Azaka Medeh, Azaka-Tonnerre, Azumi-no-isora, Baal, Bacalou, Badessy, Bagadjimbiri, Bahloo, Baiame, Bakunawa, Bamapana, Banaitja, Ba-Pef, Baron Cimetière, Baron La Croix, Baron Samedi, Barraiya, Bata , Bathala, Bau, Beltis, Beltu, Belus, Bernardo Carpio, Bes, Biamie, Bilé, Binbeal, Boli Shah, Bossou Ashadeh, Budai, Budai, Bugady Musun, Bugid Y Aiba, Bunjil, Cai Shen, Ceros, Chenti-cheti, Chi You, Chimata-No-Kami, Chun Kwan, Cihang Zhenren, City god, Clermeil, Congo (loa), Consus, Cronos, Cunina, Dagan, Dagda, Dagon, Daikokuten, Damballa, Dan Petro, Dan Wédo, Dauke, Dea Dia, Dhakhan, Diable Tonnere, Diana of Ephesus, Diejuste, Dimmer, Dinclinsin, Dragon King, Dragon King of the East Sea, Duamutef, Dumu-zi-abzu, Ea, Ebisu, Edulia, El, Elali, Elder Zhang Guo, Elum, Engurra, Enki, Enma, En-Mersi, Enurestu, Erlang Shen, Erzulie, Ezili Dantor, Fan Kuai, Fei Lian, Feng Bo, Four sons of Horus, Fu Lu Shou, Fu Xi, Fujin, Fukurokuju, Furrina, Futsunushi, Gasan lil, Gasan-abzu, Goibniu, Gong Gong, Govannon, Gran Maître, Grand Bois, Guan Yu, Guangchengzi, Gunfled, Gwydion, Hachiman, Hadad, Hakudo Maru, Han Xiang, Hapi, Hapy, Heka , Hemen, Hermanubis, Hermes , Heryshaf, Hoderi, Hongjun Laozu, Hoori, Horus, Houyi, Huang Feihu, Hung Shing, Iah, Ibong Adarna, Iku-Turso, Ilmatar, Ilmatar, Imhotep, Imset, Iron-Crutch Li, Isis, Istar, Isum, Iuno Lucina, Izanagi, Jade Emperor, Jar'Edo Wens, Ji Gong, Julana, Jumala, Jupiter, Juroujin, Kaawan, Kagu-tsuchi, Kalfu, Kalma, Kara Khan, Karora, Kerridwen, Khaltesh-Anki, Khepri, Khnum, Khonsu, Kidili, Kini'je, Kitchen God, Kneph, Kojin, Ksitigarbha, Kui Xing, Kuk, Kumakatok, Kuski-banda, Kuu, Ku'urkil, Lagas, Lan Caihe, Lei Gong, Leizhenzi, Lempo, Ler, Li Jing , L'inglesou, Llaw Gyffes, Lleu, Loco (loa), Lü Dongbin, Lugal-Amarada, Maahes, Ma-banba-anna, Mademoiselle Charlotte, Maîtresse Délai, Maîtresse Hounon'gon, Maman Brigitte, Mamaragan, Mami, Mamlambo, Manawyddan, Mandulis, Mangar-kunjer-kunja, Marassa Jumeaux, Marduk, Maria Cacao, Maria Makiling, Maria Sinukuan, Marinette, Mars, Marzin, Matet boat, Mayari, Mbaba Mwana Waresa, Meditrina, Mehen, Melek, Memetona, Menthu, Merodach, Mider, Mielikki, Min , Molech, Mombu, Morrigu, Mounanchou, Mulu-hursang, Mu-ul-lil, Muzha , Na Tuk Kong, Nana Buluku, Naunet, Nebo, Nehebkau, Nergal, Nezha , Nga, Nin, Ninib, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Nin-lil-la, Nin-man, Nio, Nirig, Ni-zu, Njirana, Nogomain, Nuada Argetlam, Numakulla, Num-Torum, Nusku, Nu'tenut, Nyyrikki, Odin, Ogma, Ogoun, Ogoun, Ogyrvan, Ohoyamatsumi, Okuninushi, Omoikane (Shinto), Ops, Osiris, Pa-cha, Pangu, Papa Legba, Peko, Perkele, Persephone, Petbe, Pie (loa), Pluto, Potina, Ptah, Pugu, Pundjel, Pwyll, Qarradu, Qebehsenuef, Qin Shubao, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun, Ra, Raijin, Randeng Daoren, Rauni , Resheph, Rigantona, Robigus, Royal Uncle Cao, Ryujin, Saa, Sahi, Samas, Sarutahiko, Saturn, Sebek, Seker, Serapis, Sesmu, Shakpana, Shalem, Shangdi, Shango, Sharrab, Shen , Shennong, Shezmu, Shina-Tsu-Hiko, Simbi, Sin, Sirtumu, Sobek, Sobkou, Sojobo, Sokk-mimi, Sopdu, Sousson-Pannan, Statilinus, Suijin, Suiren, Suqamunu, Susanoo, Tagd, Taiyi Zhenren, Tala, Tam Kung, Tammuz, Tapio, Tenenet, Tengu, Tenjin, Theban Triad, Thoth, Ti Jean Quinto, Ti Malice, Tian, Ti-Jean Petro, Tilmun, Todote, Toko'yoto, Tomam, Tu Di Gong, Tu Er Shen, Tuonetar, Tuoni, Ubargisi, Ubilulu, U-dimmer-an-kia, Ueras, Ugayafukiaezu, U-ki, Ukko, UKqili, Umai, U-Mersi, Umvelinqangi, Ungud, Unkulunkulu, Ura-gala, U-sab-sib, Usiququmadevu, U-Tin-dir-ki, U-urugal, Vaisravana, Vaticanus, Vediovis, Vellamo, Venus, Vesta, Wadj-wer, Wen Zhong , Weneg, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, Wepwawet, Werethekau, Wollunqua, Wong Tai Sin, Wuluwaid, Xargi, Xaya Iccita, Xevioso, Xuan Wu , Yama, Yau, Yemaja, Youchao, Yuanshi Tianzun, Yuchi Jingde, Yunzhongzi, Zagaga, Z
His argument against us Christians is basically summarized in this statement: “In the course of human history, there have been countless other believers in gods different from and mutually exclusive to your god. They were all sure that their god was the only or best game in town. They felt the same conviction you do. They thought their religion had the privileged place in history like you do…So a reasonable person would have to ask herself: If my god and his relationship to me in history looks just like their god and his relationship to them, and if their god isn’t real, what exactly makes mine different? Is it reasonable to think that mine is different and that it’s only me and the tiny group of people who happen to believe just like I do that you got it right?”
I must admit he asks a good question: “Why do you believe in your Triune God: God the Father/Jesus the Son/Holy Spirit and not in these other now dead gods?”
The word “WHY?” screams at us tonight! “Why?” Jesus! Why Christianity?
I answer with a few simple thoughts tonight because of what happened on Good Friday with Jesus death and then His amazing resurrection coming on Sunday!
I answer with Jesus impact on history and the world! We are not a small group of people but a vast number of people! We number in the billions!
I answer with how Jesus impacted me personally in my own life – how HE Spoke to me – Loved me and embraced me – I felt Him and I experienced Him – in my life today 2,000 years after His death/resurrection and ascension!
Jesus asked the question “Who do you say I am?” he challenged all of us in the past, the present and even the future to answer this majestic question for ourselves. Tonight you need to answer this question for yourself!
QUESTION: “Who do you say Jesus is?” You have to answer this for yourself!
But to help you answer this question let’s explore what happened on Good Friday over 2,000 years ago!
Sermon 1: Good Friday
Scripture Verse: Mark 12:27 “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living …"
Thesis: Jesus stages of death on Good Friday set in motion our salvation and our personal relationship with Jesus – these events – these monumental mile stones in His death continue to impact lives today – they still carry His power over death and they continue to unleash His resurrection power into people’s lives. But before you could have a resurrection to new life you needed to have a death!
Introduction:
The bag of items each of you received when you came in point us to a live and living God – not a dead god – even though the items in the black bag are elements of his death!
Tonight we will celebrate - focus and remember His death. Why because you cannot have a Resurrection to New Life without a death!
Please take out the black bag you were given as you entered for our Good Friday service:
1st let’s look at the black bag – this bag represents the crucifixion and death of Jesus – God in the flesh!
Within this black bag are objects which represents Jesus Death! These symbolic items point us to significant events that happened to Jesus at His death-crucifixion – they are symbols and they are messages from Him to us tonight in this service!
In a moment you will witness 5 scenes with 5 people highlighting each one of these symbols, objects and messages and their related historical events:
The first is a cloth with ‘SIN’ written in red! – represents the cry “Crucify Him!” Jesus sentence of death!
The second is a splinter of wood – representing the cross!
The third is a nail! Representing Jesus being nailed to the cross!
The fourth is a vile of red water representing Jesus blood! His blood which spilled out from the nails, the crown of thorns, the beatings and whippings and the spear to the side!
The fifth is a stone! Which represents the stone which was placed over His tomb to keep Him in and the others out!
As each of these scenes are played out in front of you tonight - I really encourage you to pull out of the black bag of death each object which represents this particular scene of Jesus death and crucifixion.
I encourage you to open your hearts and minds tonight to the illumination of the Holy Spirit so that you may get a new revelation of Jesus death. I pray you get God’s perspective on this historical event.
I pray these reflections on His death penetrate your heart, mind and soul and that you truly understand what Jesus has done for you personally!
I pray you experience His Presence tonight AND the true message of Good Friday!
Let us begin!`
Stages of Jesus Death:
1. Brittany - Jesus condemned – cloth/sin
Jesus has been arrested by the temple guard. He’s been sold out by Judas. For only 30 pieces of silver. He’s been brought to the high priest. The guards are mocking him they are beating him. Look, he’s being brought into the religious court for sentencing. They have found him GUILTY!
Now they are taking him off to Pilate. They are spreading lies about Jesus. Pilate at first has seen no wrong against Jesus. But the religious leaders are still accusing him. Pilate washes his hands of the mess and he sends him to King Herod. Herod keeps asking Jesus to prove who He is and Jesus refuses to respond. Herod and his soldiers begin to mock Jesus. Jesus refuses to answer Herod, so he sends him back to Pilate.
Pilate knows there’s no basis for the charge, but the religious leaders want Jesus put to death. Pilate says they must choose between crucifying Jesus and crucifying the criminal Barabas. Now, the whole crowd is involved and they begin to cry “release Barabas and crucify Jesus. Crucify Jesus.”
The bloodthirsty crowd unjustly condemned the sinless Jesus to die by crucifixion. Jesus is scourged, mutilated, at the request of Pilate.
2. Lyndsey Jesus carries the cross – scene 2 – the splinter
There he stands. Beaten. Bloody. Broken. My friend. My Jesus. His body has been broken, yet there He stands. He’s been sentenced to death. The worst kind of death. Death on a cross. To make his humiliation even worse, the soldiers are making him carry his own cross. Through the streets. Through the crowds. The same crowds that welcomed him. The same crowds that have just screamed for his crucifixion.
In his tortured state, with a tool of death on his back, he walks the streets of Jerusalem towards Golgatha.
You can hear the cross skip over the gravel and rocks, kicking up the same dust of the streets that just the week before he had triumphantly been led over with the people crying Hosanna.
The wood is digging into the wounds that have already been inflicted by the soldiers. His flesh is unrecognizable. He no longer even resembles the man who rode into town the week before. But his eyes. His eyes are still the same. The eyes that dig into the deepest and darkest part of my heart. Those eyes are showing forgiveness to the unforgivable. Those eyes are showing love to the unlovable.
Though we may not be able to understand, this cross represents God’s love for us. This cross is the place where all the wounds of sin are healed. Jesus is going to bear all our sins on this cross. This cross, though meant for death is going to be the beginning of our lives!
3. Justin - Crucifixion - scene 3. - The nail
We’re here. Look around. We have arrived at the Place of the Skull. We all know what happens next, but yet our hearts and minds can’t comprehend whats about to happen to our beloved Jesus. These nails, these seven-inch spikes, being driven into his hands and feet. You can hear his cry. You can hear his scream. And in the midst of that sound, you can still hear the mocking and laughter of those watching him go through this. They think they’ve won. They think they’ve gotten the best of him. They think they are putting Jesus Christ to death. They think this is their choice. But I know better.
The nails did not hold the mocked Christ to the cross. Did you hear me? The nails did not hold Jesus to the cross. He who had the power to still the storm on the sea of Galilee, heal the sick, and raise the dead could have removed the nails. He who fed thousands with just a few loaves and a few fish. He who raised Lazarus from the dead. This Jesus could have removed the nails. Jesus had the power to call twelve legions of angels to his aid. Do you know how many that is? That’s over 70,000 angels would have responded at the sound of his voice. NO, the nails did not keep Jesus on the cross.
So, what did? It’s very simple. A sacrifice had to be made for sin. For your sin. For my sin. Scripture says, (John 3:16). The love of God and the willingness of Jesus to give his life is what held him there.
4. Tiffany - Jesus dies on the cross - scene 4 – a vile of blood
It is finished. Our Savior has taken his last breath. There is so much blood. His blood is running. His blood stains Pilate’s and Herod’s courts. You see the drops of his blood through the streets of Jerusalem. I am watching the ground soak up the pools of blood as it leaves his body. Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow.
Why did he have to die? Everything in the Old Testament was pointing to this moment. Pointing to this great sacrifice that had to be made. A sacrifice made on our behalf for our sin. It’s called atonement, which simply means making what’s wrong into what’s right. In the Old Testament, it meant an animals blood had to be sacrificed. That animal atoned for the sin of the people. But, it was incomplete because the sacrifice was not perfect. The sacrifice was not sustaining. So, Christ became that sacrifice so it could be done once and for all. The blood that he shed, the blood that he willingly gave, not just on the cross, but from the moment the first strike was made against him. He willingly was giving up his blood as a sustaining sacrifice for our sin. Never again would the blood of bulls and goats and lambs cleanse man from their sins. But the blood of Jesus Christ shed for the remission of sin, covers you and I in the righteousness of Christ. And we can say, it is finished.
5. Brennan - Laid in the tomb – scene 5 – a stone
Can you hear it? Can you hear him? If you listen closely you can almost hear Satan chuckling. You see, he thinks he’s won. Jesus has been humiliated, led through the streets, laid on a cross and crucified. He’s dead. They’ve taken his body off the cross and are bringing it to this empty cave.
His lifeless, useless. Humanless body. No blood flowing, no heart beating, no life left in those eyes. Our Jesus is gone. Or is He? You see this is where it gets interesting. Back when Jesus came, back in Bethlehem when He was born He was never just a man. He was born the Son of God. So while Satan thinks that he has defeated Him, he’s not looking at the whole picture. Because while the breath has been removed from Jesus, the deity, the God head, the ALMIGHTY is still there!
So, while Satan is looking at the body of Jesus laid in the cold tomb, sealed with a stone, celebrating what he thinks is victory, he doesn’t realize what is coming. He doesn’t know that this is just the beginning of the story.
Pastor Mike:
Topic: These last scenes of Jesus life which led to His death on the cross challenges us to ask ourselves, “Who do you say Jesus was and is?”. Each of these scenes conveyed a spiritual message to us today and challenged us to really see why Jesus is not just another dead god. But thee God!
1. Jesus condemned – scene 1 - clothe - red lettering “Sin”: Luke 22:47-23:1. Jesus sentenced to death - “Crucify Him” they kept shouting over and over - Pilate’s response - Luke 23:18-25:
a. Application: The Cloth – SIN – Sin cried “Crucify Him” Yes, your sin sent Jesus to His death – Your SIN needed to be forgiven and Jesus said to God the Father “Yes, I will do it for them!” Sin always cries out for blood.
i. Truth: For you He died – for your sin he allowed himself to be sentenced to death!
b. Jesus is arrested by the temple guard after being sold out by Judas outside the Garden of Gethsemane. He is then brought to the High Priest. The guards start mocking him and beating him. He is then brought into the court of the Sanhedrin the religious leaders of Israel for sentencing – for his hearing they find him guilty of blasphemy of claiming to be the Messiah.
c. They then send him off to Pilate lying saying Jesus opposed paying taxes to Rome which was a lie. Then claiming to be a king! Pilate asked Jesus if he was their king Jesus said “Yes.” Pilate then announces I see no basis for a charge against him. The religious leaders accuse Jesus of causing disorder and Pilate sends Jesus to King Herod.
d. Herod was glad to see Jesus he had wanted to meet Him for a while and wanted to see one of his miracles. Jesus refused to answer Herod! So they ridiculed Jesus both Herod and his soldiers. They dressed him in an elegant robe and sent him back to Pilate.
e. Amazingly the killing of Jesus created a friendship between the two monarchs.
f. Pilate called the leaders back said there is no basis or evidence of him starting a rebellion and Herod agreed. He had done nothing that deserved death! So Pilate says I will punish him and send him on his way at this point but they all started demanding to Pilate to release Barabbas a person who committed murder and caused insurrection in the city. Pilate did not want to release him but Jesus! The crowd got stirred into a frenzy repeatedly crying release Barabbas and crucify Jesus! “Crucify Him” Pilate is bewildered! Sin always demands blood!
i. Jesus, you stand all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody helps defend you. You devoted your entire life to helping others, listening to the smallest ones, caring for those who were ignored by others. They don't seem to remember the miracles, the teachings, the hearings or the deliverances. With the crowd in a frenzy, and Pilate fearing for himself because he knows what he faces, he relents to a decision that he knows he will regret – “Crucify him".
1. Application: But we too have crucified Him – when we rejected His word and choose the path of sin – when we choose sin over holiness and purity – we too cry “Crucify Him” our sin sent Jesus to His death! My sin!
a. John had recorded that this would be their charge: See John 10:34-38. His convicted Crime: Leviticus 24:16, “… anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD is to be put to death. The entire assembly must stone them. Whether foreigner or native-born, when they blaspheme the Name they are to be put to death.”
b. Pilate had a huge problem because he sees him as innocent. Pilate is actually horrified at their demands even afraid. The mob mentality could lead to a revolt if he does not do what they want. If Caesar gets word that he cannot handle another situation with the Jews he could be relieved of his command.
c. The Gospels mention that Jesus remains silent through all the interrogations only once did he speak to Pilate But He is not drawn into a debate with His accusers for any reason. The Jewish leaders level the final threat against Pilate and his position “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar. This decision he is about to make is SOLELY a political so he washes his hands to the decision and places it back on the Israelite leaders and people. To be against the Leader of Rome would mean the end of everything he holds dear so He fears for his position, for his wants, and for his own neck in this area and sentences Jesus to death with no basis of charges against him. Jesus is beaten and hauled off to his death.
2. Jesus carries the cross – scene 2 – the splinter – Jesus is a living sacrifice for us, see John 19:16-17; Luke 23:26-31; Matthew 27:27-32:
a. Application: The splinter represents the cross – the wood – the heavy cross – He choose to carry this cross for you – He died to himself to carry this cross for you – so you could be forgiven and granted access to God the Father – so you could go to Heaven and be in the presence of God.
b. Jesus is beaten, tormented, tortured and mocked by the Roman soldiers then made to carry his own tool of death. When He is too weak to carry it any more they force Simon of Cyrene to carry it. The women who had followed Jesus wailed and mourned for Him. Jesus tells them not to mourn for him but for themselves because a judgment is going to come on the Jewish people for what they have done it happens in 70AD. The Romans will besiege the city after a revolt many will starve and die and the Temple will be destroyed!
i. In Hebrews, chapter 10, we see in verses 1 through 18 a significant passage that we might entitle "Jesus Christ, the Perfect Sacrifice."
ii. Story: In a small village, it is said, somewhere in England, there stood a chapel. And beside the chapel was an arch. And over the arch was written, "We preach Christ crucified." For years, godly men preached there, and they presented a crucified Savior as the only means of salvation. But as the generation of godly preachers passed, there arose a generation that considered the cross and its message too antiquated, and they began to preach salvation by Christ's example rather than His blood. They didn't see the necessity of His sacrifice. And ivy crept up the side of the arch, it is said, and covered the word "crucified." And so it said, "We preach Christ." And they did, but not crucified. After some time, people asked why the sermons had to be confined to Christ and the Bible. So the preachers began to give discourses on social issues, politics, philosophy, moral rearmament. And the ivy continued to grow until it wiped out the third word. It simply read, "We preach." The apostle Paul, in cultured Corinth, was determined, he said, to "know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." Here, we preach Christ crucified, the only hope of men. And that's the blessed theme of the tenth chapter of Hebrews, the first 18 verses. For this is the record from, not the historical standpoint, but the theological standpoint, of the death of Christ. This is the depth of what His death meant, in all of its richness. He comes to the fact that Jesus' sacrifice is better. Not only is He a better priest, not only did He secure and become the surety and the mediator of a better covenant, but He made a better sacrifice. The death of Christ became that great and final sacrifice that accomplishes for eternity what an eternity of the other sacrifices in the Temple couldn't accomplish.
c. Application: The cross of wood – the splinter in your hand is a part of Jesus death and He choose to die on it so you could be free from sin and regain a audience with God the Father – that cross was heavy to carry but Jesus did until He collapsed – He also tells us in Luke 9:23-24: “Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”
d. The splinter – the cross the heaviness and the challenge from Jesus to pick it up every day – to crucify the flesh - so we in the end find life through death – we find resurrection through death like He did.
3. Crucifixion - scene 3. - The nail – Jesus had to suffer!
a. Application: The nail – the cold metal nail – the pain of the nail – the hammering of it into his hand and the screaming from it! The nail was not what held Jesus to the cross – it was His love for you and I which held him on that cross.
i. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
ii. The nail driven into Jesus hands – was placed there by mans’ condemnation of His message and life – but I am told in John 3 – Jesus came to us out of the premise of love – He did not come to condemn the world but to save it – they condemned Him – that’s why they drove the nails into hands – condemnation but Jesus retaliated with love and forgiveness: Father forgiven them they know not what they do!
b. Question: "Why did Jesus have to experience so much suffering?" Answer: Jesus suffered severely throughout His trials, torture, and crucifixion (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19). His suffering was physical: Isaiah 52:14 declares, “There were many who were appalled at Him—His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.” His suffering was emotional: “All the disciples deserted him and fled” (Matthew 26:56). His suffering was spiritual: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus had the weight of the sins of the entire world on Him (1 John 2:2). It was sin that caused Jesus to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus’ brutal physical suffering was augmented by His having to bear the guilt of our sins and die to pay our penalty (Romans 5:8).
c. Isaiah predicted Jesus’ suffering: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:3, 5). This passage specifies the reason for Jesus’ suffering: “for our transgressions,” for our healing, and to bring us peace.
i. Application: Jesus suffered the pain of the cross and being nailed to it so that our sins would be washed away – so our sins would be forgiven and so that we could be healed and set free – so we could find inner peace within our soul!
d. Jesus told His disciples that His suffering was certain: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Luke 9:22; cf. 17:25). Note the word must—He must suffer, and He must be killed. The suffering of Christ was God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
i. Application: Unlike the stories of dead gods in the past who died and came back to life their deaths were always from unknown sources and they did not see it coming unlike Jesus he knew it was coming and He knew the nails in His hand were part of the price he had to pay to set us free.
4. Jesus dies on the cross - scene 4 – a vile of blood – It is finished! See Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37:
a. Application: The vile of blood – representing His blood – his cleansing blood!
b. The seven biological functions of the blood. The 7 functions
i. The blood transports metabolic wastes from each cell to organs that excrete them, even drugs.
ii. The red blood cells transport oxygen from respiratory structures (lungs) to the cells of the body.
iii. The blood transports nutrients from the digestive system and from storage depots to each cell of the body.
iv. The blood transports hormones from endocrine glands to target tissues.
v. The blood helps to maintain fluid balance in the body.
vi. The blood helps to distribute metabolic heat within the body and to maintain normal body temperature.
vii. The blood (white blood cells) defend the body against invading microorganisms.
c. Medical science has given us insight into how “life rests in the blood.”
i. These seven functions accomplished by the blood help you and I live.
ii. If for what ever reason you where to lose to much blood you would die – so life rest in the blood
iii. Lev. 17:11 states, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s own life.”
iv. This verse tells us there is physical life in the blood but it also alludes that there is spiritual life in the blood too.
d. Read Revelation 5:1-14—The theology of the Cross! The suffering lamb!
e. The 7 life functions of the blood of the lamb:
i. The blood of the lamb cleanses us spiritually and removes all poisonous wastes from the world that will kill us.
ii. The blood of the lamb transports the breath of life into out spiritual cells so we can truly live and continue living for all eternity.
iii. The blood of the lamb transports food to our spiritual cells and keeps us from starving to death for all eternity.
iv. The blood of the lamb transports hormones- excitement-joy to our spiritual bodies.
v. The blood of the lamb will maintain balance in our life so we do not fall off one side or the other.
vi. The blood of the lamb will distribute heat to us in the midst of the storms to keep us warm and secure and it will help us stay at peace in the midst of the storms of life.
vii. The blood of the lamb will defend us against the powers of darkness and keep us safe in battle.
f. The represents His blood spilled for your forgiveness! For the cleansing of your soul from the filth of sin. His blood – for your purity!
5. Laid in the tomb – scene 5 – a stone – John 19:38-42; Mark 15:45-48, Acts 13:28-32:
a. The stone – represents the tomb were Jesus body was laid and the stone was placed in front of the tomb to keep people out!
i. The burial of Christ is specifically mentioned in the Apostles' Creed, were it says that Jesus was "crucified, dead, and buried." "Why was he buried?" the answer "His burial testified that He had really died.”
ii. This is Why this part of Jesus' story is so important? It proves that Jesus had really died, and that he was buried by not one but two influential, respected men who could testify to the fact – an important point when you remember that the first Christians were accused of concocting the story of the Resurrection. Here was certain evidence, from reputable witnesses, that Jesus really died. The fact of his death could also be verified by the Galilean women who prepared Jesus' body for burial; they were well-known and trusted by the Galilean disciples.
b. The Rock – the stone – the symbol – Jesus died and was sealed in a grave with a stone – a rock but keep your eye on the rock!
i. Application: Illustration: In a park in California there is a rock hanging on a rope with a large sign next to it. Weather Station report "Check the rock if it's wet it's raining, if the rock is swinging it's windy, if it's dry it's not raining, if you cannot see the rock it's foggy, if the rock has been blown away it's a tornado."
1. This humorous illustration has a profound statement in it and I want to draw your attention to it this Good Friday,, "Check the Rock."
2. Today many of you have come to church with questions on your mind. I believe the statement "Check the rock!" is a verbal instruction to each of you with questions. It's a statement giving us instruction on where to get our questions answered.
3. Let me take a guess at some of the questions you may have:
a. Are you wondering about how to receive eternal life?
i. Check the Rock?
b. Are you wondering what Easter is all about?
i. Check the Rock!
c. Are you wondering how to be set free from your fear of death?
i. Check the Rock!
d. Are you wondering how to be set free from your addictions?
i. Check the Rock/
e. Are you wondering about how to be delivered from the sting of death?
i. Check the Rock!
f. Are you wondering why Christianity is different than other religions?
i. Check the Rock!
g. Are you wondering if Christianity is relevant to you today?
i. Check the Rock!
h. Are you wondering if Jesus is God?
i. Check the Rock!
i. Are you wondering if Jesus is who he said he is?
i. Check the Rock!
j. Are you wondering if Jesus really conquered death?
i. Check the Rock!
k. Are you wondering if Jesus is alive today?
i. Check the Rock!
l. Are you wondering if Jesus will speak to you today?
i. Check the Rock!
m. Are you wondering if he is coming again?
i. Check the Rock!
n. Are you wondering if he keeps his promises?
i. Check the Rock!
o. Are you wondering why we love him so?
i. Check the Rock!
p. Do you want to see that Jesus is not another dead god?
i. Check the Rock - keep an eye on the rock!
ii. The pivotal point that sets Christianity apart from all other religions is the removal of the rock and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
iii. Jesus Christ was crucified (Killed, murdered). He died just like he said he would in Luke 9:22 "And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
iv. But the key here is he was raised from the dead like he said he would be. Just CHECK THE ROCK! Keep an eye on the rock!
Conclusion:
What do we need to know from this message?
Jesus is not just another dead god – He is God in the flesh and we must make a decision in our life who He really is? The question for you is: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
Why do we need to know this?
We need to understand the price God paid for our sin – sin always cries out for blood - we cannot take the act of Jesus death lightly or disrespectfully – we need to understand “He is the One true God.” He is the only way into Heaven! He choose death because death leads to resurrection and New Life for all of us.
What do we need to do?
They need to honor God in our lives daily – we do this by carrying our cross which means dying to self - we need to show Him respect and reverence – we need to spread His fame to the people around us every day! We need to fear God – Keep His commandments and understand we will be held accountable.
Why do we need to do this?
It’s the expression of our love for Jesus and for what He did for us. It’s about being willing to love you neighbor enough to share Jesus with them so they could be set free!
Good Friday should compel us to die-because when we die to self –Sin- we too will experience Resurrection and New Life for all Eternity.
Close in Prayer
Donald Offerring
