Object: This is a scripture text that many ministers and pastors use right before taking communion with their congregations. And today we will reflect and remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ!
When we reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ what automatically comes to mind? For many people the thought of Jesus Christ dying for our sins comes to mind. For some they remember the movie Passion of Christ. And some may even automatically think about the rise of Christ as well. Nonetheless one thing is for sure we are all familiar with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Jesus did more than just get nailed to the cross, in reality he went through all of the beatens and humiliations that you and I truly deserved. They whipped Jesus until pieces of his skin were missing from his skin. Imagine the pain and agony Jesus felt just because of who he was. And even though the people around him were insulting Jesus while he was getting whipped he never said a word. Jesus was beaten before the Roman soldiers had him walk to Golgotha.
While they were walking to Golgotha the Roman Soldiers saw a man who was walking by named Simon from Cyrene and compelled him to carry the cross of Jesus Christ. This man would carry the cross of Jesus until he could walk no further. The Roman soldiers would have the man from Cyrene step aside and have Jesus Christ carry his own cross the rest of the way. Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary on his back that had pieces of his own skin missing from it. However Jesus never said a word and just kept moving forward.
The battle for you and I still was not finished, if anything it was just starting. You see, Jesus knew that you and I as his followers would experience even more issues here on earth. So Jesus allowed the Roman soldiers to nail him on the cross, pierce his side and place a crown of thorns upon his head. Even though Jesus could have come off the cross at any moment but he stayed on the cross for you and I.
Ladies and Gentlemen the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is not just a temporary memory. It should serve as a daily reminder that someone cared so much for us that they gave up their own life for us. Took a whipping that none of us could ever fully understand the feeling of. And he experienced being hung on the cross for hours with nothing to drink just so you and I could live.
Remember: It is because of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that you and I even have a chance of going to heaven one day! And Jesus went through everything personally so you and I would not have to experience it.
So I ask you today congregation:
1. What does the crucifixion of Jesus truly mean to you?
2. How do you thank Jesus for dying on the cross for you?
3. Aren't you glad Jesus died on the cross for you?
