Consequences of the Cross
Luke 23:44-49; 24:1-7
I. Introduction
Luke tells us "And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Much of the specter of the cross is hidden by that darkness. But the consequences of the cross can be clearly seen because the light of God’s Word illuminates them.
II. Consequences of the Cross
A. Some were convinced. (v. 47)
Falsely accused by the Jews, Jesus was revealed to be both "a righteous man" (Lk 23:47) and "the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54).
B. Some were convicted. (v. 48)
Just as the cross revealed the righteousness of Jesus, it also revealed the unrighteousness of man.
C. Some were crushed. (v. 49)
The followers of Jesus expected Him to be victorious over the Roman government and the Jewish hierarchy. They were greatly disappointed when He died on the cross. Their disappointment was short lived, though, because of the message they received from the angels: "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." (24:5, 6).
D. Sin was conquered.
By His glorious resurrection, Jesus Christ conquered sin. Paul writes: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ," (1 Cor 15: 54-57).
III. Conclusion
The darkness of the Cross points to the depth of man’s sin, but now there is a Light that draws all men. "Come to the Light, ’tis shining for thee."
