The Rose of Sharon
Selected Passages
March 27, 2002
For this message there is a demonstration aspect that makes the message better understood. I used a single red rose for the main part of the message and slowly tore the petals off of the rose as I described the suffering of Jesus. At the conclusion you will need a single white rose to illustrate the power of new life that Jesus was given at the resurrection
Introduction
What is Easter all about? What part really matters?
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures
Jesus Christ was known by many titles: Wonderful counselor, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Lamb of God and the Rose of Sharon
This morning I want to look at the death of Jesus through the title Rose of Sharon.
I. Jesus died
A. Scourging: tied to a scourging post, scourge – 9 straps of leather designed to inflict damage, 39 lashes with the scourge
B. Beating and crown of thorns: Soldiers took turns beating Jesus and pulling out his beard, weaved a crown of thorns and tamped it into his scalp
C. The rejection of the crowds
A. The process of crucifixion
1. Carrying the cross: The cross was made of unfinished wood and was very heavy, dropped it on His back, the beams drove splinters into his back
2. The pain of the crucifixion
a.) Spikes were driven into His hands and feet
b.) His body was jolted as the cross was set into position
c.) The scorching heat of the sun beat down on Him and created an unquenchable thirst
d.) Breathing – Diaphram muscles would be in spasms, to breathe He stood on the nail in his feet
e.) The spear in the side
Why in the world did Jesus die like this?
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
II. Jesus was raised
A. Jesus died for you
1. Jesus took the punishment that you deserved
2. Jesus was broken for you
B. God raised Jesus from the dead
1. God restored Jesus to wholeness
2. God’s desire is to restore you to wholeness
How can you receive this wholeness?
a.) A – Admit that you’ve blown it
b.) B – Believe that Jesus died and rose again
c.) C – Commit to follow God
