CSI: Easter
Crucifixion Scene Investigation
Acts 3:14-15 [on screen]
See all our Easter sermons, PowerPoints, and much more at:
http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Special.html
-----
Turn to Matthew 26, then go to Acts [on screen…]
We certainly hear a lot about the top rated show in prime time. So popular because of the careful attention paid to clues/reconstructing of crime scenes. We can use our Bibles to do the same! [in chronological order using harmony of gospels.]
The Conspiracy
vv. 1-4
And there’s a movement today to rid the world of Jesus. Many detest how the movie has done—terrorists want to kill Jews and Christians in the name of their god…and many Americans would love for all the Christians to just disappear—one day they’ll get their wish!
The Accomplice
vv. 14-16
Satan has many willing to sell him their souls for some temporary reward, but like Judas, they will spend an eternity regretting it!
Early Deliberations [sequestered away in upper room]
Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
The disciples are a picture of us, and isn’t it just like us Christians to squabble over the trivial when there’s major things to do?! That discussion comes to an abrupt halt as Jesus washes their feet!
The Motive [establish]
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
We undermine our own reputation when we live w/ any other motive than love.
We can establish that Jesus had motive to do what He did…it was love!
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Was it Premeditated?
Mt. 26:36-39
Luke 22:44
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
This wasn’t a whim, Jesus had thought it out carefully and completely from the time His Father sent Him to save us. It was clear what He had to do from the time man fell in the garden of Eden. God was speaking to Satan when He said:
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
And Jesus knew what He had to do.
It was clear what He had to do:
When Abel made the first offering in Genesis 4:4
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
And Jesus knew what He had to do.
It was clear:
When Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice, and there caught in the sharp clutches of a rugged tree was a ram as a substitute… And Jesus knew what He had to do.
It was clear what He had to do:
Each time a sacrificial lamb was offered for sins of God’s people—as the body of the spotless lamb was slain, as the blood was poured-- Jesus knew what He had to do.
When the psalmist wrote by inspiration in Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Jesus knew what He had to do.
When Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 52:14
As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
…and Isaiah continued to say:
Isaiah 53:5-6
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
And Jesus knew what He had to do.
When the prophet said in Daniel 9:26 that in 434 years…
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off…
And Jesus knew what He had to do!
When another prophet said in Zech. 13:6
And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
And Jesus knew what He had to do!
He was born despite Satan’s attempts to end the line of Christ.
Gen. 13--Sarah nearly became part of king’s harem
Isaac, too, lied about rebekah and it nearly happened again!
Satan tried to annihilate God’s people in Egypt, Babylonian captivity, Herod’s orders to smite Hebrews born in Bethlehem 2 yrs. and under…He was born, God in the flesh, knowing what He had to do…
He knew it in the temple at 12 when He said to His parents in Luke 2:49
… wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
When John the Baptist introduced Him as the Lamb of God
And Jesus knew what He had to do!
He was reminded of it when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, tried to get Him to hand over His right to the earth…
It was on His mind when He said in John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Jesus knew what He had to do!
On His mind with each healing miracle He performed, every parable He told…
On His mind in Matthew 16:21
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
And later in Galilee in Matthew 17:22-23
And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: [23] And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry. [grieved/perplexed?]
And again in Matthew 20:17-19 when
Jesus … took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, [18] Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, [19] And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
But the disciples didn’t understand and didn’t want to ask…
Jesus knew what He had to do!
He understood all along what even those closest to Him didn’t put together until after His resurrection! He carried that cross for 33 years w/ no help from anyone else!
And now in the Garden He’s alone still, and the disciples picture us yet again, sleeping while important things are going on!
And w/out reservation we can say the deed Christ was about to do was as premeditated as any has ever been!
And in meditation He thought of you…and me!
Opening Statement
John 18:3-5
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. [4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? [5] They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
Prosecution Witnesses
Mt. 26:59-64
The Recusal
Peter denies the Lord…and we who could testify in His behalf often cower in the shadows! And somehow justify ourselves saying, it’s not the right time, or, someday I’ll tell them!
A poignant moment: when the cock crew and from a distance He sees Jesus and their eyes meet! Is that what needs to happen to you before you realize you’re denying Him? You’re to be a witness, called to the stand…don’t recuse yourself!
The Interrogation
Jesus’ meekness is unimaginable…cannot be put into words!
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.
It gives evidence that He is different…yet we are quick to defend ourselves in all matters. God would be a better defender for you!
The Hung Jury
In any other courtroom He would be set free, but the death penalty is called for!
Yet we live our lives looking for fairness, instead of rejoicing that we could be counted worthy to suffer w/ Him, know Him more!
Laodicea= “rights of the people” -- the spirit of our age!
The Objection from Pilate
Mt. 27:24-25
A weak stand he took, looking out mostly for himself!
Let us never forget when tempted to sin that His blood be on us!
Hebrews says we crucify Him afresh…
Hebrews 10:26-29
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries…of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
The Diversion
Barabbas? Let’s never forget that he is rep. of us! We who are guilty are set free and an innocent man takes our place!
[Part 2]
Cross Examination:
Crucifixion Scene Investigation
I Cor. 2:2, 7-8
Blood tests
Col. 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…
Acts 20:28
…feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Eph. 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Hebrews 9:12-14
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…
1 John 1:7
… the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Rev. 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev. 7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
DNA Analysis reveals Jesus Christ is God!
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. [God w/ us]
Luke 1:35
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 40:3
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Matthew 3:3
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Matthew 8:29 [demons speaking…]
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1 Cor. 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Phil. 2:6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
1 Cor. 15:47
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1 Tim. 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Hebrews 1:8
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
But, that is the very problem for unbelievers…
John 5:18
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
John 10:30-31
I and my Father are one. [31] Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
John 8:46
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
Acts 13:28
And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
Lab results
[toxins found in the body]
2 Cor. 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Peter 2:24
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.
Yet just before the cross there’s no trace of sin…
1 Peter 2:22
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Hebrews 4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Human saliva found--not Jesus’ own—evil men, having fun w/ near dead man, Jesus bore it all—all sins in His body.
So…lab results show toxin of sin/saliva/something else???
Evidence tampering?
Some of the blood samples gathered at the foot of the cross aren’t quite right? Has someone planted this? There’s another liquid in our pathology…it is water!
Deep in the heart of this thirsty, dried up body is water, and it too is poured out in the final step of this crucifixion.
John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 7:38-39
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. [39] (But this spake he of the Spirit…
Water symbolizes the spirit …and the Word!
Eph. 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word…
The blood is for salvation
The water is for sanctification
Footprints
In mary and joseph’s home, in the temple from a young age—leading in and out of the river Jordan/atop the mt. of olives [preached], and in cemeteries where he healed, cast out demons—at Lazarus’ tomb there’s 1 set of footprints, clearly Jesus’, leading in, but 2 sets coming out???
Found in slums/alleys of poor/at Samaritan well/in homes of lepers and tax collectors…also found on the Sea of Galilee!
Prints from only a week before the cross were found along a narrow street along w/ what looks like the imprints of palm branches…these can be traced to a dining setup in a loft, to the garden of Gethsemane, to the High Priest’s residence, Pilate’s court, Herod’s Palace, and along an incline just outside the city to that jagged hill that looks like a skull!
Fingerprints
Prints matching those of Jesus could not be found on any swords, or weapons of any kind, have been found on some people’s ears, eyes, legs, and many shoulders, some of whom claimed they had leprosy at the time [as if anyone would touch them!], prints were found on the cheeks and hands of many children, as well as on some bread and fish found in baskets on a hillside…also on the sales tables in the temple…
…some real mysteries are why His prints were found in some sand where that woman nearly got stoned…and why they were found on His disciple’s feet and better yet, Malchus’ ear! The clearest prints were found on that cross He was crucified on, almost as if He were clinging to it!
Ballistics and other items at the scene:
Woven Thorns found on scene.
Thorns symbolize the consequences of sin
Genesis 3:17-18
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; [18] Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field…
God warned Moses about the consequences of not driving out evil out of the land:
Numbers 33:55
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
You and I know about the consequences of sin—we’ve walked thru the briar patch of humanity—we’ve all jumped into what looked like a bed of roses only to learn this “point” all too well…the thorny consequences of sin!
Jesus had never experienced the consequences of sin, until they were driven into His scalp!
Spikes:
3 of them needed to fasten the large list into the wood…
What?
Col. 2:13-14
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
He could have stopped the soldier’s mallet in mid-swing, but He wanted that list fastened there!
A Sign:
John 19:19-22
And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. [20] This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. [21] Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. [22] Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
All 4 gospels mention it, and it’s truth could not be crossed out…there in all languages of the peoples was the fact of Who this was!
Love in any language…read between the nails—recognize the signs!
The Robe:
A bloody garment was laid aside unnoticed after being gambled for…one of the soldiers won but did not claim his prize? It was a robe of Christ’s righteousness, taken off of Him and replaced w/ the wardrobe of indignity…stripped naked in front of the crowd, even His own mother—He exchanged robes w/ us, and man has been given His robe in exchange for our old tattered garments of sin!
You’re invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, a formal occasion, but you’re not allowed in w/ out this jacket, this white robe given you in trade for our filthy rags!
A Sponge:
A Gospel writer at the scene testifies of a thirsty man—He hasn’t had anything to drink since the nite before, and has lost most of the liquid in his body…His wind blown lips are dried and cracked, His mouth of cotton, He couldn’t swallow and scarcely speak thru his hoarse throat.
The drink offered Him contained sedative properties which would have numbed the pain and relieved the thirst, but Jesus chose to feel the full force of His suffering!
Part 3: John 10:10
“Just the facts, ma’am…”
Here they are in a nutshell--
The Rough Start…
-parents shamed for pregnancy out of wedlock
what innkeeper said-no room in the Inn
what Herod said: no room for another king around here…kill him
# of religious leaders who believed He was the Messiah: 0
Type of people who did: stargazers/nigh-shift shepherds/a couple of newlyweds who claimed to have more experience giving birth than in bed.
Joseph and mary’s reward: 2 years in exile, trying to learn Egyptian.
…and these were the calm years!
The Tough Life…
Word on the street when Jesus claimed to be God: “just a carpenter, must be nuts…weird family, have you seen his cousin?”
Leader’s reaction: stone him! [jealousy/disbelief/resentment!]
# of disciples total: 70
# of disciples who defended him to the end: 0
# of lepers and sick Jesus healed: too many to count
# who defended Him: 0
The Gruff Ending…
CSI: conspiracy/accomplices/premeditation/interrogation/ prosecution’s false witnesses/scourging/mocking/hung jury sentences death?/a Cross/thorns/spikes/a spear/the sin of the world/separation from God/death!
# of times Jesus had prophesied that He would rise again: 3
# of apostles who heard Him: all
# of apostles who waited at the tomb to see: 0
The odds a street-corner bookie would’ve given the day after the crucifixion—that Jesus’ name would be known in the 21st century: They would have said, “I’ll give you better odds that he’ll rise from the dead than that!”
The Stuff which Followed…
Let’s investigate the best info. to be brought forward in this case!
The Morgue
A borrowed tomb—He only needed it for the weekend!
Grave Clothes
We don’t like to think about them…no one brings it up at dinner—what do you want to be buried in? No stores specialize in burial garments--“clothes to die for!”
Joseph of Arimathea—a secret disciple—gave a tomb
Nicodemus—had come to Jesus “by night”—linens
And 75 lbs. of spices [quantity for a king!]
John—the disciple whom Jesus loved, later wrote:
John 19:40
Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
They took the body of Jesus to a new tomb, that Joseph had prepared for himself. They would have folded His arms over His chest. They closed His eyes, kissed His cheek, and placed a napkin over His face.
Surveillance—
Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Armed guards to prevent a dead man from leaving!--a seal [wax/string]
A good investigator will sense that there’s fear in the Jewish/Roman leader’s bones…they all were shaken by the earthquake/darkness/veil torn!
Meanwhile, Jesus’ followers are in the depths of depression in the wake of these events…
Oh, the finality of this—the pain after the death of a loved one as you take care of business, the funeral, the flowers, the hearse…in this case: the grave clothes…all hope is gone, wound up in that linen.
Think of John: 3 years before he left fishing and joined up w/ Jesus…they had been thru so much together, but now his friend and his future lay wrapped in grave clothes.
Get ready! The authorities were mostly afraid of the disciples moving Jesus, but instead…
God moves!
Matthew 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Luke 24:1-8
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. [2] And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
No Body
[3] And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. [4] And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: [5] And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? [6] He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, [7] Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. [8] And they remembered his words…
John 20:2-8
Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. [3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. [4] So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. [5] And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. [6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, [7] And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. [8] Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
The Napkin
Said, I’m not finished yet, I’m coming back!”
The Cover-up
Matthew 28:11-15
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. [12] And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, [13] Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. [14] And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. [15] So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
The soldiers believed in the resurrection/obviously the religious leaders did, since they tried to cover it up.
Some of them not only believed IN the resurrection, but ON it, later…
Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Don’t just believe in Christ, believe ON Him!
John saw and believed when he looked into the tomb!
Doubting Thomas believed when he saw Christ…
One of the thieves had believed on the Cross, and within a few minutes in Paradise he saw Christ again!
And Jesus went on to appear to over 500 others, many of them named in the Bible!
Intent [establish]
When He died, so did your sin
When he rose, so did your hope!
John 10:10
… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
That you might have life!
When Jesus claimed to be God, the Jews sought to kill him, and he responded:
John 5:40
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
-----
See all our Easter sermons, PowerPoints, and much more at:
http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Special.html
