The Cross Made The Difference

THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

Colossians 1:19-21

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR: COMING UP SHORT

1. A man retired from British royal service. Three years later he was invited back to a party. He saw a woman across the hall that he recognized.

2. Suddenly her eyes fell on him, she smiled and started across the room. He frantically tried to remember her name but drew a blank. He knew her brother worked...he couldn’t call it up.

3. She held out her hand and said, “It’s good to see you again. How are you?” He said, “Fine! Is your brother still working?” She cocked her head and said, “Yes. He's still the King!”

B. TEXT

“19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.”

C. THESIS

1. It’s because of the Grace of God that we are saved today. Heb. 9:22 Says, “Without the shedding of blood there is NO REMISSION [from sin]!”

2. None of the world’s religions can save their adherents, because apart from the atonement by God’s chosen sacrifice there can be NO FORGIVENESS!

3. I want to touch on at least three people who were present during the trial & crucifixion who were profoundly influenced by Jesus. This message is entitled, “THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE”.

I. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR BARABBAS

A. FACTS ABOUT BARABBAS

1. Barabbas was a notable prisoner, (Matthew 27:16) the most famous criminal in custody.

2. Barabbas was called a murderer and he incited revolution against the Romans (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19, Acts 3:14). Barabbas was also a robber (John 18:40).

3. When Barabbas woke up that morning, he was...

a. supposed to be executed; last day to live.

b. brought to Pilate before a crowd; trick?

c. crowd chose him instead of Jesus! Shock!

d. He was set free; Jesus to scourge & cross.

4. Jesus took HIS beating, HIS cross, HIS death. Barabbas should have died for his crimes, but didn’t.

B. NO LIFE WITHOUT DEATH

1. The only reason you are alive today is because something has died. Each time you eat, something has to die first.

2. We eat meats, & fruits, vegetables, and grains. So every time we eat, animals and plants have to die.

3. Every day that we live, we endorse the principle that life comes out of death.

4. Spiritually, the reason you can live is that Jesus died for you. There would be no life without His death! Thank God for the Cross!

II. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE DYING THIEF

A. REMARKABLE FAITH

1. In Luke 23:39-43, we find the conversation of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus. Like Barabbas, they were guilty of crimes and deserved to die and to miss heaven.

2. But one thief defended Jesus and said to Him, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied “Truly I say unto you, today you shall be with Me in paradise.” (42-43)

3. This is one of the most remarkable events in the Bible. As nameless agony engulfed them as they were hoisted up on crosses, impaled to their deaths, one man focused and trusted in Christ for salvation.

B. WHERE DID HE GET HIS FAITH? He’d watched Jesus!

1. WHEN NAILS DRIVEN, He himself had struggled. It took the 3 strongest soldiers to hold him down. He had cursed and screamed in pain. BUT JESUS didn’t struggle. He had only prayed; "Father, Forgive them...." ‘Who is this Man?’

2. According to historians of that time, it was common for crucified persons to scream and curse at the onlookers, in their pain. But though the mob and chief priests laughed and jeered, Jesus didn’t revile back, but bore the insults with quiet Majesty.

3. THE INSCRIPTION above Jesus’ cross read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." That was the thief’s little Bible.

4. The FACE OF JESUS. His eyes were like none that the thief had ever seen before. Eyes of sorrow, yet of love. Majesty and misery, suffering and sacredness: the Lamb of God!

5. Most of all, being in the PRESENCE of CHRIST, the thief felt he was in a church service; God was near!

C. PICTURE OF GOD’S GRACE

1. Christ was crucified between two thieves: in them were represented all the men/women who have ever lived.

2. At the Cross of Jesus, all humanity is divided into 2 groups; those who trust Jesus and are saved, and those who reject Him and are lost.