The Wondrous Cross

The Wondrous Cross

TEXT: Matt. 24:31,35; John 19:19; Matt. 27:39,40,46,50; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 2:13; Col. 1:20; Gal. 1:20; 6:14

INTRODUCTION

1. After Scripture reading have song leader Sing:

1) The Old Rugged Cross (vs. 1&2).

2) Beneath the Cross of Jesus (vs. 1&2).

3) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (all verses).

2. Quietly take the song leaders place and begin with the words, "What do you see when you survey the Wondrous Cross?"

3. We know what the apostle Paul saw.

(Galatians 6:14 NKJV) But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

DISCUSSION:

I. What did those present at Calvary see when they surveyed the cross?

A. The Roman soldiers saw a robe to be coveted and gambled for

(John 19:23-24 NKJV) Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. {24} They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things.

B. The religious priest saw a rabble-rouser and a blasphemer worthy of death (John 19:6,7)

C. Like modern day rubber-necks stopping to gawk at and accident scene where death and carnage abounds …… Curious by-standers occupied the time by ogling the death and suffering

(Luke 23:35 NKJV) And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God."

D. One criminal saw just another criminal being crucified

(Luke 23:39 NCV) One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: "Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us."

E. Another criminal saw the hope of heaven.

(Luke 23:40-43 NKJV) But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? {41} "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." {42} Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." {43} And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

F. A ruler of the Sabbath saw a body that had to be disposed of before the Sabbath

(John 19:31 NKJV) Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

G. Joseph of Arimathaea saw a body to be lovingly laid to rest

(Luke 23:50-53 NKJV) Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. {51} He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. {52} This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. {53} Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before.

H. A Roman soldier was forced to exclaim

(Matthew 27:54 NKJV) So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

I. The God of heaven looked down and saw a cruel sacrifice of his only begotten Son (1 Cor. 15:3).

J. But what do you see when you survey the wondrous cross?

K. I cannot answer for you. I can only know what I see when I survey the Wondrous cross

II. When I survey the cross, I see first and foremost my own sin.

(2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

(1 Peter 2:24 NKJV) who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.

A. When I look at the cross I see the enormity and depravity of my sin.

B. When we look at the newspapers and TV we are sometimes overwhelmed by the depravity of unregerate man.

C. But there is not greater reminder of how serious my sin is than the Old Rugged cross.