What If Jesus Had Not Died?

WHAT IF JESUS HAD NOT DIED?

MATTHEW 16-27; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21

THREAD: What if Jesus Christ had not died on the cross for you and for me?

WHAT IF:

Matthew 16:21-23 “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

What if in that moment, Jesus decided that He really did not want to suffer “many things” and be killed? What if in that moment instead of continuing in God’s Will He decided to run away? Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Peter, you are right! Go and get the others!” While Peter was gone getting the other disciples, Jesus went and bought an ox team and a wagon. He then gathered all the disciples and said, “I do not want to go to Jerusalem and die. Come with me or stay. Your choice.” Some jumped in the wagon. Others stood stunned. Jesus along with some of the disciples travelled south… never to be heard from again.

WHAT IF:

Matthew 21:6-11 “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

What if in that moment, instead of having His heart set on our salvation, Jesus liked all of the cheers and accolades and praises and decided to lead and uprising against the invading Romans? Jesus looked at Simon the Zealot and the other disciples and said, “Now is the time! Grab your sword! Grab your gear!” Jesus then spoke to the cheering crowds in a parable about the injustice of the occupation of the Romans. As He finished speaking and trying to arouse the crowd to furious anger, a Roman detachment from Jerusalem approached and began to squash the rebellion as it was beginning. The soldiers killed every person in the crowd with the sword, but Jesus narrowly escaped never to be heard from again.

THREAD: What if Jesus Christ had not died on the cross for you and for me?

WHAT IF:

Matthew 26:26-30 “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

What if, on His way to the Mount of Olives, Jesus succumbed to His fears? He knew He would be arrested. He knew He would be beaten almost to death. He knew He would be nailed to a cross. He knew His blood would be shed. He knew He would take on the sin of the world. He knew He would be separated from God the Father. What if it was all just too much? As they approached the Mount of Olives, Jesus looked at His disciples and said, now is the time for my departure. I am going back to the Father. Jesus rose from the top of the mountain and disappeared into the night to Heaven.

WHAT IF:

Matthew 26:47-50 “While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”