Sermon nuggets Thurs Dec 18
Theme Jesus’ Burial
Matt 27:55-56 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.
56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The Burial Shows Compassion – as illustrated by The Women
As we looked at the two other Christians we saw the secret Christian for fear of others now show courage. We saw the hesitant Christian who believed and some knew it, but now showed commitment.
Since we talked about the preparation of the body by the followers, I also want to add the place that the woman held in the burial. I think these women illustrated Jesus point she loves much because she was forgiven much. This is especially true for Mary Magdalene as we know more details about her life. Jesus illustrated her love when she was the one weeping and wiping off the dirt from Jesus feet. She takes an expensive perfume and anoints his feet and kisses them.
Many think that was Mary of Magdalene, others question if it was as it is not clear. But either way she was possessed with 7 demons and like that woman who was forgiven much or Mary who was freed from horrible sin and possession there was completion to her faith. There was no turning back. These women showed compassion by following Jesus to the end, regardless of who knew it or what would be done to him or to them.
For the ones who wholly turn over their lives to Christ there is no turning back. There is outward worship and witness. There is a courage, a commitment that takes them to the end of completion and ultimately to glory.
Jesus had one mission in this life. It wasn't to be a great teacher, though He was a great teacher. It wasn't to be a great prophet, though He was a great prophet. It wasn't to be a great miracle worker, though He did work many great miracles. No my friend, Jesus came to this world to perform only one job...to die.
Believing in Jesus is the only way to be saved because it was Jesus who died
for our sins. There are no other ways to be saved, no other roads to God. There are no other plans of salvation!
There are many incredible mysteries in the Bible. There are many doctrinal issues that will never be fully understood until we are in Heaven. But God made the most important decision of this life very easy and simple to understand. He gave every one the same opportunity to have their sins washed away and be assured of an eternity in Heaven. That is why we celebrate Good Friday today. That is why we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
The most important decision you will make in this life is not who you will marry, or where you will live, or what kind of job you will have. The most important decision you will make in this life is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. For in the death and in the burial it is completed. It is finished. There is nothing else other than accepted it. Certainly we will speak of the resurrection of Christ, but in his death he bought your soul. If you haven’t prayed to received Christ to be your savior and forgive you of all your sins do so today.
The women showed compassion. The burial was not the end of their faith, but a continuance of their love.
Pastor Dale
