Sermon nuggets Fri Dec 5
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses- John 19:25-27 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Relationships points to Christ’s Selfless Love
Love makes one think of others in the midst of all suffering. Jesus sees around and sees those faithful few with whom he has close relationships-mostly women, although John is there again. All haven’t left him. It was the women who demonstrated unbelievable courage in spite of the danger. They followed to the end. Although the women couldn’t do anything to save him, they understood that they could be there and show support for him in his own agony. All the other disciples and followers were gone.
As Jesus looked upon them, note the selflessness of his love-He is not the least bit concerned about Himself, but others. He was concerned about the sinner one on the cross next to him who was repentant, and for the sinners before Him who didn’t know what they were doing. But his special love was directed toward John and His mother, Mary. “Woman, behold your son”. He wants His mother to be taken care of. John is to be like a son to Her, and Mary is to be like a mother to him.
As the eldest earthly son, Jesus cares for the needs of His mother Mary by providing for her in her grief and in her physical need by making sure the disciples would best care for her. He would see her anguish and realize her love that I believe even extended beyond motherhood. Simeon words came true “This child is destined to cause the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoke against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul also.” Jesus knew her sorrows.
Mary was never divine. She was not portrayed as one to be prayed to nor worshipped. She needed to be cared for herself. John was to provide the care. She needed protection. She is the earthly mother, not a heavenly mediator.
The question may come why didn’t Mary turn to one of her other sons mentioned in the Bible? The New Testament is clear that Jesus had brothers. Why didn’t one of them take over their responsibility? I suspect that it is because they were not believers at this time. We are glad to say in the book of Acts there is indication that they too became followers with their hearts of Jesus, but for the present, for the time of grief and for the physical are Mary is watched over by John. And John became one of the family.
There was a news article some time ago of a Father who was aware of his house on fire in California who had 90% burns on his body to save his wife and kids. Beating the door and watched his family burn he went into rescue them and ended up with scars himself, though they were saved. Here is one with scarred hands and feet also who for our love did complete the job for our salvation.
The sign of Pilate points to his sovereign Love. The King of the Jews. In a detailed prophecy His robe may point to his sacrificial love. These relationships point to His selfless love.
Peter said it well. “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”
Pastor Dale
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Robe points to Sacrificial Love- John 19:23,24
Sermon nuggets Thurs Dec 4
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses John 19:23-24 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
24 "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.
The Robe Points to Christ's Sacrificial Love
Wm Barclay in his commentary, tells us the Jews typically wore 5 articles of clothing- the shoes, turban, girdle, tunic and robe. The fact the robe was gambled for was a significant in that it was predicted over 1,000 years earlier. Ps 22:14-18 says the soldiers did this that Scriptures might be fulfilled.
We have heard much in the Bible about Jesus being sacrifice for our sins. He fulfilled the image of the sacrificial Lamb of God. As the Passover lamb, He sacrificed His life for us. He sacrificed all that he had by dying. We are not going to need our clothes. But John MacArthur makes an interesting point about this robe being seamless. Why does God choose to put that in the Bible? It isn’t just for a fashion statement. (Although I have heard some ladies group do a take off on this teaching the importance of wearing good clothes.) It is not some special interest in the quality of the tunic. But this was also the specification of the clothing of the high priest. He was to wear special clothing including a garment without seam.
As we read and understand numerous prophetic fulfillments and types which are the pictures that point to Christ. In fact according to one source 322 distinct prophecies are fulfilled in Christ and that doesn’t include such things as the picture of the water from the rock or the person of Moses leading people in to the promised land, or any other picture of which Christ is the New Testament fulfillment. Jesus is also the High priest representing God to man and man to God. The priest is the go between who offers sacrifices on behalf of the people and makes sacrifice for God.
Jesus robe is a picture of the garment of the high priest according to MacArthur that not only ties him in with that O.T. figure but even more importantly is a detail that was mentioned 1,000 years before Christ came.
Do you understand the love of God that is so detailed in the pictures as to sacrifice himself for you and me? God uses hateful and pagan men to carry out his purposes. This is important to recognize that no sinful men will violate the plan of God. God worked through Caiaphas, through Pilate, through Judas through the soldiers who are to kill him. It is interesting to see how some liberals try to explain away the prophecies. They will say that Jesus read a number of prophecies and tried to flow them. How silly. I suppose those pagan Romans soldiers decided to read Psalm 22 that morning and thought, “Oh, I wonder if this isn’t what we are suppose to do this afternoon. Be sure to bring along your dice, Flavious.” Pilate, the soldiers, the men of execution and the place had nothing to do with anything men can concoct. But God knew and so they became his tools to carry out his plan. God also works through Holy men as well. Which are you? Sin does not thrwart Gods’ plan. You may be cured in it or blessed in it because of your disobedience, but God can use you one way or the other. He will carry out his will.
Sin can so easily grab us like a snake eating a mouse.. It is so subtle and surrounds us and until we are engulfed in his grasp. Beware with playing with it. Beware as Christians to continue in things against God’s will for it can enclave us but also be mindful that his sacrifice was for sin and for sinners. We can be freed and in our freedom be victorious.
How could he say of his executioners, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?” or to the dying thief “Today you will be with me in Paradise”?
The Robe points to Christ's sacrificial love as our High Priest representing us before God.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses John 19:23-24 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
24 "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.
The Robe Points to Christ's Sacrificial Love
Wm Barclay in his commentary, tells us the Jews typically wore 5 articles of clothing- the shoes, turban, girdle, tunic and robe. The fact the robe was gambled for was a significant in that it was predicted over 1,000 years earlier. Ps 22:14-18 says the soldiers did this that Scriptures might be fulfilled.
We have heard much in the Bible about Jesus being sacrifice for our sins. He fulfilled the image of the sacrificial Lamb of God. As the Passover lamb, He sacrificed His life for us. He sacrificed all that he had by dying. We are not going to need our clothes. But John MacArthur makes an interesting point about this robe being seamless. Why does God choose to put that in the Bible? It isn’t just for a fashion statement. (Although I have heard some ladies group do a take off on this teaching the importance of wearing good clothes.) It is not some special interest in the quality of the tunic. But this was also the specification of the clothing of the high priest. He was to wear special clothing including a garment without seam.
As we read and understand numerous prophetic fulfillments and types which are the pictures that point to Christ. In fact according to one source 322 distinct prophecies are fulfilled in Christ and that doesn’t include such things as the picture of the water from the rock or the person of Moses leading people in to the promised land, or any other picture of which Christ is the New Testament fulfillment. Jesus is also the High priest representing God to man and man to God. The priest is the go between who offers sacrifices on behalf of the people and makes sacrifice for God.
Jesus robe is a picture of the garment of the high priest according to MacArthur that not only ties him in with that O.T. figure but even more importantly is a detail that was mentioned 1,000 years before Christ came.
Do you understand the love of God that is so detailed in the pictures as to sacrifice himself for you and me? God uses hateful and pagan men to carry out his purposes. This is important to recognize that no sinful men will violate the plan of God. God worked through Caiaphas, through Pilate, through Judas through the soldiers who are to kill him. It is interesting to see how some liberals try to explain away the prophecies. They will say that Jesus read a number of prophecies and tried to flow them. How silly. I suppose those pagan Romans soldiers decided to read Psalm 22 that morning and thought, “Oh, I wonder if this isn’t what we are suppose to do this afternoon. Be sure to bring along your dice, Flavious.” Pilate, the soldiers, the men of execution and the place had nothing to do with anything men can concoct. But God knew and so they became his tools to carry out his plan. God also works through Holy men as well. Which are you? Sin does not thrwart Gods’ plan. You may be cured in it or blessed in it because of your disobedience, but God can use you one way or the other. He will carry out his will.
Sin can so easily grab us like a snake eating a mouse.. It is so subtle and surrounds us and until we are engulfed in his grasp. Beware with playing with it. Beware as Christians to continue in things against God’s will for it can enclave us but also be mindful that his sacrifice was for sin and for sinners. We can be freed and in our freedom be victorious.
How could he say of his executioners, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?” or to the dying thief “Today you will be with me in Paradise”?
The Robe points to Christ's sacrificial love as our High Priest representing us before God.
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Sign points to His Soveriegn Love John 19:19-21
Sermon nuggets Weds Dec 4
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses- John 19:19-21 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.
21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.")
The Sign points to Christ’s Sovereign Love
The sign above the cross was not uncommon when one was crucified. It seems that the custom of the Romans was to put the particular individual crime above the criminal's head as a public example for people to see to prevent others from murder, or robbery, or revolting. The reason Pilate was giving Jesus to the Jews he didn’t want the responsibility for the death. So he had written, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
The Jewish leaders didn’t like that. They wanted it to say, “He says he is the King of the Jews.” But since Pilate hardly got his way in anything else, at least in this he was not going to back down. All the protesting wasn’t going to help because by the time any appeals would be given Jesus would have been dead and buried. Pilate had it written in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin.
The desire to keep his high government post was greater than Pilate’s determination to do what was right. Actually Pilate obtained no earthly benefit from this decision. The church Father, Eusebuis, quoted form Greek historians said that Pilate fell out of favor with his superiors and committed suicide before 40 AD less that 10 years after this fateful decree. But that does not change the sovereignty of God and His Kingly love. Jesus was King. Jews objected with Nazareth being an old hick-town. No king could come from that little place. But God in His power saw to it that the sign was placed up there identifying for the world and for all in the three known languages in that area who it was on the cross and why. He was King. The title in the Hebrew Greek and Latin also implied that all people who could read know it was for more than Jewish eyes. The significance of the cross is not just to recognize Jesus was Savior, one to save us form our sins, but also as King. He is Lord. We are to obey him in all areas of our lives.
James Boice tells us the Hebrew is the language of religious community implying He is the King of all religion. Greek is the language of the sciences, cultures and wars and philosophy and these are the areas of our lives to be subject to his ruler ship. Latin is the language of the law and government. God in Christ is the law giver and one to be obeyed.
Perhaps it was this sign that caused one thief to ponder his own crucifixion that he is suffering of his own sins, but Jesus indeed was an innocent man. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom”, he asked. And Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Perhaps it was that sign that was the tool to bring the thief to conviction and salvation realizing who Jesus is. Jesus is our King. He is to be Sovereign.
Herbert Prochow says, “We need to reaffirm our stand on principles that have strongly motivated the conduct of our people throughout their history. The first principle is our recognition of the sovereignty of God. We need to re-emphasize that man is not the center of universe. It is providence that is sovereign and gave the ultimate object and goals to mankind.” The details were planned long ago. Christ accepted His Father’s sovereign control.
The Kingship of Jesus is acknowledged on the sign- “Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.” Is He king of your heart, of your hand, of your mouth, of your body, of your soul, spirit and mind? He left His glory to demonstrate His sovereign love.
Pastor Dale.
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses- John 19:19-21 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.
21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.")
The Sign points to Christ’s Sovereign Love
The sign above the cross was not uncommon when one was crucified. It seems that the custom of the Romans was to put the particular individual crime above the criminal's head as a public example for people to see to prevent others from murder, or robbery, or revolting. The reason Pilate was giving Jesus to the Jews he didn’t want the responsibility for the death. So he had written, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
The Jewish leaders didn’t like that. They wanted it to say, “He says he is the King of the Jews.” But since Pilate hardly got his way in anything else, at least in this he was not going to back down. All the protesting wasn’t going to help because by the time any appeals would be given Jesus would have been dead and buried. Pilate had it written in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin.
The desire to keep his high government post was greater than Pilate’s determination to do what was right. Actually Pilate obtained no earthly benefit from this decision. The church Father, Eusebuis, quoted form Greek historians said that Pilate fell out of favor with his superiors and committed suicide before 40 AD less that 10 years after this fateful decree. But that does not change the sovereignty of God and His Kingly love. Jesus was King. Jews objected with Nazareth being an old hick-town. No king could come from that little place. But God in His power saw to it that the sign was placed up there identifying for the world and for all in the three known languages in that area who it was on the cross and why. He was King. The title in the Hebrew Greek and Latin also implied that all people who could read know it was for more than Jewish eyes. The significance of the cross is not just to recognize Jesus was Savior, one to save us form our sins, but also as King. He is Lord. We are to obey him in all areas of our lives.
James Boice tells us the Hebrew is the language of religious community implying He is the King of all religion. Greek is the language of the sciences, cultures and wars and philosophy and these are the areas of our lives to be subject to his ruler ship. Latin is the language of the law and government. God in Christ is the law giver and one to be obeyed.
Perhaps it was this sign that caused one thief to ponder his own crucifixion that he is suffering of his own sins, but Jesus indeed was an innocent man. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom”, he asked. And Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Perhaps it was that sign that was the tool to bring the thief to conviction and salvation realizing who Jesus is. Jesus is our King. He is to be Sovereign.
Herbert Prochow says, “We need to reaffirm our stand on principles that have strongly motivated the conduct of our people throughout their history. The first principle is our recognition of the sovereignty of God. We need to re-emphasize that man is not the center of universe. It is providence that is sovereign and gave the ultimate object and goals to mankind.” The details were planned long ago. Christ accepted His Father’s sovereign control.
The Kingship of Jesus is acknowledged on the sign- “Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.” Is He king of your heart, of your hand, of your mouth, of your body, of your soul, spirit and mind? He left His glory to demonstrate His sovereign love.
Pastor Dale.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cross points to Sacrifical Love John 19:17,18
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 2
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses- John 19:17-18 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others-- one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
The Cross Points to Christ’s Saving Love.
The cross is believed to be used by the Persians a number of years previous as a means of execution. The Carthians continued it’s practice, and the Romans adapted it for foreign criminals and slave executions by having the victim carry a horizontal bar on his back to where a pole or upright bar was already arrested. The person was stripped and nailed to the beam. He then was lifted up and then have his feet nailed to the standing vertical beam. The cause of death would often be a combination of shock, exposure, loss of blood and commonly suffocation. It was a cruel death physically. Ciscero said it was the most cruel and horrifying death possible. It was a despicable death. The Romans had a law that a citizen would not be killed in such a manner. This was only reserved for slaves and foreigners. In keeping with John’s purpose of his Gospel the cross was God’s means of our redemption. It was the saving act of love that was consistent with the prophecies of Jesus method of execution.
You may remember that the common means of execution by the Jews was stoning. Normally a person would be brought to a common pit, or valley where tried, and convicted people would be thrown. Large stones and boulders abound in Israel. The accuser or witness was the first to shove the person over and throw the stone upon the heart. Others would join in and crush the body of the person to be killed.
The Roman execution was a cross. It was a much longer death and far more painful. For a short period of time Rome would not allow Jews to have anyone put to death. This must have happened once again to fulfill the prophecies that Jesus was to shed his blood, be lifted up on a pole, like the symbolic serpent on the pole talked about in the time of Moses. Isaiah 53:7 tells us that he was led as a sheep to be slaughtered, yet he opened not his mouth. Jesus was led away. You don’t drive sheep you lead them.
The cross points to the saving love of Jesus Christ taking the curse of sin as the one substitute for our punishment identified with the sinners as he is placed between two thieves. Prophecy after prophecy points to the cross for our salvation. I sometimes wonder how Jews can read from t heir own Old Testament prophets, particularly Isaiah 53 and miss the direct detailed account of the cross of Christ. Moishe Rosen, founder of Jesus for Jesus explains most try to explain it away. But it frustrates the theological Jewish teachers it because it is so close to the life and ministry and death of Jesus of Nazareth. They have one theory that the passage refers to the entire nation of Israel. It is omitted from the liturgical synagogue reading during that calendar year.
Rosen writes that most Jewish people are unaware that Isaiah 53 even exists. A very common response from a Jew who looks at it for the first time is “That’s not from the Jewish Scriptures. It sounds New Testament to me.” When individuals come to faith in Jesus as the true Messiah they see the passage for the first time and are startled to discover it was there all along.
Isaiah is talking about a God who is sending in love a substitute willing to suffer so that by his stripes we are healed and by his sacrifice we are saved. Psalm 22 highlights the piercing of the hands and feet.
Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me. The cross points to this saving love.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses- John 19:17-18 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others-- one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
The Cross Points to Christ’s Saving Love.
The cross is believed to be used by the Persians a number of years previous as a means of execution. The Carthians continued it’s practice, and the Romans adapted it for foreign criminals and slave executions by having the victim carry a horizontal bar on his back to where a pole or upright bar was already arrested. The person was stripped and nailed to the beam. He then was lifted up and then have his feet nailed to the standing vertical beam. The cause of death would often be a combination of shock, exposure, loss of blood and commonly suffocation. It was a cruel death physically. Ciscero said it was the most cruel and horrifying death possible. It was a despicable death. The Romans had a law that a citizen would not be killed in such a manner. This was only reserved for slaves and foreigners. In keeping with John’s purpose of his Gospel the cross was God’s means of our redemption. It was the saving act of love that was consistent with the prophecies of Jesus method of execution.
You may remember that the common means of execution by the Jews was stoning. Normally a person would be brought to a common pit, or valley where tried, and convicted people would be thrown. Large stones and boulders abound in Israel. The accuser or witness was the first to shove the person over and throw the stone upon the heart. Others would join in and crush the body of the person to be killed.
The Roman execution was a cross. It was a much longer death and far more painful. For a short period of time Rome would not allow Jews to have anyone put to death. This must have happened once again to fulfill the prophecies that Jesus was to shed his blood, be lifted up on a pole, like the symbolic serpent on the pole talked about in the time of Moses. Isaiah 53:7 tells us that he was led as a sheep to be slaughtered, yet he opened not his mouth. Jesus was led away. You don’t drive sheep you lead them.
The cross points to the saving love of Jesus Christ taking the curse of sin as the one substitute for our punishment identified with the sinners as he is placed between two thieves. Prophecy after prophecy points to the cross for our salvation. I sometimes wonder how Jews can read from t heir own Old Testament prophets, particularly Isaiah 53 and miss the direct detailed account of the cross of Christ. Moishe Rosen, founder of Jesus for Jesus explains most try to explain it away. But it frustrates the theological Jewish teachers it because it is so close to the life and ministry and death of Jesus of Nazareth. They have one theory that the passage refers to the entire nation of Israel. It is omitted from the liturgical synagogue reading during that calendar year.
Rosen writes that most Jewish people are unaware that Isaiah 53 even exists. A very common response from a Jew who looks at it for the first time is “That’s not from the Jewish Scriptures. It sounds New Testament to me.” When individuals come to faith in Jesus as the true Messiah they see the passage for the first time and are startled to discover it was there all along.
Isaiah is talking about a God who is sending in love a substitute willing to suffer so that by his stripes we are healed and by his sacrifice we are saved. Psalm 22 highlights the piercing of the hands and feet.
Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me. The cross points to this saving love.
Pastor Dale
Monday, December 1, 2008
Crucifixion John 19:15-16
Sermon nuggets Mon Dec 1
Theme- The Crucifixion
Verses John 19:15-16
15 But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.
16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
The Crucifixion
It seems odd to be studying the crucifixion at a time when the world is preparing for Christmas. I thought of postponing the series from John and going with four week Christmas meditations, but since I started with John at the beginning of the year, I am close to ending the gospel meditations now. I am remindef the very purpose for Jesus first coming was the crucifixion. He had finished the work that His Father had given to Him. This is more important for people to understand than the stories of Jesus’ birth.
I am taken each year how many in the world hate God. This was true when King Herod wanted Jesus dead so badly that he killed all the babies who were two or under. This was true when various times in Jesus life on earth the rulers wanted to take him and stone Him, but He escaped.
What brings 10 terrorists to such hatred that they kill hundreds of people in India? Why is there such rioting in Nigeria? How is it thousands are tortured in North Korea and in China? Why is the spread of the Bible illegal in many countries?
Although the papers will be quick to point out it is for political jockeying for power, yet all those groups whether communist, Muslin, or Hindu, are intent on stopping the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
From that early prophecy in Gen 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.", our Lord connects the birth of Jesus from a virgin to the hatred and crucifixion of Jesus to the offspring of the serpent. We know him to be Satan and his demonic forces. The difference people have politically can bring wars for power and money, but the hatred that is motivated by Satan against Christ finds no rest when we know he had been defeated and wants to bring as many down with him to hell.
As we have looked at various aspects of Jesus arrest, trial, beating, mockery, we now center our thoughts on the crucifixion and center some of our thoughts around the cross.
Pilate washes his hands of the whole affair and turns an innocent person to the people. We have reminded ourselves of the hatred , but his Roman guard must carry out the work. This passage points out the deep love of God. We see contrast with the injustice of man with the justice of God in carrying out our sentence. The apostle John seems more concerned in conveying the prophetic fulfillment of the OT in presenting the details, than he is to highlight the physical suffering.
The Hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,: Was written by George Bennard, a short slight man who one day in 1913 said, “After composing the melody, the words were put into my heart in answer to my own need in a time of crises. I had come to realize that the cross is more than just a religious symbol. Along with the resurrection, it is the very heart of the Gospel.”
It was sometime before Rev. Bennard could think of the words He knew what he wanted to say but the words wouldn’t come to him, until he held a series of evangelistic meetings. He preached on the redeeming grace of God through Jesus Christ. All barriers were broken down. It seemed as if God gave him the words that we know. This song is one of the most requested hymns of all times.
My father like to preach at the Detroit Gospel Mission every so often. I remember going with him on two occasions and helping lead a man to Christ who came forward one evening after my Dad spoke. His theme was the cross. But when the song leader asked for favorite hymns to be sung, the Old Rugged Cross was the most requested. When Dad would speak in the jails every so often again this was the most requested song. While I was in the nursing home ministry this song was asked for repeatedly. Its truth hits home to the hearts of people all over.
“O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.”
Christmas is that time when we celebrate His coming from glory to earth but there is something only in the cross that can set mankind free from there sin. That is the attraction to people who need hope.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.”
The crucifixion was an event of hate, but turned into an act of love. The cross has never been looked upon in the same way.
Pastor Dale.
Theme- The Crucifixion
Verses John 19:15-16
15 But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.
16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
The Crucifixion
It seems odd to be studying the crucifixion at a time when the world is preparing for Christmas. I thought of postponing the series from John and going with four week Christmas meditations, but since I started with John at the beginning of the year, I am close to ending the gospel meditations now. I am remindef the very purpose for Jesus first coming was the crucifixion. He had finished the work that His Father had given to Him. This is more important for people to understand than the stories of Jesus’ birth.
I am taken each year how many in the world hate God. This was true when King Herod wanted Jesus dead so badly that he killed all the babies who were two or under. This was true when various times in Jesus life on earth the rulers wanted to take him and stone Him, but He escaped.
What brings 10 terrorists to such hatred that they kill hundreds of people in India? Why is there such rioting in Nigeria? How is it thousands are tortured in North Korea and in China? Why is the spread of the Bible illegal in many countries?
Although the papers will be quick to point out it is for political jockeying for power, yet all those groups whether communist, Muslin, or Hindu, are intent on stopping the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
From that early prophecy in Gen 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.", our Lord connects the birth of Jesus from a virgin to the hatred and crucifixion of Jesus to the offspring of the serpent. We know him to be Satan and his demonic forces. The difference people have politically can bring wars for power and money, but the hatred that is motivated by Satan against Christ finds no rest when we know he had been defeated and wants to bring as many down with him to hell.
As we have looked at various aspects of Jesus arrest, trial, beating, mockery, we now center our thoughts on the crucifixion and center some of our thoughts around the cross.
Pilate washes his hands of the whole affair and turns an innocent person to the people. We have reminded ourselves of the hatred , but his Roman guard must carry out the work. This passage points out the deep love of God. We see contrast with the injustice of man with the justice of God in carrying out our sentence. The apostle John seems more concerned in conveying the prophetic fulfillment of the OT in presenting the details, than he is to highlight the physical suffering.
The Hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,: Was written by George Bennard, a short slight man who one day in 1913 said, “After composing the melody, the words were put into my heart in answer to my own need in a time of crises. I had come to realize that the cross is more than just a religious symbol. Along with the resurrection, it is the very heart of the Gospel.”
It was sometime before Rev. Bennard could think of the words He knew what he wanted to say but the words wouldn’t come to him, until he held a series of evangelistic meetings. He preached on the redeeming grace of God through Jesus Christ. All barriers were broken down. It seemed as if God gave him the words that we know. This song is one of the most requested hymns of all times.
My father like to preach at the Detroit Gospel Mission every so often. I remember going with him on two occasions and helping lead a man to Christ who came forward one evening after my Dad spoke. His theme was the cross. But when the song leader asked for favorite hymns to be sung, the Old Rugged Cross was the most requested. When Dad would speak in the jails every so often again this was the most requested song. While I was in the nursing home ministry this song was asked for repeatedly. Its truth hits home to the hearts of people all over.
“O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.”
Christmas is that time when we celebrate His coming from glory to earth but there is something only in the cross that can set mankind free from there sin. That is the attraction to people who need hope.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.”
The crucifixion was an event of hate, but turned into an act of love. The cross has never been looked upon in the same way.
Pastor Dale.
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