Scripture Reading: Mark 15:27-32
Revealed at the Cross
Intro.
1. The Son of Man was lifted up to draw sinners to Himself, Jno 3:14-15; 12:32-33.
2. Yet, it was at the cross that sinners and revilers mocked Him to come down in order that they might believe in Him! Mk 15:30-32
3. The cross reveals to us magnificent truth – gospel truth – that is for our salvation. It is our glory, Gal 6:14.
I. THE CROSS REVEALS OUR SINS.
A. That Christ Died for All Means All Are Dead in Sin, 2 Cor 5:14-15 (Rom 3:23; 6:23).
1. Jesus came to save sinners, 1 Tim 1:15.
2. He died as a ransom for all sinners, 1 Tim 2:6.
3. We come face to face with our sin at the cross! 2 Cor 5:21
a. The just suffered for the unjust, 1 Pet 3:18.
b. He bore my sins in His body on the tree and healed me by His stripes, 1 Pet 2:24 (Isa 53:5).
B. The Redeemed Live for Him, 2 Cor 5:15; Gal 2:20 (Rom 12:1).
-APPL. Christians know the depth of our sins and the great price paid to redeem us; compels us to please Him in all things (2 Cor 5:9).
II. THE CROSS REVEALS GOD’S LOVE, 2 Cor 5:18-20; Rom 5:8 (Jno 3:16).
A. Love takes the Initiative, Jno 3:16 – God acted.
B. Love is Committed, not Complacent, Jno 3:16 (“so loved”).
C. Love is Sacrificial, not Selfish, Jno 3:16 (“gave”); 1 Jno 4:10.
-APPL. We also ought to love one another, 1 Jno 4:11.
III. THE CROSS REVEALS GOD’S APPEAL TO SINNERS.
A. We Preach Christ Crucified, 1 Cor 1:18, 23; 2:2.
1. Preach the weakness of men and the power of God (1:18; 2:3-5).
2. Preach about sin and salvation; hell and heaven.
3. Preach His church as well as His cross (Acts 8:12; 2:47; Eph 5:23).
4. Preach grace and obedience, Heb 2:9; 5:8-9.
B. The Gospel is God’s Call to Sinners to Come, Jno 12:32; Acts 2:39-41.
-APPL. Refusal to listen to the gospel is a rejection of God! (Heb 12:25)
IV. THE CROSS REVEALS THE PERFECTION OF JESUS.
A. Perfect (sinless) Life and Character, 1 Pet 2:21-24 (3:18).
B. Perfect Sacrifice, Heb 2:9-10; 5:8-9.
C. Perfect Priest, Heb 7:28.
D. Perfect Savior, 2 Tim 1:9-10.
-APPL. Disciples train to be like their Teacher. Heb 2:11; 10:14 (1 Ths 4:3; Lk 6:40)
V. THE CROSS REVEALS THE END OF THE LAW, Rom 10:4-5.
A. The Law Could not (never can) Make Sinners Perfect, Heb 7:19; 9:9.
1. The law was “holy and just and good”, Rom 7:12.
2. But, (the) law could not/cannot save sinners, Gal 3:10-13.
a. Knowledge of sin, Rom 3:19-20.
b. Schoolmaster to bring sinners to Christ, Gal 3:22-25.
3. Christ has redeemed sinners from the curse of law by His death on the tree, Gal 3:13-14.
a. Sinless Savior sacrificed Himself for sinners at the cross and overcame sin, Col 2:13-15. (Old law nailed to the cross)
b. His offering perfects sinners, Heb 10:12-14.
B. To Turn to the Law of Moses for Salvation is to:
1. Trust the shadow rather than the substance (Heb 10:1, 9-10).
2. Be a slave and trust the tutor rather than be a son and trust the Father (Gal 3:24; 4:1-7).
3. Be at enmity with God rather have peace in Christ (Eph 2:14-18).
-APPL. The law is for our learning; the gospel is for living in salvation. (Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:14-15)
VI. THE CROSS REVEALS INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, Matt 16:24-25.
A. Bear Our Cross and Follow Jesus, cf. Gal 2:20.
1. No longer live for ourselves–new creatures in Christ, 2 Cor 5:15-17.
2. The great joy and glory of heaven is on the horizon, 2 Tim 4:7-8.
-APPL. Without the cross there is no crown. (Rev 3:21)
Conclusion
1. The cross reveals the truth about God, about Jesus Christ, about sinners, about salvation, about service and about victory in heaven.
2. What does the cross reveal in you?
a. A heart that is willing to yield in full faith and complete obedience to the One who died for you? (Centurion, Matt 27:54)
b. Or a calloused heart of unbelief? (Mocking crowd, Matt 27:39-44)
(Adapted from article, “Revelations of the Cross”, by Jack Critchfield)