Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:32-44
When We Look at the Cross
Intro.
1. Keeping our focus on things above is the ongoing challenge of living on earth (Col. 3:1-3).
2. We must keep our eyes (faith) on Jesus, Heb. 12:1-2; Matt. 14:27-31 (2 Cor. 5:7).
3. Important way to do this is to look at the cross of Christ (Matt. 27:36).
4. The cross of Jesus is the instrument of execution, the symbol of suffering, and the hope of the sinner.
5. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (Hymns of Worship, #189).
I. WHEN WE LOOK AT THE CROSS…
A. We See Jesus, Heb. 2:9; 12:2.
1. Holy One, the Just, the Prince of life, Acts 3:14-15 (13:27-28).
2. Messiah, Acts 10:38-39; 2:36.
3. A sacrifice for our sins, Heb. 9:26, 28; 10:5, 9-10.
4. Obedient to the Father, Phil. 2:8.
5. When we see Jesus at the cross, we see we must the obedient faith we must have to be saved, Heb. 5:8-9.
B. We See Christ’s Suffering and Sacrifice, Isa. 53:3.
1. Suffered for us, 1 Pet. 2:21; 3:18.
2. His cry of agony, Matt. 27:46.
3. Truly the Son of God, Matt. 27:54.
4. When we see Christ’s suffering/sacrifice at the cross, we start crucifying ourselves, Gal. 2:20.
C. We See Our Sins, 1 Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53:4-6.
1. So we can become the righteousness of God in Him, 2 Cor. 5:21.
2. Ought to cut us to the heart, Acts 2:37.
3. When we see our sins at the cross we have little time condemning others for their sins, Jno. 8:7.
D. We See God’s Love, Jno. 3:16.
1. Love for His enemies – us, Rom. 5:6-8.
2. Great love of God compels us to love each other, 1 Jno. 4:7-11.
3. When we see God’s love at the cross we should become lovers of God and lovers of our brethren, 2 Tim. 3:4; 1 Jno. 3:16; 4:20.
E. We See Our Salvation (mercy, forgiveness, and grace), Rom. 5:9-10 (Heb. 2:10).
1. Our redemption by His blood, Eph. 1:7 (2:8-9); Peace, Col. 1:20.
2. Our neighbor’s need for forgiveness (teach the lost).
3. Our need and brethren’s need for mercy, Col. 3:12-13 (Jas. 3:17).
4. When we see our salvation at the cross we become alert to the salvation of others (Matt. 9:37-38).
F. We See the Words of Christ (Truth), Jno. 18:38 (Matt. 27:54).
1. See the power of Christ’s word, cf. Lk. 23:43.
2. The word of the cross (gospel of our salvation), 1 Cor. 1:18, 21-24.
3. When we see the truth (word of the cross) we see the life we must live to go to the Father, Jno. 14:6.
G. We See God’s Purposes for Human Redemption Fulfilled, 1 Cor. 2:7-9; Gal. 4:4-5 (Eph. 1:3-11).
-When we see God’s purposes at the cross we see our purpose more clearly, Rom. 8:28-29; Eph. 2:10.
Conclusion
1. The cross is the place of total humility and self-denial, Lk. 9:23; Gal. 2:20.
2. The only thing we have to boast in is the cross of our Lord, Gal. 6:14.
3. Are you looking at the cross, or at other things?
By: Joe R. Price
Posted September 25, 2019