At the Cross

Follow Along with the Message

"At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light" (Isaac Watts). 

Testimony.  Common in history.  Spiritual experience at the cross.  The light came on! 

Palm Sunday.  Time to challenge imposter authority.  Time to shout. 

Turned ugly.  Monday Temple cleansing.  Tuesday angry conflicts.  Thursday Lord's Supper and Gethsemane and arrest.  Friday crucifixion. 

John's report is not what we expect.  No gory details.  Not much talk of blood or pain.   The narrative of a Spiritual man suffering with supernatural strength. 

--HIS VICTORY 

Victory of Scripture.  "All things had already been accomplished to fulfill Scripture" (v. 28).   teleioo--to finish 

Victory of Faith/Obedience.   "If not one human soul was saved as the result of His death, still God's character was vindicated, His majesty sustained. . .by the obedience of one man" (Harry Ironside). 

--HIS MERCY 

     Our world numbs us to sin and its seriousness. 

     Numbed to sin, we are numbed to mercy! 

"Either Christ must die or we must.  For all His love, God cannot save both" (Calvin Miller). 

     "By His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). 

     "Upon the cross of Jesus, mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; and from my stricken heart, with tears, two wonders I confess, the wonders of His glorious love and my unworthiness" (Elizabeth Clephane). 

--MY ASSIGNMENT 

     He is not only my substitute.  He is my example and leader. 

     If the Bible is true, no one is free from God.  Independent.  His story IS my story. 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20). 

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny (say No) himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). 

     Luke 22--the denial by Peter should have been the denial of Peter. 

     Tell Christ Yes!--a first step for Pilate, v. 22. 

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     Christmas song.  Easter?  "Do You Hear What I Hear?"  See what I see?