The Atoning Sacrifice for The Whole World

1 John 2:1-2 

 How many people in our world know what Good Friday is really about? Would they expect has something to do with Black Friday? Some kind of marketing gimmick? If majority of population biblically illiterate, how can expect them to know? And should we think they have any better grasp of Easter beyond egg hunts and candy and very round bunny? Reminds us how important we have good understanding of events we remember this time of year. Will equip us to share truth and answer questions friends ask. Answers have relevance for a lot of other questions / topics, too.

Good Friday about far more than events of that single day, even that day and one before. Jesus not unfortunate activist who got caught in political crossfire, not martyr for his faith, not fall guy for an insider plot that needed a scapegoat. Are assured by Apostle Peter’s sermon few weeks later – “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death” Acts 2:23 Statement answers some questions, raises another big one – if Jesus delivered by the determined purpose of God, what was God’s purpose?

To understand that, need to go all the way back to beginning and hear the story science cannot tell. Not just that they weren’t there to see it happen, have no way to reproduce beginning conditions and test hypothesis – science has no instruments to measure obedience, love, justice, mercy, and list goes on. Yet those are essential elements that shaped God’s purpose for his only Son and the world.

A. why we need a sacrifice

Genesis 2:15-17 command

God told Adam and Eve first what they could do – enjoy to heart’s content abundance he had created that was all around them

out of all that bounty God reserved only one for himself – violating his command would add to their knowledge, that of evil

Deceiver appeared on scene, drew Eve’s attention away from all she had, enticed her to focus on what she lacked… immediately wanted it, satisfied desire for it… just like marketing works these days

nothing magical in fruit she ate, was her sin and that of her husband against holy righteous God that brought sin into the world

Romans 6:20-23 consequence

at beginning had perfect freedom to live out purpose God had given them – raise a family and manage the farm where they lived

their sin changed everything – no longer free but instead slaves to sin in a corrupted world that would resist efforts to manage it

sin not only life-changing, would be life-shortening – except for special situations, death now inescapable for Adam/Eve, all descendants

words of traditional graveside committal:

Man, that is born of a woman, has but a short time to live, and is full of  misery.  He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. Man’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.

Hebrews 9:15-22 covenant

know from Peter that God’s purpose extended at least as far as Jesus’ resurrection; also know from Jesus’ example night before his death that he would inaugurate new covenant

at same time Jesus would satisfy all conditions required by old covenant – all who are part of new covenant no longer bound by terms and conditions of the old one

one specific condition Jesus met – required a life to procure forgiveness for everyone included in that covenant by faith in him

B. who he is

Jesus

son of Mary, stepson of Joseph, Greek form of Heb. Joshua – common, but this one would actually live up to his name, Savior

Joseph/Mary told what would happen, never given details of how – would be a God thing, performed by Holy Spirit, end of story

taking God’s version of story at face value, this child born of a virgin the fulfillment of promise made thousands of years before

Christ

Messiah, anointed (to indicate consecration, set apart for specific purpose – something done to set apart prophets, priests and kings – Jesus filled all three offices

Luk 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor;”

Acts 2:36 “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” – made obvious to the world at resurrection

Son

son of God, eternally existent yet… son of David – Bible does not tell how “two natures in one person” works out in real life

Bible does make clear why such union is essential to work Jesus was sent to accomplish – sent to save his people from sins

in order to to so must reconcile sinners to holy God, stand between enemies and bring them together – Son of God/son of David only one fit for task, common ground with both God and man

C. what he is

Advocate

pleader – presents an answer to a charge, indictment, or declaration made against one – charge that we have broken God’s law

answer is that Lord Jesus has satisfied demands of the law in the place of the accused, relieving us from payment

intercessor – object to bring us and Father together, reconciling us on basis of sacrifice on the cross

Col. 2:14 “having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”

outcome never in question – Jesus not begging Father to change his mind, rather stating facts of the case for approval

righteous

acceptable sacrifice must be perfect and we need that – our own natural righteousness nonexistent, we need someone else’s

good news is Jer. 23:5-6 “…He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” – is the only one who can take away guilt and give necessary righteousness

Jesus’ righteousness of sufficient quality and quantity to perfectly satisfy Father’s just requirement for all who have saving faith

propitiation

sin offering, sacrifice – Jesus no political casualty, no martyr for his faith – could have easily overpowered all of his enemies

Matt. 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

voluntarily sacrificed himself: John 10:18 “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”

Jesus’ propitiation in no way a down payment, we somehow add to it. His sacrifice not limited to particular people group, minimum income level, political party. Without a single exception, all who confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead, they will be saved. We can tell family and friends that truth confidently, assure them God still today saving all who come to him by faith.

Weak Hands / Strengthened Hands

Hebrews 12:12-13 

Spoke about feet last time, the essential place they have in body of Christ carrying Gospel throughout the world to advance Christ’s kingdom. Jesus had plenty of practice walking, knew pleasure of having tired feet washed. One estimate – 3,125 ministry miles, 21,000+ lifetime miles, nearly length of equator. Hands got much exercise, too, especially during his time of ministry. Like his feet, they bear indelible marks of use even after resurrection. Certainly used his hands to wash disciples’ feet, used them for many other important things too.

Jesus’ hands took on different characteristics throughout his life according to need, even serving as visual aids for confused and questioning followers.

A. strong hands

whose hands

called carpenter’s son –  τέκτων, architect – builder, craftsman – taught father’s trade from age 12, hands of a workman skilled in wood/stone craft

was every bit that but not only that – work of the highest quality, satisfying to all customers, yet was capable of so much more

just as much the hands of God – “hands” in quotes with power to create everything from nothing and sustain it for all its existence

healing hands

quick to use for helping others – breaking bread (5000 and 4000), for disciples and two travelers – also help others see error of practice, whip/tables (John 2:15-17)

touch that instantly cured diseases – Jesus didn’t just treat disease, manage symptoms, his hands cured incurable w/gentle strength

their use thoroughly devoted to his Father – said he must be doing his Father’s business/will, readily seen in his hands

B. pierced hands

“helpless” hands

bound hands – John 18:12, 24 – don’t know what good they thought would do, hands that had done so much good now restrained

with more than sufficient power to free himself – didn’t need “Samson method”, didn’t even need angel to loose him

submitted willingly – no other explanation for remaining handcuffed, goes with “not my will” mindset, doing his Father’s business

bleeding hands

no greater insult possible – not just b/c total miscarriage of justice, in few hours would purchase redemption for worse offenders

names inscribed on them – Isa. 49:14-16 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;”

possible those who nailed him to cross pierced not only his hands but their own names – he asked Father to forgive

accompanied by feet and side – Charles Wesley

Arise, my soul, arise, shake off your guilty fears;
the bleeding Sacrifice in my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands, my name is written on his hands.

Five bleeding wounds he bears, received on Calvary;
they pour effectual prayers, they strongly plead for me.
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry, nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

know with certainty that not only Jesus’ hands and feet and side were required, it was his life given in our place that purchased forgiveness

C. living hands

same but different

not a ghost – told Mary not to “cling to him”… b/c must return to Father’s side to continue ministry – yet… she didn’t recognize him

still bearing his wounds – later told the two and the Ten to see and touch, alive yet bearing identifying marks from crucifixion

yet not entirely the same – no record of healing miracles post-resurrection… had already done greatest possible work of healing

real working hands

cooked breakfast – John 21:9-13 – like he said earlier, ghosts don’t have skin and bones… he did and worked properly for common task

blessed the Eleven – Luke 24:50 – hands of blessing at departure every bit as important as later Holy Spirit, empowering them and their hands to continue what he started

D. winning hands

God’s people prevailed

Amalek defeated when Moses hands were up – first major battle post-Red Sea, became obvious Israelites lacked power

God’s power through their hands – not even Moses could do his part alone, God worked when Moses, Aaron, Hur worked together

Jesus won the bigger battle – no one could help Jesus… not only hands and feet nailed to cross, our indictment for sin there too and covered by his shed blood (Col. 2:14)

requires teamwork

we can win the battle over sin – no longer slaves to sin, we haven’t won final battle yet but we can win skirmishes ultimately prevail… sharing in Jesus’ victory

to advance the Gospel – task now is to make disciples, other followers, as well as “one-anothering” along the way

with the help of one another and most of all, God’s power – sometimes we hold another’s hands up, times they help hold ours – in every case is God’s doing through us, never us alone

Most of all we need hands like Jesus’ hands – devoted to Heavenly Father and under his direction, quick to help and serve others, committed to quality workmanship, submitting willingly to whatever God knows is best, doing all for his glory, not our own. At time of greatest challenge, can cry out to Heavenly Father, trust him completely in all circumstances, follow Lord Jesus closely, loving him b/c he loved us.

We can really do all that with his help and help of one another b/c of what Jesus really accomplished in our place on the old rugged cross. Do not be disheartened – may appear that Christ’s church is in retreat, losing territory and failing to penetrate new territory. We know this: the old rugged cross and what Lord Jesus accomplished there are invincible. God’s plan will not be thwarted, Christ’s kingdom will not be overcome, we have his word for it.

The Cross an Offense

1 Corinthians 1:17-23 

Death of loved one prompts wide range of emotions. Some appear to be in direct conflict… e.g. sorrow/grief over loss, joy about release from suffering and blessing of good destiny. Jesus’ followers couldn’t get past sorrow and grief. In near term, not much hope there either to overcome shock and fear. Only knew what they had seen, what they thought it meant for Jesus and them.

Many thought they needed deliverance most from a government they didn’t vote for. A few, Jesus’ close followers among them knew was more to it than that. Yet majority were of opinion God’s plan, if YHWH even existed was ridiculous. Had thought that way for generations, Jesus’ generation no exception… and neither is our generation. Vast numbers of people in world and in our families like Good Friday b/c it coincides with more chocolate in stores and maybe day off from work but are at best clueless what is all about, at worst offended by true meaning. Even governments get involved, thousands of crosses removed from churches in China under orders from Xi Jinping.

Not the symbol itself that is the problem, is what and who it symbolizes. Doesn’t surprise God, we should expect it painful as it is. What occurred 2000 years ago absolutely vital to our hope in this life and next regardless of people’s opinions.

A. a rejected stone

an answer to prayer

some understood their need – Gen. 4:26b – Seth’s family did, began to “call on the name of the Lord” even if Cain turned away and became even more evil

psalmist recognized his deliverer – God preserved line of belief, psalmist knew his need and prayed for deliverance

an essential place

rejection didn’t start at Calvary – began when earth was new, all it took was a “little” sin and people early on rejected God, his ways

man’s reject essential to God’s building – fallen man looked at God’s choice, didn’t fit their building plans, God had place and use already marked out

cornerstone determines place, size, orientation of building, role reserved for Son of God and him alone

an act of God

not something man would even attempt – fallen sinners love their sin, will never choose to leave it… only consequences

God not only could do it, he had to do it… and he did it – was God who condemned sinners to death, only he could deliver

to keep first Gospel promise given in that other Garden, God had to do it, no one / nothing else would satisfy

B. an offensive death

cursed by God

people named by Isaiah were right – Isa. 53:4 – stricken, smitten, afflicted – and he was, not by Romans or even Jews

he was cursed by God – “having become a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13), his curse demonstrated by kind of death he suffered

but for the sins of others – not for his own sin but b/c he was bearing all sin of all he came to save

that our sin is evil enough to warrant Jesus’ punishment offensive to sinners; that a loving God would do that to his Son even more offensive – “cosmic child abuse” and reject idea Jesus could be the sinner’s substitute in that way

a necessary substitute

lamb was inadequate – by God’s decree repeated 2x in Eze. 18 “the soul who sins shall die” – impossible a lamb could be adequate payment for life of one bearing God’s image

individual sinner inadequate – even if God accepted sinner’s life as payment, cannot give himself life again after he dies

only Jesus as substitute could / would satisfy all requirements – was right kind of life (human), right kind of person (sinless), right kind of substitute (eternal)

all perfectly designed by God to clearly show us who believe not only greatness of sin, also greatness of what God has done for us in Christ

Jesus obediently and willingly experienced most offensive death imaginable, holding its shame of little regard b/c he loved his Father first, then loved his people

C. a strange sanctuary

God’s designated refuge

man always attempts to fashion his own refuge – someone else is greater sinner, my God not like that, life stinks then you die

external appearance not attractive – who wants to follow someone popular mostly with poor and preaching self-denial

within is a holy place and makes those holy who are there – when God converts sinner, how different the viewpoint / desires / priorities, is the place you don’t want to leave… wonder why took so long to go in

impossible for those who reject

will not seek entrance – since have rejected main attraction, Jesus, not interested in the rest present there

would be denied entrance – would try to get in the wrong way, on their own merits, would be rejected as they have Jesus

could not enjoy being there – are really enemies of God (even if they want his goodies) and can’t stand his people

has none of things they really love, what they depend on for pleasure and affirmation – truly way of life contrary to what they love most

D. a foolish message

to those who are perishing

don’t see their need – what do I need that for? foolish to give up what can be seen for promise… some day – maybe later

can’t see how it works – doesn’t fit distorted sin-corrupted worldview, have no resources beyond human reason

things of spiritual nature incomprehensible without spiritual life and Spirit’s help – to them sounds like blah, blah, blah

not to those who are being saved

see the beauty in God’s provision – true b/c they first see beauty in God and his Son Jesus, then in all he has done to overcome such profound need

easily sing “Amazing Grace”, truly is amazing in every respect knowing who we are and who God is

are wowed by God’s wisdom – no copycat in any other religion, no god of man’s design comparable to our God

have been changed by its power – God’s power evident in what Jesus accomplished: defeating power of sin and Satan

We understand it… a little. Have experienced God’s saving power. Is hope/confidence in gift of eternal life and inheritance that awaits us keeps us going through tough stuff of this life. B/c of what it all means to us, our love for others, want them to have same hope we do. Hurts and disappoints when they reject one who means most to us, Lord Jesus. When they reject Cross and, what Jesus experienced and accomplished there.

Don’t compromise, don’t water down or minimize place of the Cross in God’s wise plan for our salvation. Persuading someone to accept a gospel message without the Cross accomplishes nothing good. Declare simple truth from God’s word, story of your own faith journey, trust God to do the rest in bringing them to saving faith.

The Disease is Cured – A Broken Son

Romans 6:5-11

Psalm 2:1-6; Psalm 22:1-8; 22:14-18 

We have mixed emotions about breaks and broken things. We like coffee breaks, we don’t like broken power lines or cellphone connections. A break in the action is opportunity to catch breath and refocus; a broken heirloom makes it bittersweet. We surely don’t like it when something we treasure must be broken in order to bring about a greater good. Sometimes we refuse to let it happen – will put up with broken bone that healed improperly rather than go through it all over again.

Are a few things we recognize that need to be broken… for good – habits that are unhelpful, relationships that might be considered toxic. Breaking those things do not involve loss of life. The most important break in all human history did include that kind of loss, is one that is essential to eternal well-being.

Referred to it briefly last evening, there is no treatment but there is hope for a cure from this universal pandemic of sin. Treatment implies couple things – possibility of reducing / limiting overall effect of pathogen, or, changing balance of power so afflicted individual has resources to recover. Neither one something can legitimately hope for in this case – not just a sickness that may be terminal, it is terminal… apart from a cure. Yet God’s word the Bible declares sinners can receive forgiveness, can receive everlasting life, can be freed from bonds of sin… through faith in one who was broken for us.

A. bond of fellowship

the heathen want to and cannot

are two kinds of ties between mankind and God – ones that prevent lost human beings from being as evil as they really want to be… and would be otherwise

and bonds of fellowship between reconciled sinners and their heavenly Father, a faint copy of what had existed always between Father and Son

heathen want to break restraining bonds b/c have no desire whatever for bonds of fellowship… and given the power to do so, they would throw off their restraint in heartbeat… but they cannot

the Son doesn’t want to but must

had enjoyed perfect unbroken fellowship with Father always… bond of complete unity of thought and will and purpose w/o interruption

just thinking about that bond being somehow broken enough to make Jesus sweat blood… yet he knew was no other possible way

gave voice to the shattering of that bond of fellowship with his Father in his cry from the cross when he quoted from Psalm 22

now think about this: was not only person-to-person bond of fellowship in view, Jesus was himself both God and man – “himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24)

there in that one person the Man who must die bore our sins that the God could not ever touch – what conflict, what agony that must have been

his brokenness enables our wholeness

is it any wonder, in looking forward to that experience Jesus said,  1 Cor. 11:24 “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you;”

the one who came into the world whole experienced brokenness that we who come into the world broken might be made whole

he endured fellowship being broken while the Father punished the Son so that we through faith in him could have fellowship with the Father

our wholeness only begun in this life… but it is begun… and it progresses… and its eventual completion is absolutely guaranteed

B. power of sin

it is inescapable

not only that sin is inescapable, its power is also – has a ferocious power that infiltrates and enslaves every part of human life

no place we can ever go in this life where sin not already there – present in others, present in world around, nothing has escaped its corrupting influence

even if you thought somehow to go away, make new start… take you with you… and your own innate sinfulness – true even for Christians, perhaps lesser degree but still present

it is never-ending

number of childhood things people can outgrow – not so with this… it persists through all of life and, if not cured, persists after death

no matter what we try, cannot fully escape its clutches – keeps its hold to the end of life and beyond… with greater intensity in next life… for the lost

remember the heathen who rage – will continue to rage for all eternity… but without any restraint, only encouragement

except for the one who died

only one hope for release from power of sin – if our old self has not just died, but been crucified with Christ, we can be set free

that is only part of the cure… an effective remedy must result in life – two things must happen: old self must die, new self must be made

2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

C. relationship to Adam

had to be broken

brings us to perhaps most significant either-or proposition in all of Scripture – will hear more about it Sunday morning, 1 Cor. 15:22 

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” – every human being is either in Adam or in Christ… cannot be neither one, cannot be both… one means death, the other life

that relationship to Adam can only bring death – must be completely broken… no shared custody, no weekend visits

new relationship initiated

to have hope, must be united in some way to someone who has broken power of sin, overcome death and “destroyed the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil”  (Heb. 2:14)

it required the death of perfect Son of God as a willing sacrifice, our substitute, to accomplish that in our behalf

by doing so, Lord Jesus purchased our redemption, brought us into new relationship… in Christ… adopted as children into God’s family – “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17)

dead to sin, alive to God

if death has no power over Christ, has no power over all that died with him – if old man died with Christ, sin no longer has power to enslave us

is far more important that Jesus came to save people, not from hell, but from their sins – hell just the consequence for sinners who die in their sins

both must be in place: must be dead to enslaving power of sin and alive to God and freedom found in loving service to him

One more thing: is broad swath of evangelical church that believes / declares God sent his Son Jesus to live and die to make salvation possible. That word, “possible” was known to NT writers and used by 3 of 4 Gospel writers. Yet is not how they told the story. In fact, have from mouth of two absolutely reliable witnesses that something else is true.

Matt. 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Matt. 18:11 “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

Plain teaching is that Jesus came to save lost sinners, not simply make salvation possible and available to them. A possibility is only marginally hopeful… so much can go wrong. Is not good to think in terms of possibility and availability… Bible doesn’t and neither should we. Instead take it at face value, what it says:

John 6:37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

Thank God he was willing to send his Son, that the Son was willing to die in our place, that the Father was willing to accept Jesus’ sacrifice as full payment for our sins, and that he graciously adopted us as children with full privileges into his family. Pray that we do our part in full dependence on God to live like we truly belong to God’s family.

Society or Christ?

Matthew 27:27-44

We think of Roman government during time of Caesars as being high-handed, repressive, harsh toward those who challenged its authority. Yet in many ways, it was a product of Roman society and culture just as our government is product of our society. In this portion of Matthew’s Gospel, see several facets of Roman society portrayed. They each have their counterparts in our own day and society.

Society has always had a voice, at times more muted than others. Society has used its voice to express opinions / beliefs about all parts of life including spiritual things. In our day, these voices are loud and insistent and often not right… just like 2000 years ago. With God’s help and by his grace we can stay focused on God’s truth. At same time we can be voices that counter Satan’s lies that would draw people away from Christ.

A. Government  v.32-38

Pilate amazed at Jesus’ composure yet…

had probably encountered accused who “pled the fifth” – could probably tell from Jesus’ demeanor he really was innocent of the charges

even after private discussion (John 19:33ff) more firmly convinced charges were unfounded but… had more on his mind than fate of single Jew

Pilate knew there was a plot

understood motivation of those who sought Jesus’ death – charges not based on any real injustice, trying to eliminate one who threatened their political / religious agenda

that alone should have made all evidence brought against Jesus suspect – couple with his wife’s nightmares… yet he acted imprudently

preferred injustice to a riot

Jewish leaders had much influence, how big a riot they could have started will never be known – Pilate already had experience with bad response to bad action that touched on Jewish religion, didn’t want a repeat performance

according to the numbers, and looking at it from Rome’s perspective… Pilate did what he thought was necessary to retain position and authority

knowingly involved others in miscarriage of justice

gave in to public opinion as expressed by relatively small but loud group – tried to pass the buck entirely to others, yet made soldiers / executioners his official agents of injustice

whatever soldiers might have thought, were bound to obey orders – nearly all mocked and ridiculed Jesus, at least one thought otherwise

B. John Q. Public  v.39-40

listened to spin doctors

scores of Jews had welcomed him on Sunday as their king and deliverer – by end of the week, religious enemies recast the story

listened to what powerful people said about Jesus, listened to what people said about what powerful people said, iow, the rumor mill

placed greater value on rumors than personal experience

many knew from what they had seen that Jesus had gone about doing real good – some had probably experienced it personally

had opportunity to see/hear Jesus challenge scribes and Pharisees, call down curses on them for hypocrisy and mistreatment of average people

discounted possibility this was their Messiah

even after what they had seen… which convinced John the Baptist, still could not stay loyal to idea that Jesus really was their deliverer

so they took page from all the other mockers, questioning his identity, not asking themselves what Jesus had done to make him worthy of this kind of death

C. Religious leaders  v.41-43

had an agenda (v.1)

plot didn’t begin Friday morning, just changed in intensity – wasn’t even a very well-kept secret… Judas and Pilate both knew some about it

didn’t really matter the specifics of what he had done, were so personally threatened and stirred up by Satan were willing to do whatever was necessary to eliminate Jesus

incited the people to be complicit (v.20)

scribes, Pharisees, members of Sanhedrin and Sadducees, possibly Zealots as well (friends of Barabbas) working the crowd

probably used position and “power of the church” to coerce reluctant ones in the crowd to go along, gaining accomplices to sin

planted mouthpieces in the crowd (v.40)

listen to what they were saying: arguments that were used to persuade the Sanhedrin… and how did the public know that except from insiders

Judas may very well not have been the only one “working” for religious leaders – others may just not have been getting paid for their effort

added their voices

ones recognized as priests, scribes, elders present there with rest of the crowd putting in their bit – from little distance could not tell by voices who was who

intention was that every voice that could be heard would say the same thing – destroy him, he deserves to die, drown out any dissenters

D. Inmate #1234  v.44

ridiculed Jesus’ faith

like the rest, “you trusted God, how’s your faith working for you now” – when our faith is being tested to breaking point often when it looks most useless, worthless

took common mindset of one being justly punished for crime – only good kind of faith the one that gets you out of the hard situation

dismissed his power

taunted with his identity: Son of God could get down from there… you can’t, obviously… so that must mean you are powerless to change your circumstances

claimed he was no different

iow, no different from two of us – no claims we could make now would change anything – since you’re still here, must be a criminal, too

The single individual who took public stand on Jesus’ behalf before his death: a fellow “criminal”, next to him, eventually… and who would ever believe him? We have hard time trusting those who claim a “jailhouse conversion”… uh-huh, did that to earn privileges, early release time, etc. Do not readily take word of convict seriously. Yet one of them had rebuked the other real criminal (Luke 23:39-43), made point that Jesus’ treatment was completely unjust. By that he rebuked crowd and priests and soldiers alike… and rightly so.

So do we take society’s word for things? especially what relates to basic beliefs? They claimed Jesus’ defeat, he said otherwise. As life was ending, Jesus declared “It is finished”, not “I am finished”. Jesus completed his work in face of all attempts to derail it. God by his mighty power took all the evil Satan and the world intended toward Jesus and used it for amazing good… our eternal salvation. Once in a while, world gets something right. It’s ok, you can believe it… so long as it agrees with what Jesus tells us.

Society promises many things, mostly ones it can’t deliver. Jesus has proven himself faithful… in life… in death… in glory.

 

O pening to a Relationship

Mark 15:37-38 

 Evidence all around, people from all walks of life / economic station / educational background struggle to make and maintain healthy relationships. Whether domestic violence at home, bullying at school, uncivil discourse in media and politics, that is even opportunity for term “hate speech” to come into use all tell us people not doing relationships well.

Recent estimates suggest that anywhere from 22% to 75% of American adults are persistently lonely. Caccioppo

Large numbers of people have few if any significant meaningful relationships with other people in their daily lives. And all this in world where “social media” is driving force, shaping how people interact, influencing business marketing models, even changing landscape of how many do church.

2016 stats – facebook: 1.5 billion daily active visitors; 166 – average # of friends; 28% – considered to be close friends; 40 minutes average use per day

Did you notice the disconnect? 3 out of 4 people in US use facebook daily, have an average of 40 close friends on facebook, yet as many as 3 out of 4 American adults are persistently lonely. As pervasive and invasive as social media has become, is not making people feel less lonely. Simply cannot be a problem that develops once people have to start adulting:

parents with children under 18, average time daily (2017, US BLS) — reading to and with: 3 minutes; activities related to education: 7 minutes; playing, not sports: 20 minutes; physical care: 30 minutes

Yet it makes no sense – know from experience “is not good for man to be alone”. Is not an accident we are like that, not result of natural selection / evolutionary processes. We are that way by design.

For creatures who were made in God’s image to be relational, what’s the story? We know answer, also know solution. Text helps to broaden perspective on that solution, encourages us to make sure we are part of solution and not part of the problem.

A. banished – Genesis 3:21-24 

relationships perfect… in the beginning

with one another, with surroundings/environment – was all good, no conflict, no barriers to access or communication

most important relationship of all… with God… all good – perfect fellowship, God would come and go as he pleased, unhindered communication in both directions

freedom was accompanied by desire – God desired to be with Adam and Eve, they wanted to be with God… welcomed him when he appeared

sin fractured all of them

Adam and Eve’s first action after sin was to put up barriers – made clothes, served as wall between them… no longer free access to one another

their desire for God’s presence changed to fear and shame – had barrier of clothes, added barrier of bushes and then blame when God showed up

never again during their lifetime would they enjoy same intimate fellowship with one another and with God as at the beginning

driven out of Eden

meant more than just plowing new piece of ground – included that for sure, garden outside never as easy to till, production never again up to previous performance

relationship between God and man redefined – this far more significant than new physical location, involved new terms / conditions

God’s immediate presence now forbidden, guarded by angel w/flaming sword – fellowship never again the same, neither would worship be as close and intimate, instead distant with God at least partly hidden

B. veiled – Leviticus 16:1-10 

God’s presence off-limits to all but high priest

clear instruction given to Moses defining space where God’s glory would appear, included massive tapestry that completely blocked view of innermost sanctuary… Holy of Holies

everyone with only one exception forbidden entrance on pain of death – sinful man carelessly going into God’s presence not to be allowed

even then only once a year

on one day only, Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, high priest could go behind the veil and approach the mercy seat… throne of God

strict conditions of “access”

permission granted and safety assured if and only if high priest followed all the rules – both preparing self… and bringing blood of sacrifice with him for himself and people he represented

…in both directions

not only that all but high priest forbidden access to God’s presence, God so restrained himself that he remained veiled, hidden from view

only on rare occasion would God’s glory break out, astonishing and overwhelming all present – dedication of tabernacle, Temple, transfiguration

rest of the time, people of God could only see dim presentation of God’s glory, speak at a distance through intermediary – Moses granted special privileges no one else enjoyed

C. opened – Mark 15:37-38 

at darkest moment, light streamed forth

at moment Lord Jesus died that Temple veil torn in two – light of God and his truth no longer fettered, burst forth to eventually fill world with glory of Gospel

“the God Who had been a mystery became a Revelation, shining out upon all human history; and it meant also that excluded men were admitted. What happened when the veil was rent? All the world was brought inside; and all souls were made priests” G Campbell Morgan

as said last night, this not something deserved… by sinful man – access to God’s presence natural privilege Son of God has, we can share in that access because of Jesus’ merit

rules completely changed once again

and so new ones for us: no longer a veil between us and God, no longer earthly mediator / intermediary translating between

Heb 9:23-26 “Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another; He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

D. restored – read John 14:18-23 

relationship

we are not abandoned, homeless, without family or friend – Lord Jesus promised would not leave followers orphans to make own way

through what Jesus accomplished by his suffering and death, that relationship between man and God first broken in Garden being restored

fellowship

God intends his people to have real fellowship with him – Heb 10:19-22 “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

home

have a home waiting for us that Jesus is preparing and have something precious even now: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (14:23)

Was Lord Jesus who opened up that barrier between us and God, making intimate relationship possible. Right relationship with God leads to other things too – restored relationships with others, ability to make new relationships and maintain them. An area of huge need in our world, our community. Addressing it starts with having Jesus as our Friend.

I Am the Truth of God

John 14:6

In just a few hours from when Jesus spoke these words to disciples, would be engaged in dialog with someone from significantly different worldview. We know him as Pontius Pilate, Roman governor of province of Judea. In fascinating dialog between Pilate and Jesus,

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38)

Gospel writer does not indicate Pilate’s facial expression, tone of voice – was he sarcastic… or seeking? Pilate by no means first to ask question. One that has been debated for centuries, number of different answers given. Defies logic but many today don’t seem to care whether question has answer, even less what answer might signify.

Subject of “what is truth” puts us into realm of philosophy. Before your eyes glaze over, keep listening… won’t be that complicated! Greek philosopher Aristotle, lived between Malachi and Matthew, gave an answer… later called “correspondence theory of truth”. Here’s what he said: “to say that that which is is and that which is not is not, is true”. In other words, “truth agrees with reality”. As you might expect, not everyone agrees with Aristotle. As time passes, fewer and fewer agree that Aristotle was right.

Some make truth in any form relative – “that may be true for you but it isn’t true for me”. Your truth and my truth can both be valid even if they contradict one another. Some make it pragmatic – “if that’s what works for you, great; it doesn’t work for me”. The convinced skeptic refuses to accept that truth can even be known since no one has fully accurate and unbiased knowledge of reality. Vast majority of world citizens vigorously deny that any worldview has corner on truth, possesses absolute truth – truth that is always true in all places, times, circumstances and applies to all people.

Before we even get to definition of truth, try to figure out which might be right, need to know if truth even exists. If it does exist, can we discover it and know it? If we can know it, what good is it… what will truth do for us? And how do we go about finding it?

Does God have anything to say about truth, if so, what?

A. truth exists (John 1:14; 17:17b)

do not need NT in order to know this: God himself abounds in truth` Ex. 34:6; repeated Ps. 86:15

“He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. …And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth“

not simply that God is truthful, recognizes and appreciates the truth – is abundantly filled with truth – permeates who he is, what he does and says

God’s word, like his character, is truth in its entirety Ps 119.160

“The entirety of your word is truth” – no part of God’s word lacking in truth, no part of his word communicates untruth… means truth and not-truth can be distinguished

also in keeping with his character, God’s truth is always true, universally – not every true statement is universally true, time/date e.g. not true at given moment in all the world

not only an idea or principle, has substance: Ps. 91:4

“His truth shall be your shield and buckler” – has power to be our protection, our defense against all that would cause harm

shop saying – “mind over matter; if you don’t mind, it don’t matter”; God’s truth not simply state of mind – are statements, concepts, propositions that correspond to reality from God’s point of view and have ability to do something

Jesus embodied truth and reiterated that God’s word is truth and has ability to make one holy

final prayer before arrest that Father would make his people holy, make them pure by his truth… found in God’s word

if you have been follower of Jesus any time at all, know the reality of that prayer – was hearing God’s truth warned of sinfulness, brought message of hope, informs what displeases God, strengthens to resist sin

B. truth is essential (John 4:23-24)

for Lord to be near, must call on him in truth Ps. 145:18

“The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” – cannot call on him any way we please, expect God to answer

” the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” Heb 11:6 must be confident of certain truth to receive response

to please God, must walk in truth… his truth Ps. 86:11

“Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth;” – don’t get to make up own truth about God, what is acceptable

God’s truth applied to thoughts, words, actions vitally necessary for us to live acceptably before God, to be able to depend on him as our help and guide

to worship God, must do so in spirit and truth

has never been acceptable to worship true God according to own invention – made obvious by Adam & Eve’s oldest son

Jesus made sure we know rules haven’t changed: God seeking true worshipers who will worship Father in spirit and truth – with a true understanding of Jesus as our access to the Father, the fulfillment of OT shadows

C. truth is knowable (John 8:32a)

God desires us to possess truth – Ps. 51:6

“You desire truth in the inward parts”: not just know it, recognize it, even appreciate it – but… possess it… in our inward parts – iow, saturated to the core w/truth

for God to desire that we possess truth that way, we must be able to know it and work to absorb it and retain it

God expects parents to communicate his truth to children – Isa. 38:19

“The father shall make known Your truth to the children.” – carries on theme from Deut. 6:6-9 “these words [God’s truth] which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”

God’s truth not hidden, no secret decoder ring necessary to read and comprehend his truth from his word – Holy Spirit’s ministry sufficient to lead us into truth

Jesus said we can know the truth

“you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – truth as embodied in Christ and declared in Gospel sets free from bondage to sin and Satan

God’s truth can only do that if it is knowable and absolute – applicable to all people in all places at all times

God our Savior desires all men to know the truth – 1 Tim. 2:3-4

“God our Savior …desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” – and God gets his way… never frustrated in his desires

D. truth sets people free (John 8:32b)

sin enslaves through deception

sin promises what it cannot deliver, promises to bring pleasure / satisfaction… when comes up empty, says try again… harder, it’ll work for sure this time

cannot know every form of deception well enough to recognize

Satan a master of cloaking his agenda and sin in different ways to keep sinner guessing and permanently trapped in sin

many deceptions are close enough to truth that must have knowledge of truth coupled with Holy Spirit’s help to discern

can know truth, recognize what is not-truth

it is truth that unmasks deception, shows sin for what it is; we can know truth, God expects us to use knowledge of truth to discern not-truth

truth leads to true solution for our need

Satan tries to convince we have no need or we only need what he promises – leads in opposite direction away from truth

God’s truth not only exposes our true need of Savior, same truth leads to true solution for our need… Lord Jesus

E. truth makes people holy (John 17:17a)

to see things as they are makes people holy

far more than just negative – yes, need to know our sinful condition; also need to know reality about God

truth enables us to see God as “infinitely lovely and pure; his commands to be reasonable and just;

equips us to believe heaven to be holy and desirable; Christ’s service to be easy, and religion pleasant, and sin odious

enables to see that life is short, death is near; pride, pomp, pleasures, wealth, and honors of this world are of little value

and that it is of infinite importance to be prepared to enter on the eternal state of being.” Barnes

is God’s truth that convinces us of importance of our immortal soul – need to make sure is in good health according to God’s standard… and keep it that way

that kind of truth can be found in fullness in God’s word the Bible

Bible is only source of truth that is fully reliable in its entirety; are other helpful assistants – teachers of past and present

God’s word is fully sufficient as it is reliable – don’t need to go looking for God’s truth elsewhere to know what to believe and how to behave pleasing to God

F. we have a guide into the truth (John 16:13)

not expected to stumble around in dark

Holy Spirit, poured out in abundance on first Pentecost after Ascension is absolutely reliable guide to God’s truth and word

significant ongoing work of Holy Spirit – illuminating God’s truth, our areas of need

has brilliant and focused beam he turns on particular places in God’s word, leading us from truth to truth, helping us grow

turns that same beam on places in our lives that need to be changed by God’s word, God’s truth – guides both understanding and application of truth

Truth is this: Eph. 2:1-4, 11-12 and it required this: Eph. 2:13-19

He Was Buried

1 Corinthians 15:4a

Psalm 22:1-24; Isaiah 53:10-12; Matthew 27:57-66

Commonly think of what occurred nearly 2000 years ago in this way: Jesus came to live exemplary life, bear punishment for sin, conquer death, return to heaven and wait until time to come get us out of here. All that certainly true, but is not all that is true. Some key points that lack emphasis in that sort of minimalistic summary of Jesus’ last Passover week. As surrounding culture continues downward slide, those key points are ones becoming increasingly distasteful.

People have always been allergic to personal responsibility. Started with Adam and Eve: the womanyou gave me…; the serpent tricked me. Put another way – it’s not my fault but someone else’s. And if it’s not my fault, it’s not my responsibility. Let’s go one more step: if it’s not my responsibility, I shouldn’t have to endure consequences for poor choices or wrong actions. Now, in current culture, even that has been turned on its head. Mindset of many has become: I should be able to do what I want, have what I want, because I deserve it.

Sin is only something vague that old people used to talk about. Even if real, definitely not a big deal. Certainly not something beyond my ability to deal with. And that only if I can’t avoid consequences. If in this life death is ultimate consequence, let’s change that. Can do some genetic tinkering, some stem cells here or there, find equivalent of “fountain of youth” and beat death. Meanwhile, for those unfortunates caught in cross-fire, let’s make it more palatable, less real and final. We can call it a “Celebration of Life”. Let’s bring truckloads of stuff, make it look like loved one just out for a break. I know, can get funeral director to put body in favorite pose so they can party on. Growing fascination with zombies. For some, cremation rather than burial of a body – dear Aunt Agony really hasn’t left us, she is right over there in the urn, or here in crystal on my necklace.

See what has happened – have so minimized sin and its consequences the cross is emptied of all significance. When we do that, Cross becomes the story of unfortunate victim of a political plot gone wrong or small-minded religious zealots. If the Cross is stripped of its meaning, how much significance can there possibly be in v.4 of our text?

Is only when we understand the hideousness of sin as an offense against a holy God that we grasp significance of the Cross. Is only when we understand how loving God sent his well-beloved Son into sin-cursed world, ordained he would be crucified by sinful men, then poured out his just wrath against sin of the people he loved, that we begin to grasp awfulness of sin. We need both: what Bible teaches about God and sin, what it communicates about the Cross. Sin is so terrible that the God who is love punished the Son of his love in the place of the people he loves that they might experience his love and be granted life.

Now, what was extent of that punishment? The flogging? Crown of thorns? Carrying his cross? Nails in hands and feet? Injustice and ridicule? Awful as all that was, did not contribute to payment for sin. Listen again to Isaiah text:

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

Was all that Jesus experienced, not at hands of men but at the hand of God that paid the ransom for our souls. Read last night from Isaiah chapter 52: “he was so disfigured he no longer looked like a man”… by punishment for our sin. Punishment did not end with his cry “It is finished” – still one more requirement: “wages of sin is death”. Not “near death experience”, not momentary death, but real verifiable death beyond ability of mere man to overcome. Burial is essential element in our full redemption – both for its symbolic value (die to sin, rise to new life) and practical use (grave for Christian need not be feared or avoided).

A. to show reality of his death

declared dead by attending soldiers (John 19:33)

started with the others, broke legs to hasten death; believed Jesus to be already dead, did not break his legs… pierced his side instead, ensuring truly was dead not just fainted

centurion summoned to convince Pilate that Jesus was really dead and body could be safely released to Joseph

treated as dead by Joseph of Arimathea (Matt. 27:59-60) and Nicodemus (John 19:39)

to ask for body when Jesus not truly dead would put Joseph at risk of obstructing justice; was convinced enough Joseph still took risk of guilt by association

Joseph bought linen cloth to wrap the body, Nicodemus brought 75 pounds or more of myrrh and aloes – best they could do given time of day… approaching Sabbath

followers convinced enough to bring more spices (Luke 24:1ff)

ladies, after sunset on Saturday purchased more spices; at daybreak, made their way to garden tomb intending to take time and care to prepare body for long-term burial

soldiers sealed occupied tomb (Matt. 27:65-66)

religious leaders convinced dead body in tomb, wanted to make sure it stayed that way – persuaded Pilate to let them seal it – unlikely that they sealed an already empty tomb

could been, even likely that was late in evening on Friday (Jewish day starts 6pm) they got seal on tomb, guard outside

soldiers convinced enough Jesus was really there they were willing to lie about circumstances, risking life and professional career

Matt. 28:13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’

B. to confirm veracity of his claims (would he decay?)

remember Lazarus: “he stinketh”, dead four days, didn’t even want to open up his tomb – if same of Jesus, only a man; if not, something else must be true – see Acts 13:35

“Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’

knew couldn’t apply to David, must be someone else… the Messiah; if Jesus truly was Messiah, this must apply to him

claimed to be one with Father

understood by his contemporaries as claim to be God (they tried to stone him) – somehow this one we know as Jesus, if his claims were true, had to be more than just a man

if Jesus the God-Man, could not experience death the same as ordinary man – God is eternal, unchangeable, must have some kind of effect on that body in the tomb

claimed he would raise it up – John 2:19

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” – have John’s commentary “He was speaking of the temple of His body.”

his temple would be destroyed, he would lay down his life… die, and on third day something would happen – custom and good sense meant he could not stay on the cross all that time if truly dead… must be buried

claimed full authority over his own life – John 10:18

“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”

to demonstrate that authority, must be some intervening period between “laying it down” and “taking it again” so observers can be reasonably convinced not some kind of magic trick

C. to emphasize helplessness of man

no man could endure penalty for sin and survive

weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth barely begins to describe its horror – lake of fire not overkill, is perfect justice for sin

how do we know no one can endure and survive? if possible, could go through that then die and escape hell although not gaining heaven – no such third option given in Bible

no man can experience real death and have ability to survive

if death is separation of soul and body, no human can hold soul in one hand, body in the other, then put back together

only Author of life himself has ability, say nothing of authority, to perform such a feat – true regardless of NDE’s and OOBE’s

no man on his own could escape the tomb

would require superhuman strength to move rock from inside; then it was “sealed” somehow to prevent opening, with Roman guard stationed

all of that is necessary to procure eternal life, none of it achievable by one who is only human

for our redemption to be complete, full penalty for sin must be paid – sin must be conquered so it no longer has mastery over us

for redeemed sinner to have hope, power of death must be overcome – the grave on both Friday and Sunday is essential

D. how is this good news?

three texts are significant

Gen. 2:17“of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Rom. 5:12 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned;”

Rom. 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

burial = finality = we don’t like it, don’t consider burial good news; desperately want to get to what comes next

try to get through the death and burial part, focusing on where dearly departed is now, where we will be someday

less than full satisfaction less than good news – 1 John 4:9 death confirmed by burial necessary for our life

since “God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” – possible only because full satisfaction made

if anything were lacking in what Jesus accomplished by suffering and death, we must make it up = still hopelessly lost

also sends powerful message to present culture: the Gospel is not a message of instant gratification

want whatever problem we have fixed now, don’t want to wait; not how God works in lives of his people

just like Jesus followers had to experience sorrow, loss, discouragement… until third day, we must experience challenges of this life up to and perhaps including physical death

even grave itself has been sanctified by presence of Christ – need not fear dying, death, or beyond: the Forerunner has already been there, done that, will walk with us through it

at no point will true child of God ever have opportunity to cry out as Jesus did: “​My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

because Lord Jesus was forsaken in our place, we will never even in darkest moments be forsaken by God

Good news is that because Jesus died and was buried, is nothing left for us to add to work of our salvation. Through faith in his finished work, we can have hope of eternal life.

Be At Peace with One Another

Mark 9:42-50

Psalm 34:11-22; Isaiah 32:14-18; Acts 10:34-43; Mark 9:42-50

Why this on Good Friday, talking about peace? Reflecting on that Friday nearly 2000 years ago, was not a peaceful day. Harsh treatment (and unjust) of Lord Jesus by Temple guards and Sanhedrin. Next best thing to a riot when Pilate resisted religious leaders’ evil designs on Jesus’ life. The violence of public executions accompanied by taunts of by-standers. Even the earth itself rebelled against the unthinkable – that the God-Man could die!

Matt. 27:50-54And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

The bigger conflict hidden from view – spiritual conflict Jesus waged on our behalf and won, victory over sin and Satan and eventually death. Is hard to see in a whole lot of life how any victory has been won. Seems to be one conflict after another, at every level of society. And, sad to say, even the church is not immune.

Would anyone deny the need for peace? How about the promise of peace (Luke)? Did the proclamation of the angel host mean anything? And how does peace fit into the “one another” paradigm? Sure, Jesus commanded it, but seriously? Is it possible? Many profess a desire for peace, some even write songs about it…

“I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony… “I’d like to see the world for once, / All standing hand in hand / And hear them echo through the hills / For peace through out the land.”

The need for peace is obvious; the obstacle to peace is also clear from God’s word, so is the solution. And the answer to our need was given on Good Friday.

A. the need

blame game: figure it started between Adam and Eve Gen. 3:12; really came before that, “has God indeed said…?”

seeds of conflict, planted and watered by sinful action, immediately bore fruit – no longer at peace

–within themselves: “the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked”

–with one another: “they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings”

–with God: “Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God”

continued on through OT: Psa 34:14, Psa 133:1(so much for evolution!)

exhorted to seek peace and pursue it; “how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!”

first family ravaged by brother murdering brother, thousands of years later brothers still didn’t / don’t live at peace

picked up by Jesus…in our text – addressing disciples’ arguing over who would be first in the kingdom (Mark 9:34)

wasn’t like disciples didn’t know their arguing was wrong – if was so right, why didn’t they answer Jesus’ question?!

knew it was wrong, were ashamed because they got caught, not ashamed enough to give up on the idea

also “high priestly prayer” – John 17:11, 21-23

“Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”

“that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

two different groups of people targeted in Jesus’ prayer: his disciples (11), “those who will believe in Me through their word” (20)

Jesus knew wasn’t only 1st generation who would struggle, succeeding generations in the church would experience conflict and division, lack of unity with one another

Jesus also identified serious fallout because of that: would contribute to further unbelief on part of the world

wonder why more people aren’t coming to faith in Christ? why the church is small and weak?

“That the world, so full of animosities and fightings, may see the power of Christian principle in overcoming the sources of contention and producing love, and may thus see that a religion that could produce this must be from heaven.” Barnes

then carried on by Paul: Rom. 12:18; 2 Cor. 13:11

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” “be of one mind, live in peace” – 25 years later still an issue

B. the obstacle

hindrances to peace are not:

weapons of any kind of destruction – nuclear warheads, unregulated firearms, abortionist’s instruments

unjust distribution of resources – answer to ISIS not more jobs, poverty not cause of inner-city violence

religious ideologies – 11-13th century Crusades, 17th century 30-Years War, 1948 Arab-Israeli War, 20th century Cold War

use or misuse of all those things not the problem…are symptoms of the real issue – “heart of the problem is it is a problem of the heart” Krabbendam

slavery to sin, self, Satan

prophet Isaiah: thorns & briers, forsaken palaces, deserted cities “untilthe Spirit is poured upon us from high”

something else had to come first: the heart problem needed fixing –

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel a nd the house of Judah,not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD.But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jer. 31:31-34)

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (Ezek. 36:25-27)

Jesus told his disciples, recorded in 3 of 4 Gospels: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23)

problem is…never get to part of taking up our cross and following; on our own, just can’t bring self to give up self

hardest thing Jesus told us to do: we love our self, like our sin, listen to Satan’s lies and guess what happens to peace

let’s be careful, not give Satan more credit than he deserves!! Remember why humanity is “fallen” – true, Eve listened to serpent, but what did she really do? put self before God and her husband, did what was right in her own opinion

C. the solution

already considered some of world’s solutions – remove hindrances to peace; can add meditation, big government, church committed to social justice and overcoming poverty

as you might expect, none of that is effective; read the history books – there has been an illusion of peace at times

but only temporary, and only on certain level – nation may not be at war but what about co-workers, neighbors, family members

God’s solution: remove the source of hostility, refocus attention of his people

source of mankind’s hostility, lack of peace with one another – not environmental (prisons would be safe); not economic (rich would get along); not political (Congress would actually work)

doesn’t mean we ignore any of these issues – should make sure laws are just, tyrants are held accountable; vote and work and be a good neighbor, encourage others to do the same; but….don’t count on those means to fix the problem; they will help keep symptoms in check

at it’s deepest point, conflict with others is outward evidence of conflict with God; so long as we are enemies of God, will be enemies of one another

only one means to that end – the cross: we talk about the cross, nothing sacred about some ancient lumber and hardware; were many of them lining the roads around Jerusalem and other major cities in Roman Empire, estimate thousands of people executed that way

not even anything magical about the symbol in itself, whether worn or made by gesture or on display

significance of the cross is wrapped up totally and completely in the one person who by dying in that way changed the world

see Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Eph. 2:14-18; Col 1:19-23

“while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (10)

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (19)

“that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ​and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross” (15-16)

“reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (20)

reconciled man to God; made Jew and Gentile one, new – Christian; Jesus the common denominator, reconciling all things

reconciling required removing the source of hostility: sin, and with it, the penalty for sin; the “cross of Christ” then has supreme significance: listen to what apostle Paul declared –

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Col. 2:13-14)

is your faith, your confidence of your acceptance before God in Christ alone? not works, not church membership, not what Jesus did plus something else, but in Christ only? if so, then…

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1)

if we are at peace with God, we must live at peace with God’s people – one another, fellow Christians, brothers and sisters

something will help us do that: staying near the cross of Christ – reminds us of who we are, who we belong to, who is not only Savior but Lord as well

we don’t remember Jesus on the cross, he finished all his work there; we remember what sent him there (our sin), what he accomplished there (our redemption)

if Jesus loved us enough to take our punishment for us on the cross, can’t we love him enough to do as he said?

love one another, live at peace with one another, show the world by our relationships with one another what it means to follow Christ, then trust him for themselves

 

Son of God, Sacrificial Lamb

Matthew 27:39-54

Five-year-old Mary was obliged to undergo an operation, and lost so much blood that it was necessary to resort to blood transfusion. The blood of thirteen-year-old brother Jimmy was found by test to match exactly the little patient’s. “Will you give your sister some of your blood, Jim?” asked the doctor. Jimmy set his teeth. “Yes, sir, if she needs it.” He was prepared for the transfusion. In the midst of the drawing of the blood, the doctor observed Jimmy growing paler and paler. “Are you ill, Jim?” he asked. “No, sir, but I’m wondering just when I’ll die.” “Die?” gasped the doctor. “Do you think people give their lives when they give a little blood?” “Yes, sir,” replied Jimmy. “And you are giving your life for Mary’s?” “Yes, sir,” replied Jimmy. A touching story of self-sacrifice.

There’s a more far-reaching story, a true story, of self-sacrifice than Jimmy’s. by giving his blood, Jimmy at most would procure life for one other person, his sister Mary. Greatest act of self-sacrifice occurred nearly 2000 years ago at “a place called Golgotha”. Unlike Jimmy, Jesus did give all his blood, Jesus did die, giving his life to save the lives of a countless multitude “from every tribe, language, people, and nation.”

But in order to accomplish that, this sacrifice must be at the same time perfect man and powerful God – the one who would stand between sinful men, women, boys, girls and a holy God with hand on each. At the same time able to “lay down his life for his friends” and take it up again when his purpose had been accomplished. What mattered most at Calvary was not what chief priests and scribes and elders orchestrated, not what Roman soldiers did, not what physical suffering achieved. What mattered most was what could not be seen – what God did, when “God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor. 5:21

Who was it there on that middle cross? Not everyone had same opinion at the time, still true today. 3x in our text title “Son of God” is used – by the general rabble passing by on the road, by church leaders and criminals being executed beside Jesus, by the Roman centurion and soldiers with him.

A. “If you are the Son of God, come down” v.40

certain expectations of what he could do if… if he truly were the Son of God

demonstrate his power over the natural order – if you really can rebuild the temple in 3 days, ought to be able (have the power) to pull the nails and climb down from the cross

demonstrate his authority over earthly government – if you really are King of Israel like placard at top of cross said, defy Roman guards / Pilate’s decree and climb down, put the centurion in his place

show his true colors – if miracles performed delivering many from sickness and disease and infirmity and death were for real, should be able to deliver yourself

certain presuppositions of what he needed to do…

needed to do all this in the way his mockers believed best – anything less would simply confirm suspicions Jesus was a fraud

think of profound darkness for three hours – btw, not a solar eclipse; impossible for that to occur at time of full moon

far more profound darkness at work in minds of those who mocked – surrounded by more than enough evidence, had seen Jesus @ work – healing blind and lame, raising the dead, demonstrating power and authority over natural world, spiritual forces of evil

one more sign and we’ll believe – v.42 “If he comes down now from the cross, we will believe in him!”

condemned Jesus for not saving himself – didn’t see they belonged in that very boat: condemned and unable to save themselves

truth is, the power they wanted Jesus to demonstrate is what they most needed to cut through darkness of their sin and rebellion

once again evidence of Satan, master deceiver at work; two-fold goal here, plan A and B

had tried to tempt Jesus to sin at beginning of his ministry: Matt. 4:3“If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

failed in that attempt, trying once again; if Jesus can be tempted into coming down from cross, Satan wins the big battle

if Jesus remains on the cross, Satan has won different battle – for minds and hearts of Jesus’ mockers at least for a time

Jesus really was Son of God, King of Israel, healer and deliverer; those who mocked fulfilling prophecy made to Isaiah: “hearing they did not hear, seeing they did not see”

Jesus’ mission – to draw people into a saving relationship with him; what was required? he said himself:

John 12:32“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

B. he said “I am the Son of God” v.43

certain expectations of what God would do if…Jesus’ claims were true

he claims a particular relationship with God, does God agree? if so, God should show it this way

similar line of thinking as Job’s friends – these circumstances are impossible for someone who is true friend of God, truly righteous, genuinely trusting in God

religous types, perhaps purposefully, like Satan did in the Garden, subtly altering God’s word

quoted from Psalm 22:8“He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

but made last statement conditional – if he wants to; easy to imagine Satan’s hiss once again

Matt. 4:6 “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,'”

perhaps the Father has disowned the Son, will refuse to answer when Son cries out to him

Isa. 53:4 “esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted” – in truth Jesus was just that

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, / See him dying on the tree! / ‘Tis the Christ by man rejected; / Yes, my soul, ’tis he, ’tis he.

‘Tis the long-expected Prophet, / David’s Son, yet David’s Lord; / By his Son God now has spoken: / ‘Tis the true and faithful Word.

Tell me, ye who hear him groaning, / Was there ever grief like his? / Friends through fear his cause disowning, / Foes insulting his distress;

Many hands were raised to wound him, / None would interpose to save; / But the deepest stroke that pierced him / Was the stroke that Justice gave.

Ye who think of sin but lightly / Nor suppose the evil great / Here may view its nature rightly, / Here its guilt may estimate.

Mark the Sacrifice appointed, / See who bears the awful load; / ‘Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed, / Son of Man and Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation, / Here the refuge of the lost; / Christ’s the Rock of our salvation, / His the name of which we boast.

Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, / Sacrifice to cancel guilt! / None shall ever be confounded / Who on him their hope have built.

C. “Truly this was the Son of God” v.54

pagan Gentiles had better vision – feared the God they did not know; Jews had no fear of God they did know

had probably numerous opportunities to guard condemned criminals while they died of crucifixion

enough different about this one to get their attention – what Jesus said, what he didn’t say; bottom line: they took Jesus’ word over his accusers

Roman soldiers may not have fully grasped what they were saying, but said the right thing

The King, the Son of God shows his power and authority most when he conquers his fiercest enemies. Was only by staying there on the cross, the sacrificial lamb, that he could begin his victory march – defeating sin, Satan, and death. Even the mocking Jews knew lamb had to stick around for sacrifice to be satisfactory. Had the Lamb run away we would all be in our sins still, hopeless and without a future.

Instead God’s eternal plan had our future in view

Eph. 1:4-8 For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love. He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will – to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight. NET

Sure, Heb. 12:2 tells us Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him”, but what fueled that joy? Love for helpless sinners and being the means of their redemption. Yes, we see the awfulness of sin, the incredible penalty Justice requires, played out in living color on the Cross. Caiaphas was right when he said:

John 11:49-50 “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is more to your advantage to have one man die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.”

In the death of that one man, the Son of God, the sacrificial lamb, the love of God is displayed at its brightest and most glorious. God loved sinners so much he gave himself as their sacrifice, their substitute. The Gospel is first and foremost about what God has done for sinners

“God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.”

Do you understand what that means? Have you experienced the love and grace of God in the Gospel?

“Mount Sinai, as awesome as it was, is but a dim shadow of a later mountain where God’s glory would be revealed—Mount Calvary. More than 1,400 years after God appeared on Mount Sinai, Jesus would climb up another mountain to put God’s glory on display. Just like Sinai, Calvary was covered by a thick cloud of darkness as God turned His face away. On the cross Jesus would endure the thunder of God’s judgment and absorb the lightning of His wrath. …The burning mountain of Exodus 19 was a picture of Mount Calvary, where Jesus gave us the clearest and most complete picture of the glory of God. In the cross we see the magnanimity of God’s grace. God did more than carry us on eagles’ wings from danger; He rescued us out of the jaws of death by substituting Himself in our place.” J D Greear

Comprehending God’s grace and love and lavish generosity to us in the Gospel changes us; the power of the Gospel is transforming, producing in us Christ-like grace and love and generosity toward others. May this not be just another Good Friday, not just another Easter. By God’s grace and in his strength may we be transformed people, living in a way that shows the Gospel has changed us.