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Looking to the Cross from Gethsemane. Sunday 24 th March 2013. Previously…. Last supper Judas is identified as Jesus betrayer The Lords supper is instituted Its early evening…. Spoilers. Jesus knew what was going to happen: So do we. Viewing the cross from a distance.
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Looking to the Cross from Gethsemane Sunday 24th March 2013
Previously… • Last supper • Judas is identified as Jesus betrayer • The Lords supper is instituted • Its early evening…
Spoilers • Jesus knew what was going to happen: • So do we
Viewing the cross from a distance • Gain an understanding of the what, why, who and how of the cross of the cross • By looking at some of the events leading up to the crucifixion
Gethsemane • Tell the story • The what, why, who and how of the cross • Apply what we learn to our lives
Gethsemane • A place of refuge and peace • Of rest and recuperation • A safe place
The what, why, who and how of the cross • What is going on? • Why did Jesus have to die? • Who is this Jesus? • How does Jesus save us?
What is going on? • This is an unlikely part of the greatest rescue the world has ever seen • Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward John 18
What is going on? • This is what Jesus knew: • That he would be betrayed by his friend • That Peter, his best friend would deny he even knew Jesus • That he would falsely accused and unjustly tried • That he would be publically mocked • That the people he came to save would chose to see a convicted murderer set free rather than Jesus
What is going on? • This is what Jesus knew: • That when Pilot the Roman Governor found nothing wrong with him he would hand him over to the Jews to be Crucified • That a whole battalion of soldiers would mock him and spit on him and beet him until he was nearly dead • That he would be crucified
Why did Jesus have to die? • We cannot save ourselves • Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) John 18
Why did Jesus have to die? • The problem of sin • Gods desire to be in relationship with humanity • The need to heal the rift that sin caused between mankind and God
Who is this Jesus? • He is a man • He is God
Who is this Jesus? • He is a man • And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” Mark 14
Who is this Jesus? • He is a man • And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”Matthew 26
Who is this Jesus? • He is a man • He had a human body • And human emotions • But • He did not sin
Who is this Jesus? • He is God • Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. John 18
Who is this Jesus? • He is God • And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” • And he touched his ear and healed him. • Luke 22
Who is this Jesus? • He is God • The Old Testament profits said he was • The Gospel writers confess him to be • He said it of himself
How does Jesus save us? • He had to be a man • Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18
How does Jesus save us? • He had to be God • Salvation is from the LORD • Only Someone who is fully and God could be the one mediator between God and man • To reveal God fully to us
How does Jesus save us? • He is rightly called Emmanuel • who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12
Gethsemane: So what? • This is a true story • It really happened… • That a human being would endure all that Jesus endured believing it to be for the good of mankind, makes him an attractive character • Perhaps a prophet worth following?
Gethsemane: So what? • This is a true story • That he claims to be God makes him who he says he is or a sadly deluded and perhaps even mad, individual • Having heard this story this morning you are forced to make a choice
Gethsemane: So what? • This is a true story • You can leave believing Jesus to be mad and us to be fools • Or you can repent of your sin and give your life to Jesus, Emmanuel, God who became man to rescue all of us and heal the divide that our sin has caused between us and our creator
Gethsemane summary • What a story: its true! • The what, why, who and how of the cross • Our lives are nothing without Jesus
