Matthew 27:1-66
Today we read about the price that Jesus had to pay for the forgiveness of our sin. It is an excruciating passage that gives us details of all that was taking place surrounding the crucifixion. I have decided to look at this sequentially and observe some of the events that happened before, during, and after Christ's death as well as some of the results or responses to this, the darkest day in history.
BEFORE: The passage starts out by giving us insight into the CONSCIENCE of Judas. He knew that His betrayal of Christ was a hideous act. The money that he so greedily desired was now tormenting him. In desperation, he returns it hoping that this will silence the condemnation that echos in the chambers of his mind. It does not work. His guilt is driving him mad so he takes his own life because he cannot live with his shame. He would have done anything to be able to go back in time and never have taken the money and betrayed Jesus. Sin is like that, it looks so tantalizing "just think of how happy I will be with thirty pieces of silver." In reality, sin is like a leach that sucks vitality from our lives leaving only misery and shame. Tragically, Judas takes his life instead of genuinely repenting. I believe that if Judas had thrown himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledged Him as the Son of God and asked Him for forgiveness we would use the story of Judas as an amazing illustration of God's grace. Maybe he would have gone on to do great things for the kingdom and many of us would have children named Judas. May we not be deceived into believing the lies about sin's delights. When we do sin, may we not run from the presence of God in shame and fear but fall at the feet of Jesus in faith where we will find forgiveness.
The next section leading up to the crucifixion highlights the COWARDICE of Pilate. He had the power to release Jesus or to order him to be crucified. He also had the knowledge of Christ's innocence and even a warning from his wife. He made a few feeble efforts to rid himself of this situation, but when the mob insisted, he capitulated. He washed his hands in an effort to rid himself of the guilt that he knew would inevitability follow. I doubt that the water on his hands helped his conscience any more than the coins of the floor of the temple helped that of Judas. Pilate is a prime example of what happens when leaders are dragged along by the tide of public opinion instead of blazing a trial for others to follow. May we have the courage to do what is right no matter how unpopular that might be. May we be used of God to lead others on the path of righteousness and never follow the mobs into the mires of sin.
The final stage of preparation for the crucifixion features the CRUELTY of the soldiers. These men had a difficult job, and some might say that they were just following orders, but when it came to cruelty they went far beyond the call of duty. The stripping, spitting, mocking and degradation were all beyond the realm of their responsibilities. They knew who He claimed to be and took pleasure in their opportunity to degrade this man who claimed to be God. This is the danger of a hard heart. Man can become so defiled by sin that even the most hideous acts do not seem to prick the conscience. The sobering truth is that my heart is no different than theirs. Only by God's grace have we been spared from acting on the cruelty that resides within each of us. May we allow the Spirit of God to fill our hearts with compassion, gentleness and kindness. May we never forget that the savagery of these soldiers is what we are apart from God's grace.
DURING: While Jesus is hanging on the cross, we observe the SARCASM of the people. They take advantage of Christ on the cross to mock Him for His claims to deity. Their own words reveal that they knew what He had taught about Himself. They had also observed His miraculous works. Yet, they rejected His teachings and miracles and now were rejoicing in His humiliation. Christ on the cross seems powerless and they take pleasure in the fact that they can insult Him without consequence. It reminds me of an unruly child at that zoo that acts all tough while he challenges the caged lion to a fight. Remove the bars and see how brave the kid really is. One day these men will stand before Christ once again. Only this time, He will be on a throne and not a cross. I doubt we will hear even a hint of sarcasm in their voice on that day. Many in the world today continue to live as if Christ is helplessly nailed to a cross. They live in sin and mock the name of God, and do so without fear. It may appear that there will be no consequence for this blasphemous lifestyle, but that is not true. One day, the cage will swing open and the Lion of Judah will spring forth and devour all who have rejected His gracious offer of salvation.
The most excruciating part of this entire tregedy was Christ's SEPARATION from the Father. Christ suffered in silence through the whipping, the thorns ripping into his skull and the nails being driven into his hands and feet but when the Father turned away from Him, He shatters the silence with screams of suffering. We cannot comprehend this. We have yet to experience the joy of fellowship with the Father like Jesus knows. But we will. Because of what Christ suffered on that cross and the wrath of God that was inflicted on Jesus, we too will experience the joy of unhindered fellowship with the Father. If the pain of separation from God supersedes all of the suffering that Christ faced on the cross; then the joy of fellowship with God must supersede any joy that this world has to offer. May we face suffering in the anticipation of joy as we live in light of that truth.
The final act that we see during the crucifixion is the SURRENDER of the Saviour. He has finished what He came to do. He has paid the price for our sin and now surrenders His spirit to the the care of the Father and He dies. Yes, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe died because of our sin. He had the power to defend himself, demand retribution from His torturers and come off that cross. Pilate did not take His life. Soldiers did not kill Him. He surrendered Himself to the will and wrath of the Father out of love for you and me. Why? Because of His mercy and grace, nothing of our worth or value could merit such love. In the face of such love, mercy and grace, we must bow at the nail scared feet of Jesus and worship.
RESPONSES: At the death of Christ there were several results. The first was the RIPPING of the veil in the temple. This is a highly symbolic event. This veil represented a barrier between man and God. Christ, by His death, removed that wall of separation. Because of Christ all men have access to God through faith in His work on the cross. Christ provided the sacrifice to end all need for sacrifices. His blood payed sin's price and opens the way that we might enjoy the pleasures of the presence of God.
The second result was the RESURRECTION of the saints in Jerusalem. We don't know who these people were or how many of them there were. We don't know if these people died again later on or if they ascended into heaven with Christ. What we do know is that the death of Christ gave them life. Again, this is very symbolic. The death of Christ is the means by which all of us have hope for an eternal resurrection.
The third response was the RECOGNITION of the centurion soldier. He might have witnessed hundreds of crucifixions in his lifetime, but none like this one. He had heard who Jesus claimed to be and may have been one of the men who spat in His face and made fun of Him. But when he saw how Christ died, the shaking of the earth and the darkness of the sky he was convinced that he had just participated in he crucifixion of the Son of God. What a demonstration of God's grace! I believe this man found forgiveness and that, one day, we will see him in heaven. How glorious it is that the hands that may have pierced the hands of Christ, may one day, be held by those hands on eternal shores.
AFTER: Following the crucifixion we begin by seeing the GRIEVING of the women. These ladies stood by His side from beginning to end and are now left with the task of caring for His body. What a gruesome and heart wrenching experience it must have been to wash His wounds and remove the blood from His body. I can only imagine the sobs and tears that must have accompanied this scene.
Next we see the GIVING of Joseph. This was a wealthy man who gave up his own tomb for the body of Jesus. It wouldn't be used for long. What honor this man has in all of our hearts for his tender care of the body of our Lord. He had an opportunity to serve and the ability to meet a very practical need and he did it without regard for his own loss. He was willing to risk his own life by being so closely associated with Christ. I cannot help but wonder where the disciples were at this time and how they must have regretted not being by Christ's side at the end. May we take full advantage of all of our opportunities to serve the Lord and not have to live with our regrets.
Finally we see the GUARDING of the tomb. The Pharisees are still living in fear, even after the death of Christ. They know of His promised resurrection and are afraid that it might come true. They say they fear that the disciples might steal the body and then claim a false resurrection. They seal the tomb and place guards at the entrance in an effort to make sure that Jesus stays dead. I wonder if the guards were told: "hey if Jesus tries to come out of there; kill Him again." Fear was their constant companion during Christ's life. Fear continues to plague them even in His death. We can be sure that fear will haunt them for the rest of their lives and all of eternity because they refused to truly fear Him and place their faith in the Messiah.
Before, during and after the crucifixion of Christ we are confronted with the depravity of our own sinfulness. We are challenged by the faithfulness of a few believers that stood by His side during the darkest of days. But, most of all, we are amazed and astounded by the glorious grace, mercy and love that is poured out on us from the cross on which WE hung the Son of God.
BEFORE: The passage starts out by giving us insight into the CONSCIENCE of Judas. He knew that His betrayal of Christ was a hideous act. The money that he so greedily desired was now tormenting him. In desperation, he returns it hoping that this will silence the condemnation that echos in the chambers of his mind. It does not work. His guilt is driving him mad so he takes his own life because he cannot live with his shame. He would have done anything to be able to go back in time and never have taken the money and betrayed Jesus. Sin is like that, it looks so tantalizing "just think of how happy I will be with thirty pieces of silver." In reality, sin is like a leach that sucks vitality from our lives leaving only misery and shame. Tragically, Judas takes his life instead of genuinely repenting. I believe that if Judas had thrown himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledged Him as the Son of God and asked Him for forgiveness we would use the story of Judas as an amazing illustration of God's grace. Maybe he would have gone on to do great things for the kingdom and many of us would have children named Judas. May we not be deceived into believing the lies about sin's delights. When we do sin, may we not run from the presence of God in shame and fear but fall at the feet of Jesus in faith where we will find forgiveness.
The next section leading up to the crucifixion highlights the COWARDICE of Pilate. He had the power to release Jesus or to order him to be crucified. He also had the knowledge of Christ's innocence and even a warning from his wife. He made a few feeble efforts to rid himself of this situation, but when the mob insisted, he capitulated. He washed his hands in an effort to rid himself of the guilt that he knew would inevitability follow. I doubt that the water on his hands helped his conscience any more than the coins of the floor of the temple helped that of Judas. Pilate is a prime example of what happens when leaders are dragged along by the tide of public opinion instead of blazing a trial for others to follow. May we have the courage to do what is right no matter how unpopular that might be. May we be used of God to lead others on the path of righteousness and never follow the mobs into the mires of sin.
The final stage of preparation for the crucifixion features the CRUELTY of the soldiers. These men had a difficult job, and some might say that they were just following orders, but when it came to cruelty they went far beyond the call of duty. The stripping, spitting, mocking and degradation were all beyond the realm of their responsibilities. They knew who He claimed to be and took pleasure in their opportunity to degrade this man who claimed to be God. This is the danger of a hard heart. Man can become so defiled by sin that even the most hideous acts do not seem to prick the conscience. The sobering truth is that my heart is no different than theirs. Only by God's grace have we been spared from acting on the cruelty that resides within each of us. May we allow the Spirit of God to fill our hearts with compassion, gentleness and kindness. May we never forget that the savagery of these soldiers is what we are apart from God's grace.
DURING: While Jesus is hanging on the cross, we observe the SARCASM of the people. They take advantage of Christ on the cross to mock Him for His claims to deity. Their own words reveal that they knew what He had taught about Himself. They had also observed His miraculous works. Yet, they rejected His teachings and miracles and now were rejoicing in His humiliation. Christ on the cross seems powerless and they take pleasure in the fact that they can insult Him without consequence. It reminds me of an unruly child at that zoo that acts all tough while he challenges the caged lion to a fight. Remove the bars and see how brave the kid really is. One day these men will stand before Christ once again. Only this time, He will be on a throne and not a cross. I doubt we will hear even a hint of sarcasm in their voice on that day. Many in the world today continue to live as if Christ is helplessly nailed to a cross. They live in sin and mock the name of God, and do so without fear. It may appear that there will be no consequence for this blasphemous lifestyle, but that is not true. One day, the cage will swing open and the Lion of Judah will spring forth and devour all who have rejected His gracious offer of salvation.
The most excruciating part of this entire tregedy was Christ's SEPARATION from the Father. Christ suffered in silence through the whipping, the thorns ripping into his skull and the nails being driven into his hands and feet but when the Father turned away from Him, He shatters the silence with screams of suffering. We cannot comprehend this. We have yet to experience the joy of fellowship with the Father like Jesus knows. But we will. Because of what Christ suffered on that cross and the wrath of God that was inflicted on Jesus, we too will experience the joy of unhindered fellowship with the Father. If the pain of separation from God supersedes all of the suffering that Christ faced on the cross; then the joy of fellowship with God must supersede any joy that this world has to offer. May we face suffering in the anticipation of joy as we live in light of that truth.
The final act that we see during the crucifixion is the SURRENDER of the Saviour. He has finished what He came to do. He has paid the price for our sin and now surrenders His spirit to the the care of the Father and He dies. Yes, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe died because of our sin. He had the power to defend himself, demand retribution from His torturers and come off that cross. Pilate did not take His life. Soldiers did not kill Him. He surrendered Himself to the will and wrath of the Father out of love for you and me. Why? Because of His mercy and grace, nothing of our worth or value could merit such love. In the face of such love, mercy and grace, we must bow at the nail scared feet of Jesus and worship.
RESPONSES: At the death of Christ there were several results. The first was the RIPPING of the veil in the temple. This is a highly symbolic event. This veil represented a barrier between man and God. Christ, by His death, removed that wall of separation. Because of Christ all men have access to God through faith in His work on the cross. Christ provided the sacrifice to end all need for sacrifices. His blood payed sin's price and opens the way that we might enjoy the pleasures of the presence of God.
The second result was the RESURRECTION of the saints in Jerusalem. We don't know who these people were or how many of them there were. We don't know if these people died again later on or if they ascended into heaven with Christ. What we do know is that the death of Christ gave them life. Again, this is very symbolic. The death of Christ is the means by which all of us have hope for an eternal resurrection.
The third response was the RECOGNITION of the centurion soldier. He might have witnessed hundreds of crucifixions in his lifetime, but none like this one. He had heard who Jesus claimed to be and may have been one of the men who spat in His face and made fun of Him. But when he saw how Christ died, the shaking of the earth and the darkness of the sky he was convinced that he had just participated in he crucifixion of the Son of God. What a demonstration of God's grace! I believe this man found forgiveness and that, one day, we will see him in heaven. How glorious it is that the hands that may have pierced the hands of Christ, may one day, be held by those hands on eternal shores.
AFTER: Following the crucifixion we begin by seeing the GRIEVING of the women. These ladies stood by His side from beginning to end and are now left with the task of caring for His body. What a gruesome and heart wrenching experience it must have been to wash His wounds and remove the blood from His body. I can only imagine the sobs and tears that must have accompanied this scene.
Next we see the GIVING of Joseph. This was a wealthy man who gave up his own tomb for the body of Jesus. It wouldn't be used for long. What honor this man has in all of our hearts for his tender care of the body of our Lord. He had an opportunity to serve and the ability to meet a very practical need and he did it without regard for his own loss. He was willing to risk his own life by being so closely associated with Christ. I cannot help but wonder where the disciples were at this time and how they must have regretted not being by Christ's side at the end. May we take full advantage of all of our opportunities to serve the Lord and not have to live with our regrets.
Finally we see the GUARDING of the tomb. The Pharisees are still living in fear, even after the death of Christ. They know of His promised resurrection and are afraid that it might come true. They say they fear that the disciples might steal the body and then claim a false resurrection. They seal the tomb and place guards at the entrance in an effort to make sure that Jesus stays dead. I wonder if the guards were told: "hey if Jesus tries to come out of there; kill Him again." Fear was their constant companion during Christ's life. Fear continues to plague them even in His death. We can be sure that fear will haunt them for the rest of their lives and all of eternity because they refused to truly fear Him and place their faith in the Messiah.
Before, during and after the crucifixion of Christ we are confronted with the depravity of our own sinfulness. We are challenged by the faithfulness of a few believers that stood by His side during the darkest of days. But, most of all, we are amazed and astounded by the glorious grace, mercy and love that is poured out on us from the cross on which WE hung the Son of God.
Comments
Post a Comment