The witness of Scripture is that Jesus came to die. That is implied in Matthew 1:21 when the angel announced that Jesus came to save His people from their sins. The followers of Jesus were not so sure about it. Jesus met two on the road to Emmaus and they were sad that Jesus had been crucified. Jesus explained that the Old Testament, rightly understood, points to a Messiah that suffers. Additionally, the Old Testament taught that the Messiah would rise from the dead and enter glory. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Gospel: “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:17). Today, let us praise God for a risen Lord who saves us from our sins - just as Jesus said He would. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Luke 24:1-35.Â
Christmas is a time to celebrate. People celebrate for different reasons: family, presents, and good times are just a few. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus’ birth is celebrated because of what He came to do: save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus saves by suffering the punishment due to sins in the place of sinners. Therefore, we celebrate the birth of Jesus because He died on the cross. By studying the crucifixion and death of Jesus we learn three things about Jesus’ life and death: Jesus died because judgment is coming, Jesus died so the guilty can be forgiven, and Jesus died to bear the wrath of God in the place of the redeemed. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Luke 23:26-49.
As Jesus stood before Pilate just before His crucifixion He was on trial. Pilate reminded Jesus that he had the authority to release or crucify Jesus. Jesus corrected Pilate, instructing that the only reason Pilate has authority is God gave it to him – God is always in control (John 19:10-11). Jesus also instructs Pilate that though now he judges Jesus, time will soon come when Jesus will sit at the right hand of God and judge – the convicted becomes the Judge (Luke 22:69). This is a solemn reminder that we will all one day stand before the just Judge. Such a thought makes it imperative for us all to be certain that we are ready for that day. Lest we forget, Jesus is the only way. To listen to this sermon, please click the following link: Luke 22:63-23:12.
As Jesus prayed just before He was betrayed by Judas He was distressed about what lay ahead. He prayed that, if possible, the cup might pass from Him. Jesus knew that in a short amount of time He would be suffering under the wrath of God in the place of all who would believe. Isaiah 53 teaches us that on the cross Jesus took our sins and punishment in order that we might be accounted righteous. Jesus, more than any man who has ever lived, knew the wrath of God was something to be greatly feared. No wonder Jesus was troubled. Praise be to God that those in Jesus Christ need not fear that wrath! To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Luke 22:39-53.