WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:02.140 Let us pray. 00:00:05.419 --> 00:00:11.679 Heavenly Father, we ask that you now address us from your word 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:23.400 so that we might know your love that sent your only son to save us, 00:00:23.399 --> 00:00:32.280 that we might know the love of Christ who willingly laid down his life for us, 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:40.219 that your love might be poured out into our hearts by the Spirit, 00:00:43.079 --> 00:00:49.879 assuring us we are your children, that we can call upon you as Abba, Father. 00:00:53.399 --> 00:00:55.939 So Lord, meet with us here. 00:00:56.879 --> 00:00:58.859 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:01:02.460 --> 00:01:07.519 Please turn with me in your Bibles to Matthew 27, verses 27 to 54. 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:17.299 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, 00:01:18.180 --> 00:01:20.680 and they gathered the whole battalion before him, 00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:24.880 and they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 00:01:25.620 --> 00:01:28.020 And twisting together a crown of thorns, 00:01:28.420 --> 00:01:31.960 they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. 00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:35.480 And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, 00:01:36.420 --> 00:01:38.040 Hail, King of the Jews. 00:01:38.040 --> 00:01:45.600 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:52.040 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him 00:01:52.040 --> 00:01:55.460 and led him away to crucify him. 00:01:58.080 --> 00:02:02.260 As they went out, they found the man of Cyrene, Simon by name. 00:02:02.260 --> 00:02:05.320 They compelled this man to carry his cross. 00:02:05.920 --> 00:02:11.819 And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means place of a skull, 00:02:12.659 --> 00:02:15.580 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gal. 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:19.740 But when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 00:02:21.040 --> 00:02:23.120 And when they had crucified him, 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:26.420 they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 00:02:26.419 --> 00:02:30.359 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 00:02:30.899 --> 00:02:34.479 And over his head, they put the charge against him, which read, 00:02:35.039 --> 00:02:38.459 This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. 00:02:40.379 --> 00:02:43.019 Then two robbers were crucified with him, 00:02:43.139 --> 00:02:45.079 one on the right and one on the left. 00:02:45.699 --> 00:02:48.399 And those who passed by derided him, 00:02:48.879 --> 00:02:50.299 wagging their heads and saying, 00:02:50.739 --> 00:02:54.679 You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 00:02:54.680 --> 00:02:56.599 save yourself. 00:02:57.980 --> 00:03:02.040 If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. 00:03:04.060 --> 00:03:08.560 So also the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him, 00:03:08.700 --> 00:03:10.760 saying, He saved others. 00:03:11.159 --> 00:03:13.080 He cannot save himself. 00:03:14.700 --> 00:03:16.540 He is the King of Israel. 00:03:17.240 --> 00:03:19.760 Let him come down now from the cross, 00:03:19.980 --> 00:03:21.460 and we will believe in him. 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:23.800 He trusts in God. 00:03:23.800 --> 00:03:25.719 Let God deliver him now. 00:03:27.100 --> 00:03:28.880 If he desires him. 00:03:30.080 --> 00:03:33.840 For he said, I am the Son of God. 00:03:36.120 --> 00:03:38.860 And the robbers who were crucified with him 00:03:38.860 --> 00:03:42.140 also reviled him in the same way. 00:03:42.139 --> 00:03:45.799 Now from the sixth hour, 00:03:45.979 --> 00:03:49.539 there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 00:03:50.219 --> 00:03:51.439 And about the ninth hour, 00:03:51.539 --> 00:03:53.799 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 00:03:53.939 --> 00:03:54.359 saying, 00:03:55.179 --> 00:03:56.779 Eli, Eli, 00:03:57.439 --> 00:03:58.799 lima sabachthani. 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:01.099 That is, 00:04:01.859 --> 00:04:02.639 My God, 00:04:03.019 --> 00:04:04.179 my God, 00:04:04.659 --> 00:04:06.139 why have you 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:07.539 forsaken me? 00:04:07.539 --> 00:04:13.179 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, 00:04:13.719 --> 00:04:15.719 This man is calling Elijah. 00:04:17.039 --> 00:04:19.939 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, 00:04:20.199 --> 00:04:21.639 filled it with sour wine, 00:04:21.839 --> 00:04:24.480 and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:26.480 But the other said, 00:04:27.140 --> 00:04:28.020 Wait, 00:04:28.480 --> 00:04:30.939 let us see whether Elijah will come to save him. 00:04:32.360 --> 00:04:35.780 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, 00:04:36.040 --> 00:04:38.080 and yielded up his spirit. 00:04:39.220 --> 00:04:40.040 And behold, 00:04:40.780 --> 00:04:43.840 the curtain of the temple was torn into, 00:04:44.300 --> 00:04:45.520 from top to bottom. 00:04:45.519 --> 00:04:47.859 And the earth shook, 00:04:48.139 --> 00:04:49.979 and the rocks were split. 00:04:50.479 --> 00:04:52.519 The tombs also were opened, 00:04:53.039 --> 00:04:56.799 and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 00:04:57.279 --> 00:04:59.899 And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:03.500 they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 00:05:05.419 --> 00:05:08.500 When the centurion and those who were with him, 00:05:08.659 --> 00:05:10.060 keeping watch over Jesus, 00:05:10.659 --> 00:05:13.459 saw the earthquake and what took place, 00:05:13.459 --> 00:05:16.139 they were filled with awe and said, 00:05:17.120 --> 00:05:17.680 Truly, 00:05:18.719 --> 00:05:19.919 this was 00:05:19.919 --> 00:05:21.680 the Son 00:05:21.680 --> 00:05:23.399 of God. 00:05:24.979 --> 00:05:26.519 This is God's holy 00:05:26.519 --> 00:05:28.199 and authoritative word. 00:05:31.639 --> 00:05:34.359 Around eight months old is when 00:05:34.359 --> 00:05:36.159 a baby develops what 00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:38.519 developmental psychologists call 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:40.079 object permanence. 00:05:41.159 --> 00:05:42.500 Prior to that point, 00:05:42.500 --> 00:05:44.279 when infants can't see you, 00:05:44.379 --> 00:05:46.199 they think that you've disappeared 00:05:46.199 --> 00:05:47.639 off the face of the planet. 00:05:48.959 --> 00:05:49.980 In their world, 00:05:50.060 --> 00:05:51.279 whether it's their favorite toy 00:05:51.279 --> 00:05:51.980 or blanket 00:05:51.980 --> 00:05:53.519 or even their parents, 00:05:53.860 --> 00:05:55.199 when they can't see them, 00:05:55.439 --> 00:05:56.240 they have disappeared 00:05:56.240 --> 00:05:57.819 as far as they're concerned. 00:05:58.959 --> 00:06:01.120 But as they begin to learn 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:02.160 object permanence, 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:02.839 they realize 00:06:02.839 --> 00:06:04.079 that the objects 00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:05.259 are somewhere 00:06:05.259 --> 00:06:07.040 even when they can't 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:07.699 see them. 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:09.699 And for that reason, 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:11.160 it's around that same time 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:12.640 that babies also develop 00:06:12.640 --> 00:06:13.620 what they call 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:14.960 separation anxiety. 00:06:16.180 --> 00:06:17.760 Now that the baby knows 00:06:17.760 --> 00:06:18.640 that her mom and dad 00:06:18.640 --> 00:06:20.080 still exist somewhere, 00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:22.120 even when she can't see them, 00:06:22.439 --> 00:06:23.880 she now misses them. 00:06:24.700 --> 00:06:25.880 And she's saddened 00:06:25.880 --> 00:06:26.720 by the realization 00:06:26.720 --> 00:06:27.860 that they are somewhere 00:06:27.860 --> 00:06:28.980 but not there 00:06:28.980 --> 00:06:29.740 with her. 00:06:30.800 --> 00:06:31.680 She now understands 00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:32.900 the pain 00:06:32.900 --> 00:06:34.160 of separation. 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:37.220 that's a really difficult time 00:06:37.220 --> 00:06:38.300 to leave the child 00:06:38.300 --> 00:06:39.520 with babysitters 00:06:39.520 --> 00:06:40.560 or to drop them off 00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:41.480 at a daycare 00:06:41.480 --> 00:06:43.360 because she will cry 00:06:43.360 --> 00:06:44.200 these sad, 00:06:44.520 --> 00:06:45.380 forlorn cries 00:06:45.380 --> 00:06:46.760 and with her arms 00:06:46.760 --> 00:06:47.660 extended out to you, 00:06:47.760 --> 00:06:49.220 tears streaming down her face 00:06:49.220 --> 00:06:50.440 as if she will never 00:06:50.440 --> 00:06:51.280 see you again. 00:06:53.180 --> 00:06:54.200 As if you're leaving 00:06:54.200 --> 00:06:54.740 her forever. 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.540 And even though you, 00:06:57.780 --> 00:06:58.460 as a parent, 00:06:58.560 --> 00:06:59.060 know better, 00:06:59.379 --> 00:07:00.080 you know that you're 00:07:00.080 --> 00:07:01.200 leaving her in good hands 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:01.860 and you know 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:02.740 that you're coming back, 00:07:02.779 --> 00:07:04.019 it's still heartbreaking 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:05.539 to watch and hear 00:07:05.539 --> 00:07:07.639 the baby's desperate cry 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:09.699 because you know 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:10.599 what she is feeling. 00:07:12.099 --> 00:07:13.199 Separations are hard. 00:07:14.939 --> 00:07:17.480 But being actually forsaken 00:07:17.480 --> 00:07:18.959 by someone you love 00:07:18.959 --> 00:07:19.699 is even harder. 00:07:22.659 --> 00:07:24.019 In this passage, 00:07:24.159 --> 00:07:25.939 we see the Son of God 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:26.680 forsaken. 00:07:28.919 --> 00:07:30.620 In verses 27 to 31, 00:07:30.620 --> 00:07:31.639 we see him forsaken 00:07:31.639 --> 00:07:32.519 by the Gentiles 00:07:32.519 --> 00:07:33.500 he came to save. 00:07:34.420 --> 00:07:36.100 In verses 32 to 44, 00:07:36.220 --> 00:07:37.180 we see him forsaken 00:07:37.180 --> 00:07:38.680 by his very own people, 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:39.340 the Jews. 00:07:40.180 --> 00:07:42.100 And then in verses 45 to 54, 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:43.600 we see him forsaken 00:07:43.600 --> 00:07:44.560 by God, 00:07:45.060 --> 00:07:45.740 his Father 00:07:45.740 --> 00:07:47.060 who sent him. 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:49.660 This passage is shot through 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:50.259 with sorrow, 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:50.920 loss, 00:07:51.040 --> 00:07:51.800 and anguish. 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:53.060 But Jesus 00:07:53.060 --> 00:07:54.500 endures all of it 00:07:54.500 --> 00:07:55.340 because he knows 00:07:55.340 --> 00:07:56.540 that there is no other way 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:57.660 to save sinners 00:07:57.660 --> 00:07:58.699 like you and me. 00:07:58.699 --> 00:08:00.560 The Son of God 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:02.039 was forsaken in death 00:08:02.039 --> 00:08:03.500 so that we might be 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:04.800 accepted by God 00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:06.079 and brought from death 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:06.659 to life. 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:08.259 First, 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:10.120 we find in verses 27 to 31, 00:08:10.319 --> 00:08:12.219 Jesus being utterly degraded 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:13.039 and humiliated 00:08:13.039 --> 00:08:14.180 by the Roman soldiers. 00:08:14.759 --> 00:08:16.019 He says in verse 27 00:08:16.019 --> 00:08:16.620 that the soldiers 00:08:16.620 --> 00:08:17.800 of the Roman governor 00:08:17.800 --> 00:08:18.519 took Jesus 00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:19.759 into the governor's headquarters 00:08:19.759 --> 00:08:20.899 and they gathered 00:08:20.899 --> 00:08:21.980 the whole battalion 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:22.899 before him. 00:08:22.899 --> 00:08:25.219 on what might have been 00:08:25.219 --> 00:08:26.060 an ordinary, 00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:26.779 boring day 00:08:26.779 --> 00:08:27.199 in the lives 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:27.739 of these soldiers, 00:08:27.859 --> 00:08:28.719 they find themselves 00:08:28.719 --> 00:08:29.339 in custody 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:30.579 of a supposed king 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:31.120 of the Jews 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:32.600 and that to them 00:08:32.600 --> 00:08:33.259 was too good 00:08:33.259 --> 00:08:34.000 of an opportunity 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:35.199 to pass up. 00:08:35.699 --> 00:08:36.439 So they gathered 00:08:36.439 --> 00:08:37.620 the whole battalion 00:08:37.620 --> 00:08:38.279 before them 00:08:38.279 --> 00:08:39.819 which was usually 00:08:39.819 --> 00:08:41.319 about 600 men. 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:44.079 600 men 00:08:44.079 --> 00:08:45.299 gathering to mock 00:08:45.299 --> 00:08:46.500 and make sport 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:47.500 of this one man. 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:50.139 It's like a hazing ritual 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:50.899 at a frat house 00:08:50.899 --> 00:08:52.039 except much worse. 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:54.740 It's not an initiation ritual. 00:08:55.199 --> 00:08:55.939 It's preparation 00:08:55.939 --> 00:08:57.100 for Jesus' execution. 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:00.220 Verses 28 to 31 00:09:00.220 --> 00:09:01.319 describe their actions. 00:09:01.699 --> 00:09:02.600 And they stripped him 00:09:02.600 --> 00:09:03.620 and put a scarlet robe 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:04.039 on him 00:09:04.039 --> 00:09:04.919 and twisting together 00:09:04.919 --> 00:09:05.860 a crown of thorns. 00:09:06.059 --> 00:09:07.419 They put it on his head 00:09:07.419 --> 00:09:08.179 and put a reed 00:09:08.179 --> 00:09:09.240 in his right hand. 00:09:09.759 --> 00:09:10.840 And kneeling before him 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:11.600 they mocked him 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:11.959 saying, 00:09:12.199 --> 00:09:13.500 Hail, King of the Jews! 00:09:14.459 --> 00:09:15.939 And they spit on him 00:09:15.939 --> 00:09:16.720 and took the reed 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:17.860 and struck him on the head 00:09:17.860 --> 00:09:18.919 and when they had mocked him 00:09:18.919 --> 00:09:19.639 they stripped him 00:09:19.639 --> 00:09:20.139 of the robe 00:09:20.139 --> 00:09:21.199 and put his own clothes 00:09:21.199 --> 00:09:21.659 on him 00:09:21.659 --> 00:09:22.779 and led him away 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:23.860 to crucify him. 00:09:24.899 --> 00:09:26.399 First they forcibly 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:27.659 removed Jesus' clothing 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:28.620 from his back. 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:30.480 Then they play with him 00:09:30.480 --> 00:09:31.079 like a doll 00:09:31.079 --> 00:09:32.259 making mockery 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:33.600 of his claim to kingship. 00:09:34.179 --> 00:09:35.339 They put a scarlet robe 00:09:35.339 --> 00:09:35.819 on him. 00:09:35.899 --> 00:09:36.659 The word robe 00:09:36.659 --> 00:09:37.360 used here 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:38.379 refers specifically 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:39.639 to the military cloak, 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:40.779 the scarlet robe 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:42.019 that the soldiers wore. 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:44.220 And so that cheap 00:09:44.220 --> 00:09:45.360 soldier's robe 00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:46.199 takes the place, 00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:47.600 represents the expensive 00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:49.419 purple royal robe. 00:09:49.419 --> 00:09:52.459 And in place of a crown 00:09:52.459 --> 00:09:54.079 bejeweled with precious stones, 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:55.299 they put on Jesus 00:09:55.299 --> 00:09:56.839 a makeshift, 00:09:56.979 --> 00:09:57.860 twisted together, 00:09:58.039 --> 00:09:58.919 crown of thorns 00:09:58.919 --> 00:10:00.279 and they laid on his head. 00:10:00.939 --> 00:10:02.740 And instead of a golden scepter, 00:10:03.219 --> 00:10:04.199 they put a reed, 00:10:04.579 --> 00:10:05.319 a stick, 00:10:05.599 --> 00:10:06.959 in his right hand. 00:10:07.959 --> 00:10:10.000 It's a ridiculous scene. 00:10:10.379 --> 00:10:11.620 It's a pitiful scene. 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:14.200 And then kneeling before him, 00:10:14.240 --> 00:10:14.840 they mocked him, 00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:15.060 saying, 00:10:15.220 --> 00:10:16.440 Hail, King of the Jews! 00:10:17.399 --> 00:10:18.340 You could just imagine 00:10:18.340 --> 00:10:19.899 the dripping sarcasm 00:10:19.899 --> 00:10:20.679 in their tone 00:10:20.679 --> 00:10:22.580 and the defiance 00:10:22.580 --> 00:10:23.600 and insolence 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:24.980 in their wild eyes 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:27.080 and the boisterous laughter 00:10:27.080 --> 00:10:27.940 erupting among 00:10:27.940 --> 00:10:29.500 the hundreds of soldiers. 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:32.240 They spit on him 00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:33.080 and took the reed 00:10:33.080 --> 00:10:34.820 and struck him on the head. 00:10:36.220 --> 00:10:37.240 Being sped on 00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:39.080 and being struck on the head 00:10:39.080 --> 00:10:40.759 are both grievous insults 00:10:40.759 --> 00:10:41.480 in this culture. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:42.639 So Jesus is here 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:43.360 being defiled 00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:44.799 and insulted in every way. 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:47.639 Your Royal Highness, 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:49.799 please hand me your scepter. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:51.340 Let me hold it for a moment. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:53.279 And smack. 00:10:54.779 --> 00:10:56.100 Clobber him across the head. 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.000 Which is followed 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:59.460 by another round of jeering 00:10:59.460 --> 00:11:01.299 and boisterous laughter. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:04.659 Imagine if someone did this to you. 00:11:05.539 --> 00:11:06.659 How utterly degraded, 00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:09.019 wronged, abused 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:10.840 and less than human 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:11.500 you would feel. 00:11:11.620 --> 00:11:14.620 And the irony of it all 00:11:14.620 --> 00:11:15.360 is that despite 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:17.200 the Gentile soldiers' mockery, 00:11:17.340 --> 00:11:19.139 Jesus is the true 00:11:19.139 --> 00:11:20.279 King of the Jews. 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:23.419 He is the promised Messiah. 00:11:23.419 --> 00:11:26.699 And it makes the fire of indignation 00:11:26.699 --> 00:11:27.979 rise up on our faces 00:11:27.979 --> 00:11:29.439 to see the true King 00:11:29.439 --> 00:11:31.120 mocked in this way. 00:11:31.199 --> 00:11:32.240 And we ask ourselves, 00:11:32.500 --> 00:11:33.199 why, Jesus, 00:11:33.299 --> 00:11:34.139 did you do nothing? 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:37.779 Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, 00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:39.419 Jesus has cleansed the leper, 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:41.059 calmed the stormy seas, 00:11:41.199 --> 00:11:42.240 exorcised demons, 00:11:42.639 --> 00:11:43.500 healed the paralytic, 00:11:43.659 --> 00:11:45.099 raised the dead to life. 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:48.360 Jesus couldn't do something 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:49.620 to stop this from happening? 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:53.139 They could mock me 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:54.840 and spit on me. 00:11:54.840 --> 00:11:56.879 I'm just a lowly commoner 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.039 and a sinner, 00:11:58.240 --> 00:11:59.320 but you're the King, 00:11:59.480 --> 00:11:59.740 Jesus. 00:12:00.779 --> 00:12:02.179 You're the Holy One. 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:04.259 Why must you suffer 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:06.799 such unspeakable indignities 00:12:06.799 --> 00:12:09.080 at the hands of sinful men? 00:12:09.080 --> 00:12:13.900 And when they mocked him, 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:15.139 they stripped him of the robe 00:12:15.139 --> 00:12:16.400 and put his own clothes on him 00:12:16.400 --> 00:12:17.120 and led him away 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:18.139 to crucify him. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:20.700 As they went out, 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:21.660 it says in verse 32, 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:23.120 they found a man of Cyrene, 00:12:23.300 --> 00:12:24.139 Simon by name, 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:25.460 and they compelled this man 00:12:25.460 --> 00:12:26.379 to carry the cross. 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:28.320 According to Roman custom, 00:12:28.420 --> 00:12:29.320 the condemned man 00:12:29.320 --> 00:12:30.040 was supposed to carry 00:12:30.040 --> 00:12:30.940 his own cross 00:12:30.940 --> 00:12:32.379 to the execution site. 00:12:32.980 --> 00:12:33.980 But the fact that they have 00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:35.540 to compel a passerby 00:12:35.540 --> 00:12:36.879 to carry Jesus' cross 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:38.899 shows that Jesus was incapable 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:40.419 of doing so himself. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:42.480 After the flogging 00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:43.340 and the beating, 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:44.399 Jesus was already 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:46.039 so physically debilitated 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:47.200 and exhausted 00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:48.259 that he could not carry 00:12:48.259 --> 00:12:49.320 the cross all the way 00:12:49.320 --> 00:12:50.960 to the place of a skull. 00:12:52.559 --> 00:12:53.860 And when they finally get there, 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:54.980 he says in verse 34, 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:55.779 that they offered him 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:57.320 wine to drink mixed with gall, 00:12:57.480 --> 00:12:58.539 but when he tasted it, 00:12:58.620 --> 00:12:59.559 he would not drink it. 00:13:00.620 --> 00:13:01.240 A little later, 00:13:01.320 --> 00:13:02.399 Matthew mentions again 00:13:02.399 --> 00:13:03.299 in verse 48 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:04.340 that one of the bystanders 00:13:04.340 --> 00:13:05.919 at once ran and took a sponge, 00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:07.240 filled it with sour wine 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:08.039 and put it on a reed 00:13:08.039 --> 00:13:09.379 and gave it to him to drink. 00:13:10.659 --> 00:13:12.099 These details 00:13:12.099 --> 00:13:14.079 might seem extraneous to us. 00:13:14.159 --> 00:13:15.740 Who cares that these people 00:13:15.740 --> 00:13:17.000 are giving him something to drink? 00:13:17.979 --> 00:13:18.860 Matthew is noting 00:13:18.860 --> 00:13:20.039 these offers of drink 00:13:20.039 --> 00:13:21.039 to show that Jesus 00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:21.979 is fulfilling 00:13:21.979 --> 00:13:23.479 the prophecies of Scripture. 00:13:24.459 --> 00:13:26.819 In Psalm 69, 17 to 21, 00:13:26.959 --> 00:13:27.879 a righteous person 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:29.360 who is suffering unjustly 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.879 cries out to God this way, 00:13:31.439 --> 00:13:32.659 Hide not your face 00:13:32.659 --> 00:13:33.379 from your servant, 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:34.639 for I am in distress. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:36.679 Make haste to answer me, 00:13:36.799 --> 00:13:38.120 draw near to my soul, 00:13:38.259 --> 00:13:39.019 redeem me, 00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:40.299 ransom me 00:13:40.299 --> 00:13:41.460 because of my enemies. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.379 You know my reproach 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:44.279 and my shame 00:13:44.279 --> 00:13:45.360 and my dishonor. 00:13:45.460 --> 00:13:47.360 My foes are all known to you. 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:49.620 Reproaches have broken my heart 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.740 so that I am in despair. 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:52.360 I looked for pity, 00:13:52.500 --> 00:13:53.480 but there was none, 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:54.879 and for comforters, 00:13:54.960 --> 00:13:56.080 but I found none. 00:13:56.580 --> 00:13:58.539 They gave me poison for food, 00:13:58.819 --> 00:14:00.120 and for my thirst, 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:02.580 they gave me sour wine to drink. 00:14:02.580 --> 00:14:06.200 In the Psalm's original context, 00:14:06.320 --> 00:14:07.240 the righteous sufferer 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:09.100 finds no one to comfort him 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:10.100 in the midst of his suffering. 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:11.940 People reproach him 00:14:11.940 --> 00:14:13.920 and offer him poison for food 00:14:13.920 --> 00:14:15.800 and sour wine for drink, 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:17.240 a wine that has gone bad. 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:19.879 Such is the case here. 00:14:20.160 --> 00:14:21.360 Jesus is offered wine 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:22.420 mixed with gall, 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:23.720 a bitter drink. 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:26.680 Later, they offer him sour wine. 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:29.239 The pungent smell of the wine 00:14:29.239 --> 00:14:30.219 that had gone bad 00:14:30.219 --> 00:14:31.339 would have pierced 00:14:31.339 --> 00:14:32.859 Jesus' nose immediately. 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:36.319 Miserable comforters 00:14:36.319 --> 00:14:37.279 are they all. 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:40.159 And then verse 35 continues, 00:14:40.299 --> 00:14:41.879 and when they had crucified him, 00:14:41.959 --> 00:14:43.199 they divided his garments 00:14:43.199 --> 00:14:45.199 among them by casting lots. 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:47.419 Men were, 00:14:47.939 --> 00:14:48.699 in those days, 00:14:48.819 --> 00:14:49.799 crucified naked. 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:52.219 So after removing his garments, 00:14:52.359 --> 00:14:53.500 the soldiers cast lots 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:55.019 to see who would get it, 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:57.120 who would get to keep it. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.860 Which is particularly shameful 00:15:01.860 --> 00:15:03.579 for Jews 00:15:03.579 --> 00:15:06.480 who consider that kind of nakedness 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:08.259 and exposure unacceptable, 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:10.699 culturally, societally unacceptable. 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:12.519 So the shame, 00:15:13.199 --> 00:15:14.620 the exposure of it all, 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:16.419 all of Jesus' body, 00:15:16.539 --> 00:15:18.720 all his blood, sweat, and tears, 00:15:18.919 --> 00:15:19.860 all of his wounds, 00:15:20.539 --> 00:15:22.159 nakedly exposed for all to see. 00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:24.980 And on top of all this, 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:26.219 the cruel mockery continues 00:15:26.219 --> 00:15:27.059 in verse 39. 00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:27.480 It says, 00:15:27.699 --> 00:15:28.559 those who passed by 00:15:28.559 --> 00:15:29.459 derided him, 00:15:29.659 --> 00:15:30.719 wagging their heads. 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:31.899 Verse 41 says, 00:15:31.959 --> 00:15:33.139 so also the chief priests 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:34.360 with the scribes and elders 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:35.299 mocked him. 00:15:35.719 --> 00:15:36.539 Even, it says, 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:37.439 the robbers 00:15:37.439 --> 00:15:38.860 who were crucified with Jesus 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:40.459 also reviled him 00:15:40.459 --> 00:15:42.459 in the same way. 00:15:43.100 --> 00:15:44.679 So from the Jewish criminals 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:46.480 that have been crucified with him 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:48.379 to the passerbys, 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:50.199 to the chief priests, 00:15:50.199 --> 00:15:50.839 and the elders, 00:15:50.840 --> 00:15:52.440 Jesus is rejected 00:15:52.440 --> 00:15:54.340 by every stratum 00:15:54.340 --> 00:15:55.660 of Jewish society. 00:15:56.040 --> 00:15:57.600 Jesus is forsaken 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:59.940 by his very own people. 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:02.879 And what's worse 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:04.379 is that Jesus is forsaken 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:06.700 even by his own disciples. 00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:09.639 Isn't it interesting 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:10.840 that Simon of Cyrene 00:16:10.840 --> 00:16:11.780 is mentioned by name 00:16:11.780 --> 00:16:12.460 in verse 32? 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:14.280 He's just an extra, 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:16.360 a person who happens 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.379 to be passing by, 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:18.879 has a minor role 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.460 in the story. 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:22.899 His name recalls Simon, 00:16:23.039 --> 00:16:24.360 another more famous Simon, 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:25.179 Simon Peter, 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:27.259 who had insisted to Jesus 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:28.259 in chapter 26 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:29.000 that even if 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:30.340 all the other disciples 00:16:30.340 --> 00:16:31.340 were to fall away 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:32.139 on account of him, 00:16:32.200 --> 00:16:33.159 that he would never 00:16:33.159 --> 00:16:34.379 fall away. 00:16:35.439 --> 00:16:36.620 Peter has said to Jesus, 00:16:36.820 --> 00:16:38.460 even if I must die with you, 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:40.299 I will not deny you. 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:43.179 But having denied Jesus 00:16:43.179 --> 00:16:44.000 three times 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:45.139 in the preceding chapter, 00:16:45.139 --> 00:16:46.100 Simon Peter 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:47.820 is nowhere to be seen. 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:51.500 Earlier in Matthew 16, 24, 00:16:51.600 --> 00:16:52.399 Jesus had challenged 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.240 his disciples saying, 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:54.159 if anyone would come 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:54.800 after me, 00:16:55.120 --> 00:16:56.940 let him deny himself 00:16:56.940 --> 00:16:58.700 and take up his cross 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.860 and follow me. 00:17:00.680 --> 00:17:02.279 But none of his disciples 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:03.120 are here 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:04.420 to help Jesus 00:17:04.420 --> 00:17:06.480 carry his literal cross. 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:08.579 Instead of denying themselves, 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:10.380 they have denied the Lord. 00:17:10.380 --> 00:17:16.140 Similarly, 00:17:16.320 --> 00:17:17.460 earlier in Matthew 20, 00:17:17.540 --> 00:17:18.300 20 to 28, 00:17:19.020 --> 00:17:20.020 the mother of James 00:17:20.020 --> 00:17:21.520 and John requested of Jesus, 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:24.640 say that these two sons of mine 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:25.540 are to sit, 00:17:25.940 --> 00:17:27.240 one at your right hand 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:28.520 and one at your left 00:17:28.520 --> 00:17:29.200 in your kingdom. 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:31.240 However, 00:17:31.340 --> 00:17:32.080 as Jesus 00:17:32.080 --> 00:17:33.660 ascends the cross 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:35.440 to usher in his kingdom, 00:17:36.460 --> 00:17:37.320 John and James 00:17:37.320 --> 00:17:38.740 are nowhere nearby 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:39.680 to flank him 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:40.320 on his right 00:17:40.320 --> 00:17:41.500 and on his left. 00:17:42.220 --> 00:17:42.740 Instead, 00:17:44.100 --> 00:17:44.720 look who's 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:46.100 to Jesus' left and right 00:17:46.100 --> 00:17:46.820 in verse 38, 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:48.100 then two robbers 00:17:48.100 --> 00:17:49.720 were crucified with him, 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:51.019 one on the right 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:52.420 and one on the left. 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:55.320 Jesus is completely deserted, 00:17:57.340 --> 00:17:57.820 forsaken 00:17:57.820 --> 00:17:59.140 by the Jews, 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:00.120 by his own people, 00:18:00.620 --> 00:18:03.240 by even his own disciples. 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:08.080 How often have we also 00:18:08.080 --> 00:18:08.680 as his followers 00:18:08.680 --> 00:18:09.900 failed him in the same way? 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:12.180 And yet, 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:12.880 this is a cross 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:14.360 that Jesus must bear alone. 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:17.180 Only his shoulders 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:18.160 can bear the weight. 00:18:20.200 --> 00:18:21.560 The Gentile soldiers' 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:22.400 mockery of Jesus 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:23.440 was understandably 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:25.000 more of a political nature, 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:26.539 mocking his kingship, 00:18:26.900 --> 00:18:27.660 but here, 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:28.160 the Jews' 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:29.799 mockery of Jesus 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:31.080 prominently featured 00:18:31.080 --> 00:18:32.200 religious themes. 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.440 They say to him 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:33.960 in verse 40, 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.960 you who would destroy 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:35.539 the temple 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.340 and rebuild it 00:18:36.340 --> 00:18:37.200 in three days, 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:38.840 save yourself. 00:18:39.380 --> 00:18:40.259 If you are 00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:41.000 the son of God, 00:18:41.100 --> 00:18:41.740 come down 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.539 from the cross. 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:44.799 Jesus had taught 00:18:44.799 --> 00:18:46.039 in Matthew 12, 6, 00:18:46.319 --> 00:18:47.759 referring to himself, 00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:48.900 I tell you, 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.039 something greater 00:18:50.039 --> 00:18:50.740 than the temple 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.259 is here. 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.600 And we know 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:53.640 from John 2 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:54.759 that Jesus did say, 00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:55.920 destroy this temple 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:56.740 and in three days 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:57.640 I will raise it up. 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:58.319 But there, 00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:59.100 he was not talking 00:18:59.100 --> 00:18:59.660 about the literal 00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:01.279 physical temple building, 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:03.019 but about his own body, 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:04.440 that he would die 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:05.299 but be raised 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:06.960 on the third day. 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:07.819 He was saying 00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:08.839 that the temple 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:10.660 is now being made obsolete 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:11.980 because the new 00:19:11.980 --> 00:19:13.220 and greater temple, 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:14.240 Jesus himself, 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:14.799 is here 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:16.319 and he will in himself 00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:17.319 with his own body 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:19.119 offer the ultimate sacrifice 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:20.139 so that the sacrifices 00:19:20.139 --> 00:19:20.799 of the temple 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:22.940 are no longer necessary. 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:25.220 But the Jews are here 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:26.399 mocking that claim. 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:29.639 And the conditional phrase, 00:19:29.640 --> 00:19:31.980 if you are the son of God, 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:34.259 echoes the devil's temptations 00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:36.240 of Jesus in chapter 4. 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:38.860 The devil said repeatedly, 00:19:39.220 --> 00:19:41.100 if you are the son of God, 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:42.300 command these stones 00:19:42.300 --> 00:19:43.440 to become loaves of bread. 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:46.120 If you are the son of God, 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:47.340 throw yourself down 00:19:47.340 --> 00:19:47.960 from the pinnacle 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:48.640 of this temple 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:50.200 for then God will command 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.960 his angels to protect you 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:52.880 lest your feet 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:55.759 strike a stone. 00:19:57.060 --> 00:19:57.820 Once again, 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:59.599 the devil uses these mockers 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:00.000 in the crowd 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:01.299 to cast into question 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.539 Jesus' identity 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:04.099 as the son of God. 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:07.179 If you are the son of God, 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:09.539 come down from the cross. 00:20:10.679 --> 00:20:11.639 It's a question 00:20:11.639 --> 00:20:12.919 that cuts to the heart. 00:20:14.379 --> 00:20:16.359 And if you are a follower of Christ, 00:20:16.439 --> 00:20:17.519 I'm sure that the devil 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:19.379 has posed this same question 00:20:19.379 --> 00:20:21.720 to you numerous times as well. 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:21.819 So, 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:25.519 if you are a child of God, 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:29.400 why were you abused as a child? 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:35.279 If you are a child of God, 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:38.680 then why did you not get that job? 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:42.940 If you are a child of God, 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:45.180 then why did you get dumped 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:45.940 by your boyfriend? 00:20:45.940 --> 00:20:50.320 If you are a child of God, 00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:51.640 then why is your son 00:20:51.640 --> 00:20:52.340 not growing up 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:53.360 the way you want him to? 00:20:54.340 --> 00:20:56.180 If you are a child of God, 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:58.400 then why did your mother die? 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:03.240 If you have heard 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:04.900 the sinister whisper 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:06.039 of Satan in the past, 00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:07.680 then you are not alone. 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:11.000 Jesus has been there. 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:13.720 Jesus has heard it all. 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:15.079 Jesus knows 00:21:15.079 --> 00:21:16.259 what you are going through. 00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:22.299 The chief priests 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:23.539 with the scribes and elders 00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:24.839 also deride Jesus 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:26.539 in verses 42 to 43. 00:21:27.100 --> 00:21:28.640 He saved others, 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:31.140 cannot save himself. 00:21:34.940 --> 00:21:36.240 They're ridiculing 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:37.860 Jesus' claim to be the savior. 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:40.440 If you claim to heal others, 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:42.319 then show your power now 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:43.360 by healing yourself. 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.120 Doctor, 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:46.940 if you claim to be 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:47.880 the son of God, 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:49.880 if you have really done 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:51.759 miracles too numerous 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:52.380 to count, 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:53.940 then surely now 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:55.000 is the time for a miracle. 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:56.200 Let's see if you can 00:21:56.200 --> 00:21:56.799 save yourself 00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:57.980 from this cross. 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:02.640 But the irony, 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:03.360 once again, 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:03.980 is that Jesus 00:22:03.980 --> 00:22:05.380 is the savior 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:06.140 of the world. 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:08.559 Jesus is the king 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:09.180 of Israel, 00:22:09.420 --> 00:22:10.559 and Jesus is 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.680 the son of God. 00:22:11.680 --> 00:22:13.840 they don't understand 00:22:13.840 --> 00:22:14.860 that in order 00:22:14.860 --> 00:22:16.039 to be the savior, 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.840 Jesus must die 00:22:17.840 --> 00:22:18.580 on the cross 00:22:18.580 --> 00:22:19.620 for the sins 00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:20.200 of his people. 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:22.080 They don't understand 00:22:22.080 --> 00:22:23.160 that it is precisely 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:24.160 because he is 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:25.460 the obedient son of God 00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:25.980 that he is now 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.880 subjecting himself 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:28.799 to this shameful death 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:30.180 in accordance 00:22:30.180 --> 00:22:30.860 with the will 00:22:30.860 --> 00:22:31.720 of God his father. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:34.779 Matthew employs 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.579 the language 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:36.960 of Psalm 22 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:38.120 that Daniel 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:39.000 helpfully read 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:40.500 for us this evening 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:42.059 to describe the Jews' 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:43.059 rejection of Jesus. 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:45.120 And Jesus is using 00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:45.700 this language 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:46.700 to show that 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:48.180 he is fulfilling 00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:49.960 these messianic prophecies 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:51.299 and that even though 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:52.140 it seems like 00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:52.839 things are going 00:22:52.839 --> 00:22:53.940 terribly awry, 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:55.019 that everything's 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:55.960 actually happening 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:56.539 in accordance 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.460 with God's 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:58.879 sovereign plan. 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:00.680 The Jews 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.420 passing by 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:02.480 derided him, 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.700 wagging their heads 00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:04.519 in verse 39. 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:05.460 That language 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:06.319 is taken directly 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:07.420 from Psalm 22 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:08.259 verse 7. 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.559 Those Jewish leaders 00:23:09.559 --> 00:23:10.559 say in verse 43, 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:11.700 he trusts in God, 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:12.899 let God deliver him 00:23:12.899 --> 00:23:14.299 now if he desires him. 00:23:14.659 --> 00:23:15.659 That's also taken 00:23:15.659 --> 00:23:16.619 from Psalm 22 00:23:16.619 --> 00:23:17.359 verse 8 00:23:17.359 --> 00:23:18.680 when they're mocking 00:23:18.680 --> 00:23:19.759 the righteous sufferer. 00:23:20.539 --> 00:23:21.639 And in Psalm 22 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.539 16 to 18, 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:23.700 it's also prophesied 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.360 that evil doors 00:23:24.360 --> 00:23:25.779 will encircle the Messiah, 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:27.380 piercing his hands 00:23:27.380 --> 00:23:27.900 and feet, 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:29.519 staring and gloating 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.120 over him 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:31.220 and casting lots 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:32.160 for his clothing, 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.440 all of which 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:34.480 are quite literally 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.120 fulfilled 00:23:35.120 --> 00:23:36.819 in Jesus' crucifixion. 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:39.980 This is not 00:23:39.980 --> 00:23:40.799 a mistake. 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.240 This is happening 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:43.000 exactly 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:45.019 according to God's plan, 00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:46.160 his salvation plan. 00:23:48.340 --> 00:23:49.580 Having been forsaken 00:23:49.580 --> 00:23:50.620 by both Gentiles 00:23:50.620 --> 00:23:51.059 and Jews, 00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:51.740 we see in verses 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.779 45 to 54 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:54.240 that Jesus is forsaken 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.139 even by God 00:23:55.139 --> 00:23:56.079 the Father himself. 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:58.879 As if in anticipation 00:23:58.879 --> 00:23:59.779 of the death 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.420 of the light 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:00.980 of the world, 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:03.180 an inexplicable darkness 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:04.700 comes over the land 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:06.019 for three hours 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:06.639 leading up to 00:24:06.639 --> 00:24:07.480 Jesus' death. 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.180 This darkness 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:10.779 recalls the ninth 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:12.099 penultimate disaster 00:24:12.099 --> 00:24:12.839 that God brings 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:13.379 upon Egypt 00:24:13.379 --> 00:24:14.079 for their refusal 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:15.279 to let his people 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:16.399 go from their slavery. 00:24:17.139 --> 00:24:18.039 At that time, 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:18.879 the ninth plague, 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:19.440 the darkness 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:20.399 fell over Egypt 00:24:20.399 --> 00:24:21.579 for three days 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:22.819 and similarly here, 00:24:22.899 --> 00:24:23.699 darkness falls 00:24:23.699 --> 00:24:24.259 over Jerusalem 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:25.559 for three hours. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:27.240 And at the time 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:27.759 of the Exodus, 00:24:27.919 --> 00:24:28.679 the darkness 00:24:28.679 --> 00:24:30.220 preceded the tenth 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:31.379 and final disaster 00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:32.460 where the angel 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:32.960 of death 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.199 killed the firstborn 00:24:34.199 --> 00:24:35.079 sons of Egypt. 00:24:36.179 --> 00:24:37.000 The Israelites, 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:37.619 too, 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.379 were vulnerable 00:24:38.379 --> 00:24:39.639 in that time 00:24:39.639 --> 00:24:40.259 because they were 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:41.059 also deserving 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.539 of death 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.519 because of their sins 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.439 and they were 00:24:43.439 --> 00:24:44.839 also vulnerable 00:24:44.839 --> 00:24:45.399 to the angel 00:24:45.399 --> 00:24:45.679 of death 00:24:45.679 --> 00:24:46.439 going through Egypt 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:47.460 but they were 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:48.680 spared only 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:49.840 because they killed 00:24:49.840 --> 00:24:50.799 an unblemished 00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:51.539 male lamb 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:52.100 and smeared 00:24:52.100 --> 00:24:52.680 its blood 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:54.299 around the doorposts 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:54.880 of their houses 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:56.120 as they were 00:24:56.120 --> 00:24:56.940 instructed to do. 00:24:57.620 --> 00:24:59.059 That Passover lamb 00:24:59.059 --> 00:25:00.240 was the substitute 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:01.940 that took the place 00:25:01.940 --> 00:25:03.759 of their firstborn sons. 00:25:04.840 --> 00:25:05.320 Likewise, 00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:05.799 here, 00:25:05.880 --> 00:25:06.380 the darkness 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:07.680 that falls over Jerusalem 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:08.620 precedes 00:25:08.620 --> 00:25:09.980 the death 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:11.440 of the firstborn son. 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:14.480 Jesus is the Passover lamb 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:15.140 who dies 00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:15.960 the death 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:17.299 that God's people 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:17.900 deserved 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:19.099 for their sins. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.880 After three hours 00:25:21.880 --> 00:25:22.380 of darkness, 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.500 it says in verse 46 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.700 that Jesus cried out 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.599 with a loud voice 00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:26.079 saying, 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:27.099 Eli, 00:25:27.620 --> 00:25:28.200 Eli, 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:30.339 lima sabachthani. 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:32.000 That is, 00:25:32.640 --> 00:25:33.599 my God, 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:35.000 my God, 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:37.140 why have you 00:25:37.140 --> 00:25:39.039 forsaken me? 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:42.460 That's a direct quote 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:43.339 from Psalm 22, 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:44.000 verse 1. 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:46.400 This is the most painful 00:25:46.400 --> 00:25:47.819 and heart-wrenching 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:49.740 aspect of Jesus' death. 00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:52.140 The beloved, 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:53.860 incarnate Son of God, 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:55.539 the one who perfectly 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:57.140 obeyed the Father, 00:25:57.720 --> 00:25:59.440 the one who has enjoyed 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:00.880 up to this point 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:01.779 perfect, 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:02.920 intimate, 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:04.799 unbroken communion 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:05.740 with his Father 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.400 is here, 00:26:06.860 --> 00:26:09.779 forsaken by God himself. 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:12.899 not absolutely 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:14.339 or permanently 00:26:14.339 --> 00:26:15.940 since after Jesus 00:26:15.940 --> 00:26:16.619 has completed 00:26:16.619 --> 00:26:17.619 making atonement 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:18.299 for the sins 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:18.879 of his people 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:19.759 by dying on the cross, 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:20.420 God the Father 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.819 will raise him again 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.379 from the dead 00:26:22.379 --> 00:26:23.339 and vindicate him. 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:26.099 And even the psalmist 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:26.859 of Psalm 22 00:26:26.859 --> 00:26:27.639 in the end 00:26:27.639 --> 00:26:28.879 recognizes that God 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:30.039 has not despised 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:31.180 or abhorred the affliction 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:32.059 of the afflicted 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:33.119 and he has not 00:26:33.119 --> 00:26:34.200 hidden his face 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:34.779 from him 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.700 but has heard 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.039 when he cried to him. 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:39.859 But here, 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:42.159 on the cross, 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:44.259 at this moment in time, 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:46.079 Jesus is carrying 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:47.460 our sin upon his shoulders. 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:49.859 And so God, 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:51.299 who is of purer eyes 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:52.240 than to see evil 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:53.720 and cannot look at wrong, 00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:55.480 must turn his face 00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:56.779 away from his Son. 00:26:56.779 --> 00:26:59.099 He must unleash 00:26:59.099 --> 00:27:00.379 his righteous wrath 00:27:00.379 --> 00:27:01.099 toward sinners 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:02.119 upon him. 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:05.339 At the Garden of Gethsemane, 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:06.359 Jesus pleaded 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:07.059 with his Father, 00:27:07.160 --> 00:27:07.859 My Father, 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:09.759 if it be possible, 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:10.899 let this cup 00:27:10.899 --> 00:27:11.920 pass from me. 00:27:12.619 --> 00:27:12.920 Nevertheless, 00:27:13.160 --> 00:27:14.019 not as I will 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:15.119 but as you will. 00:27:16.039 --> 00:27:18.579 This is the Father's answer. 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:20.639 It is not possible. 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:23.799 It is necessary 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:25.079 that Jesus drink 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.099 this cup of death, 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:27.919 the cup of God's wrath 00:27:27.919 --> 00:27:29.439 on behalf of sinners. 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:31.319 It is the only way 00:27:31.319 --> 00:27:32.179 to save sinners 00:27:32.179 --> 00:27:33.619 like you and me. 00:27:37.799 --> 00:27:39.139 In Jesus' cry, 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:40.539 we hear the anguish 00:27:40.539 --> 00:27:41.599 and that sense 00:27:41.599 --> 00:27:42.500 of abandonment 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:43.099 that Jesus feels. 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:44.559 My God, 00:27:44.699 --> 00:27:45.240 my God, 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:47.240 why have you forsaken me? 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:49.439 This is the only place 00:27:49.439 --> 00:27:50.240 in the Gospels 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.099 where Jesus addresses 00:27:51.679 --> 00:27:53.199 God exclusively 00:27:53.199 --> 00:27:55.059 as my God 00:27:55.059 --> 00:27:56.379 and not 00:27:56.379 --> 00:27:58.299 as my Father. 00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:01.119 Throughout the Gospel 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:01.619 of Matthew, 00:28:01.700 --> 00:28:03.440 in all of his prayers, 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.980 Jesus addresses God 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:06.480 as my Father. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:07.679 But here, 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:09.319 he cries out, 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.139 my God, 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:11.799 my God. 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:14.179 It's not that Jesus 00:28:14.179 --> 00:28:14.980 has lost faith. 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:15.940 He still cries out, 00:28:16.139 --> 00:28:16.819 my God, 00:28:17.059 --> 00:28:18.599 but there's a sense 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:19.679 of distance, 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:21.879 forsakenness. 00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:23.720 And Matthew, 00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:25.060 more than all 00:28:25.060 --> 00:28:26.160 the other Gospel writers, 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.500 hones in on this sense 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:29.260 of God's forsakenness 00:28:29.260 --> 00:28:30.220 in Jesus' death. 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:33.080 There is no reassuring, 00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:33.900 Father, 00:28:34.020 --> 00:28:34.880 into your hands 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:36.020 I commit my spirit 00:28:36.020 --> 00:28:36.980 as Luke 23, 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:38.140 46 records 00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:38.900 here in Matthew. 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:41.120 There is no triumphant, 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.300 it is finished 00:28:42.300 --> 00:28:43.640 as John 19, 00:28:43.760 --> 00:28:44.520 30 records. 00:28:45.540 --> 00:28:46.200 In the Gospel 00:28:46.200 --> 00:28:46.700 of Matthew, 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:47.960 we have a raw picture 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:49.440 of the forsakenness 00:28:49.440 --> 00:28:51.180 that Jesus experienced. 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:54.259 It's not that 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.259 the eternal trinity 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:55.920 is broken. 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:57.200 The Son of God 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:58.000 never ceases 00:28:58.000 --> 00:28:59.259 to be the second person 00:28:59.259 --> 00:28:59.900 of the trinity. 00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:02.340 But Jesus really, 00:29:03.140 --> 00:29:04.820 truly died 00:29:04.820 --> 00:29:06.380 in his human nature 00:29:06.380 --> 00:29:08.180 and experienced 00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:09.059 God's wrath 00:29:09.059 --> 00:29:09.779 toward sinners 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:11.320 and a sinner's 00:29:11.320 --> 00:29:12.039 alienation 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:12.940 from God. 00:29:15.120 --> 00:29:16.480 And we see clearly 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.620 the substitutionary 00:29:17.619 --> 00:29:19.619 nature of Jesus' death 00:29:19.619 --> 00:29:20.379 in the way 00:29:20.379 --> 00:29:21.559 he takes Barabbas' 00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:23.059 place on the cross. 00:29:24.339 --> 00:29:24.739 Jesus, 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:25.959 it says in verse 38, 00:29:26.039 --> 00:29:26.599 was crucified 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:28.099 with two robbers. 00:29:28.639 --> 00:29:29.519 The word robber 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.619 is the same word 00:29:30.619 --> 00:29:31.539 that the Roman 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.299 Jewish historian 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.199 Josephus uses 00:29:33.199 --> 00:29:34.159 to refer to 00:29:34.159 --> 00:29:35.559 revolutionaries, 00:29:35.859 --> 00:29:36.779 insurrectionists. 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:38.319 Presumably, 00:29:38.419 --> 00:29:38.519 then, 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:39.319 these two were 00:29:39.319 --> 00:29:40.639 colleagues of Barabbas, 00:29:41.139 --> 00:29:42.259 the notorious prisoner 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:43.299 and insurrectionist. 00:29:43.939 --> 00:29:44.959 And the third cross 00:29:44.959 --> 00:29:45.619 was likely 00:29:45.619 --> 00:29:46.399 originally intended 00:29:46.399 --> 00:29:46.939 for him. 00:29:47.619 --> 00:29:49.119 When earlier 00:29:49.119 --> 00:29:50.099 in Matthew 27, 00:29:50.199 --> 00:29:50.839 the Roman governor 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:51.879 offered amnesty 00:29:51.879 --> 00:29:53.219 to one Jewish prisoner 00:29:53.219 --> 00:29:54.439 as was customarily 00:29:54.439 --> 00:29:55.419 done during Passover, 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:57.159 he offered two people 00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:57.799 to the Jews 00:29:57.799 --> 00:29:58.679 to choose from, 00:29:58.899 --> 00:30:00.359 Jesus and Barabbas. 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:01.959 But the Jewish crowd, 00:30:02.119 --> 00:30:03.279 having been stirred up 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:04.639 by the chief priests, 00:30:04.839 --> 00:30:06.519 asked for Barabbas instead. 00:30:07.979 --> 00:30:09.019 Even though Jesus 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:10.039 had done nothing wrong. 00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:13.299 Barabbas is an Aramaic name 00:30:13.299 --> 00:30:14.199 that means son 00:30:14.199 --> 00:30:15.099 of the father. 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:16.959 And Jesus, 00:30:17.819 --> 00:30:19.039 the son of God, 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:19.599 the father, 00:30:19.980 --> 00:30:21.539 literally takes the place 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:23.579 of this son of the father 00:30:23.579 --> 00:30:25.000 so that he is saved. 00:30:26.079 --> 00:30:27.439 This is a picture 00:30:27.439 --> 00:30:29.480 of what Jesus 00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:30.399 is accomplishing 00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:31.480 on a global scale 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:33.079 for all of his people. 00:30:34.959 --> 00:30:37.299 God refers to his chosen people 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.519 as his son 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.500 throughout scripture. 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:42.819 In order to save God's son, 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:44.200 his people, 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:46.319 God's only son, 00:30:46.559 --> 00:30:46.900 Jesus, 00:30:47.319 --> 00:30:48.740 takes our place 00:30:48.740 --> 00:30:49.400 on the cross. 00:30:49.960 --> 00:30:50.880 And it's because 00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:52.079 of Jesus' death 00:30:52.079 --> 00:30:53.160 that God's wrath 00:30:53.160 --> 00:30:53.839 is satisfied. 00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:55.359 And it's because 00:30:55.359 --> 00:30:56.200 of Jesus' death 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.359 that we can receive 00:30:57.359 --> 00:30:58.559 eternal life. 00:30:58.559 --> 00:31:00.299 And we see 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:01.419 the dramatic effect 00:31:01.419 --> 00:31:02.200 of Jesus' death 00:31:02.200 --> 00:31:03.879 in verses 51 to 54. 00:31:04.379 --> 00:31:05.139 And behold, 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:06.019 the curtain 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:06.819 of the temple 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:08.019 was torn in two 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:09.839 from top to bottom. 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:11.559 And the earth shook 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.700 and the rocks were split. 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:14.119 The tombs also were opened 00:31:14.119 --> 00:31:14.980 and many bodies 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:15.500 of the saints 00:31:15.500 --> 00:31:16.399 who had fallen asleep 00:31:16.399 --> 00:31:17.099 were raised. 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:18.419 And coming out 00:31:18.419 --> 00:31:18.980 of the tombs 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:20.099 after his resurrection, 00:31:20.539 --> 00:31:21.839 they went into the holy city 00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:22.819 and appeared to many. 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.539 The curtain 00:31:24.539 --> 00:31:25.220 of the temple, 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:27.279 the imposing symbol 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:28.519 of our separation 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:30.579 from our holy God 00:31:30.579 --> 00:31:32.420 is torn in two. 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:35.440 It's not a loose seam here 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:37.039 or a small rip there. 00:31:37.139 --> 00:31:38.539 It is torn away 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.680 from top to bottom. 00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:42.399 Because Jesus was forsaken, 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.359 that means we can now 00:31:43.359 --> 00:31:44.299 be accepted, 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.819 reconciled to God. 00:31:46.660 --> 00:31:47.960 And the earth is shaken 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:49.379 and rocks are split 00:31:49.379 --> 00:31:50.119 so that tombs 00:31:50.119 --> 00:31:50.920 are broken open. 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:52.440 And we see a preview here 00:31:52.440 --> 00:31:53.599 of Jesus' resurrection 00:31:53.599 --> 00:31:54.399 on Sunday. 00:31:55.500 --> 00:31:57.079 Many of God's faithful followers 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:57.759 who had died 00:31:57.759 --> 00:31:59.639 were raised from the dead 00:31:59.639 --> 00:32:00.480 and they came out 00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:01.919 after Jesus' resurrection, 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:02.399 it says. 00:32:02.839 --> 00:32:04.259 The fact that they don't come out 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:06.019 until after Jesus' resurrection 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:07.819 shows that Jesus' resurrection 00:32:07.819 --> 00:32:08.939 is the first, 00:32:09.299 --> 00:32:10.119 the prototype 00:32:10.119 --> 00:32:11.199 of the resurrection 00:32:11.199 --> 00:32:12.220 of all his followers 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.819 in the future. 00:32:14.079 --> 00:32:15.279 These saints were raised 00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:15.939 at this time 00:32:15.939 --> 00:32:16.659 where presumably, 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:18.519 they presumably died again 00:32:18.519 --> 00:32:19.960 to await the final resurrection 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.500 of the body 00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:21.319 in the end times. 00:32:21.859 --> 00:32:22.679 But they nonetheless 00:32:22.679 --> 00:32:24.179 serve as a powerful symbol 00:32:24.179 --> 00:32:25.379 of the resurrecting power 00:32:25.379 --> 00:32:25.819 of Jesus. 00:32:25.819 --> 00:32:28.059 Jesus bridges the gap 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:29.460 between sinful men 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:30.579 and holy God. 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:32.939 Jesus brings people 00:32:32.939 --> 00:32:34.460 from death to life. 00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:38.579 The sting of death 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:39.240 is sin. 00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:41.579 But by paying the penalty 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:42.519 for the sins 00:32:42.519 --> 00:32:43.559 of his people on the cross, 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:44.899 Jesus removes 00:32:44.899 --> 00:32:46.079 the sting of death 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:47.419 and thereby inflicts 00:32:47.419 --> 00:32:48.200 a fatal blow 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:49.139 on death itself. 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:51.480 so that all of us 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.840 who repent of our sins 00:32:52.840 --> 00:32:53.800 and put our trust 00:32:53.800 --> 00:32:54.340 in Jesus 00:32:54.340 --> 00:32:55.440 are promised 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.820 eternal life 00:32:56.820 --> 00:32:58.180 and resurrection 00:32:58.180 --> 00:32:58.880 of our bodies 00:32:58.880 --> 00:32:59.420 in the future. 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.880 These cosmic events 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:03.800 so clearly 00:33:03.800 --> 00:33:04.800 attest to Jesus' 00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:05.500 true identity 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:07.120 that even the Roman centurion 00:33:07.120 --> 00:33:07.980 who was keeping watch 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:08.540 over Jesus 00:33:08.540 --> 00:33:09.880 is filled with awe 00:33:09.880 --> 00:33:11.040 and says in verse 54, 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:13.460 truly this was 00:33:13.460 --> 00:33:14.940 the Son of God. 00:33:18.440 --> 00:33:19.339 God the Father, 00:33:19.420 --> 00:33:19.799 of course, 00:33:19.879 --> 00:33:20.359 had declared 00:33:20.359 --> 00:33:21.399 that this is his Son. 00:33:22.099 --> 00:33:23.740 Jesus had called God 00:33:23.740 --> 00:33:24.279 his Father 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:25.639 and said he is the Son of God. 00:33:26.099 --> 00:33:26.879 His disciples 00:33:26.879 --> 00:33:28.099 even have recognized 00:33:28.099 --> 00:33:28.619 that Jesus 00:33:28.619 --> 00:33:29.639 is the Son of God 00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:31.039 but this is the first time 00:33:31.039 --> 00:33:32.440 that a Gentile 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:33.259 acknowledges 00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:33.779 that Jesus 00:33:33.779 --> 00:33:35.680 is the Son of God. 00:33:35.680 --> 00:33:38.660 and after his resurrection 00:33:38.660 --> 00:33:40.220 this message of salvation 00:33:40.220 --> 00:33:41.240 will be proclaimed 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:42.700 not only among the Jews 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.660 but among all 00:33:43.660 --> 00:33:44.660 the nations. 00:33:47.360 --> 00:33:48.840 And this is the message 00:33:48.840 --> 00:33:50.500 that the Church of Christ 00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:52.039 has faithfully proclaimed 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.940 for the last 2,000 years. 00:33:55.600 --> 00:33:56.980 And we have continued 00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:57.960 that tradition 00:33:57.960 --> 00:33:59.480 by declaring to you 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:00.220 the good news 00:34:00.220 --> 00:34:01.140 of Jesus Christ 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:01.840 this Good Friday. 00:34:03.420 --> 00:34:04.560 And now you have 00:34:04.560 --> 00:34:05.560 a choice before you 00:34:05.559 --> 00:34:08.940 will you live in denial 00:34:08.940 --> 00:34:10.699 of who Jesus is 00:34:10.699 --> 00:34:12.739 and what he has done 00:34:12.739 --> 00:34:14.539 as if none of this 00:34:14.539 --> 00:34:15.159 ever happened? 00:34:17.079 --> 00:34:18.259 Or will you 00:34:18.259 --> 00:34:19.820 like the centurion 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:21.539 acknowledge that truly 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:23.599 Jesus was 00:34:23.599 --> 00:34:25.159 the Son 00:34:25.159 --> 00:34:26.779 of God?