WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.899 Well, good evening everyone and welcome to our Good Friday service. 00:00:04.179 --> 00:00:09.259 My name is Alistair. I have the privilege of being the Assistant Pastor at Brunsfield Evangelical Church 00:00:09.259 --> 00:00:16.660 and the privilege of opening up God's Word to us this evening on a very special evening that is Good Friday 00:00:16.660 --> 00:00:20.940 when we gather to remember the Lord Jesus and His death. 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:27.519 Let us bow our heads in prayer as we come to God's Word. Let's pray together. 00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:39.000 Father, we thank you for the privilege we have of gathering and thinking, reflecting on and appreciating the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:39.859 --> 00:00:52.560 Father, would the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts this evening be pleasing to you, our Rock and our Redeemer, in whose precious name we pray. Amen. 00:00:52.560 --> 00:00:58.500 I wonder how many of you would wear one of these. 00:00:59.040 --> 00:01:11.840 It is a cross necklace and it is seen by many as a great fashion statement, a fashion accessory that can make your outfit have that little bit more dazzle to it when it's put on. 00:01:12.800 --> 00:01:16.640 Thousands of people walk around with it hanging from their necks. 00:01:16.640 --> 00:01:21.560 People have it tattooed on their bodies. People wear it on their clothes. 00:01:23.180 --> 00:01:26.500 But have you ever considered what it actually means? 00:01:27.659 --> 00:01:39.120 The cross was a brutal instrument of torture and execution, used for years but made most brutal by the Romans. 00:01:39.120 --> 00:01:45.980 The person was whipped, causing deep wounds in their back and their legs. 00:01:47.380 --> 00:01:54.540 And then they were forced to carry the very cross beam that they were nailed to and hoisted in the air. 00:01:56.100 --> 00:02:05.020 With their hands and their feet nailed to the wood, a person would basically suffocate because they couldn't lift themselves up to breathe. 00:02:05.019 --> 00:02:14.500 It was an agonizing death that was deemed most brutal and shameful death in Rome. 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:19.819 So much so that Roman citizens were not allowed to be crucified. 00:02:22.460 --> 00:02:28.300 Crucifixion was the favorite way of Rome to kill people and in the whole of the first century. 00:02:28.300 --> 00:02:36.719 And there is no way of knowing how many crucifixions took place, but there are multiple accounts of mass crucifixions. 00:02:37.320 --> 00:02:41.219 So the numbers are estimated to be in the tens of thousands. 00:02:43.420 --> 00:02:50.800 But how has this instrument of torture and execution become a symbol that we wear around our necks? 00:02:50.800 --> 00:03:00.140 Well, maybe as a Christian, you're wearing it as a sign of your faith and hope in Jesus who was crucified in Jerusalem. 00:03:01.880 --> 00:03:07.140 But do we really consider the meaning of the cross that we wear so lightly? 00:03:08.900 --> 00:03:13.700 This evening, I'd like us to think about the death of Jesus on the cross. 00:03:14.200 --> 00:03:17.460 But we're going to look at it from a slightly different perspective. 00:03:17.460 --> 00:03:22.719 The perspective of the Roman centurion from Mark chapter 15. 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:33.159 We meet this Roman centurion who has been given responsibility of overseeing the death of Jesus and two criminals. 00:03:34.640 --> 00:03:38.580 Now, this man was probably a battle-hardened soldier. 00:03:38.580 --> 00:03:49.300 He'd probably seen plenty of death during his lifetime on the battlefield and in riots in the tumultuous city that Jerusalem had become. 00:03:50.420 --> 00:03:59.939 And he'd probably overseen thousands of crucifixions and seen countless men and women lose their life nailed to a cross. 00:03:59.939 --> 00:04:10.079 He might have become numb to the sight of the cross because some victims would hang there for three days at a time. 00:04:11.319 --> 00:04:20.139 But yet we will see this evening that the crucifixion of this one man changed the centurion's life. 00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:31.659 There was something so different about how Jesus died that the Roman centurion couldn't help but declare in Mark chapter 15 verse 39, 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:35.839 Surely this man is the Son of God. 00:04:35.839 --> 00:04:40.719 Now, why does he make this life changing confession? 00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:50.199 What is so different about Jesus that suddenly the centurion goes from killing to confessing Jesus as the Son of God? 00:04:51.939 --> 00:05:01.519 Well, with that question in the back of your minds, turn with me to Mark chapter 15 and I'll read from verse 16 to verses 39. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:09.240 And keep the centurion in the back of your mind and ask yourself, why is this crucifixion different? 00:05:10.519 --> 00:05:14.079 So let's read together Mark 15 verse 16. 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:23.379 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace, that is the praetorium, and called together the whole company of soldiers. 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:31.819 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 00:05:32.519 --> 00:05:35.819 And they began to call to him, Hail, King of the Jews! 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:44.360 Again and again they struck him on his head with a staff and spat on him. 00:05:44.360 --> 00:05:48.960 And falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 00:05:50.280 --> 00:05:55.740 And when they'd mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put on his own clothes, 00:05:56.220 --> 00:05:58.900 and they led him out to be crucified. 00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:05.980 A certain man of Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:11.480 was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:18.400 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means the place of the skull. 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:23.600 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 00:06:25.220 --> 00:06:26.660 And they crucified him. 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:34.439 Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. 00:06:35.520 --> 00:06:38.340 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 00:06:38.339 --> 00:06:43.279 The written notice of the charge against him read, The King of the Jews. 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:50.179 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:55.579 Those who passed by hurled insults at him and shaking their heads, saying, 00:06:56.120 --> 00:07:00.299 So you who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 00:07:00.799 --> 00:07:03.659 come down from the cross and save yourself. 00:07:03.660 --> 00:07:10.160 And in the same way, the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him. 00:07:10.920 --> 00:07:13.760 Among themselves, he saved others, they said. 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:16.300 But he can't save himself. 00:07:17.280 --> 00:07:22.960 Let this Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross that we may see and believe. 00:07:25.340 --> 00:07:28.520 Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:35.219 And at noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:40.000 And at three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:42.620 Eloi, Eloi, lemach sabachthani. 00:07:43.399 --> 00:07:47.879 Which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 00:07:49.839 --> 00:07:54.019 And when some of those standing near heard this, they said, Listen, he's calling Elijah. 00:07:54.019 --> 00:08:02.159 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff and offered it to Jesus to drink. 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:04.139 Now leave him alone. 00:08:04.719 --> 00:08:07.339 Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down, he said. 00:08:08.479 --> 00:08:12.620 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 00:08:12.620 --> 00:08:18.780 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:25.180 And when the centurion who stood there in front of Jesus saw how he died, 00:08:25.939 --> 00:08:30.220 he said, Surely this man was the Son of God. 00:08:31.720 --> 00:08:37.019 If you were with us on Sunday morning, we were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:44.799 We were thinking about how in that moment, as Jesus knew that just hours later he would be crucified, 00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:49.379 and bearing the full wrath of God against the sins of the world, 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:57.019 it was in that moment of pain that Jesus uttered the most powerful words of obedience and submission. 00:08:57.019 --> 00:09:04.679 And he said, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me nevertheless, 00:09:05.720 --> 00:09:08.779 not as I will, but as you will. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:17.919 And so from there, let's travel through what the Thursday evening and early Friday looked like in the life of Jesus. 00:09:17.919 --> 00:09:26.639 And we will see how this crucifixion brought about a life-changing confession in our Roman centurion 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:34.839 and how it should make us consider how we view the cross and how we view Jesus today. 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:45.639 So after Jesus prays in the garden, what follows is a dreadful, dreadful night of unjust and improper trial. 00:09:45.639 --> 00:09:53.000 Jesus is dragged before a botched courtroom of religious elite in Jerusalem, 00:09:53.519 --> 00:10:01.500 who gathered in the night illegally to act as judge, jury and executioner. 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:07.139 They decided that they wanted Jesus dead before he even stood before them. 00:10:07.759 --> 00:10:11.159 So the question wasn't, is he innocent or is he guilty? 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:14.220 But the question was, how can we kill him? 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:18.639 So they bring false witnesses against him. 00:10:19.319 --> 00:10:22.919 People with made up stories who testify against him. 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:29.740 Lies upon lies to cover the truth that everybody knows, but no one wants to speak. 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:31.899 That Jesus is innocent. 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:33.980 He has done no wrong. 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:39.720 And so here we see the first thing that is different about the death of Jesus. 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:41.779 That he was innocent. 00:10:42.940 --> 00:10:47.500 Standing before this botched courtroom filled with religious leaders, 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:52.379 who should have been eagerly expecting and anticipating his return. 00:10:53.580 --> 00:10:56.879 The arrival of the Messiah, the sent one from God. 00:10:56.879 --> 00:11:01.600 This was the very group that should have welcomed him with open arms. 00:11:03.600 --> 00:11:06.120 And with ears ready to hear his message. 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:09.439 But they do not welcome him with a warm handshake. 00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:12.419 But they blindfold him. 00:11:13.419 --> 00:11:14.559 They spit at him. 00:11:14.559 --> 00:11:16.479 They mock him. 00:11:16.479 --> 00:11:16.500 They mock him. 00:11:17.179 --> 00:11:18.299 And they beat him. 00:11:19.939 --> 00:11:21.919 This is absolutely shocking. 00:11:22.739 --> 00:11:25.839 The people that Jesus came to save. 00:11:26.539 --> 00:11:32.159 The people that he has been healing and teaching about God for the last three years. 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:33.739 Turn on him. 00:11:33.740 --> 00:11:43.340 And in chapter 15, verse 13, they stand before a Roman ruler who holds the authority to release or kill Jesus. 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:52.180 And the crowd shouts, crucify him with anger and hatred on their voices. 00:11:54.980 --> 00:12:03.240 The crowd that just a few days earlier had rejoiced and heralded Jesus as king on his arrival to Jerusalem. 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:11.799 The crowd that lay down their coats on the street so that Jesus could walk over and shouted praise and adoration. 00:12:13.419 --> 00:12:17.700 They've now turned against him and are shouting for his blood. 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:20.320 Shouting for his death. 00:12:20.440 --> 00:12:24.419 And not only that, but the most brutal death known to man. 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:30.860 Now, Pilate knows that Jesus is innocent and has done no wrong. 00:12:30.860 --> 00:12:37.779 Yet, for fear of the crowd, he orders Jesus to be executed by crucifixion. 00:12:38.779 --> 00:12:42.700 A punishment that he'd probably commanded thousands of times. 00:12:42.779 --> 00:12:44.500 But this time it was different. 00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:47.100 Because Jesus was innocent. 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:54.019 So after botched trials, crowd manipulation and false witnesses, 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:58.500 Jesus is handed over to soldiers to prepare him for crucifixion. 00:12:58.659 --> 00:12:59.920 In verse 16. 00:13:01.659 --> 00:13:08.220 And the whole barracks gather to see this figure who once stood teaching people about God. 00:13:08.220 --> 00:13:14.560 Now, beaten, bloodied, broken, wounded. 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:17.820 They mock Jesus. 00:13:18.740 --> 00:13:25.740 They put a purple robe on him, a sign of royalty and twist, a crown of thorns and push it on his head. 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:35.419 And after being whipped, mocked, beaten and stripped of his clothes and humiliated, 00:13:36.080 --> 00:13:38.080 they take him to Golgotha. 00:13:38.680 --> 00:13:50.120 A place just outside the city where crucifixions happened so that everyone could see the shame and immense pain that these people felt. 00:13:50.120 --> 00:14:00.659 And as Jesus was nailed to the cross and hoisted in the air, passers-by sneered at him and mocked him. 00:14:01.940 --> 00:14:08.120 Some told him to save himself and be done with the pain if he really was the Messiah, the sent one of God. 00:14:10.039 --> 00:14:15.779 Though he is innocent, Jesus is suffering immense pain. 00:14:15.779 --> 00:14:23.179 But little did the people know that all of this was part of God's plan. 00:14:24.779 --> 00:14:30.519 Jesus needed to go through the mockery, the misery and the marring of his flesh 00:14:30.519 --> 00:14:36.799 before he could once again rejoice in his rightful place of majesty. 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:42.259 Friends, this was God's plan because on the cross, 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:46.139 Jesus bears the weight of your sin. 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:50.419 He bears the weight of my sin. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:56.879 And as Jesus hung there on the cross, he was the spotless lamb. 00:14:57.439 --> 00:15:01.039 He was the sacrifice that would take away the sins of us, 00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:06.159 guilty, vile, helpless sinners. 00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:16.980 That is why the cross and crucifixion of Jesus should be the moment that changes every single life in the world. 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:26.799 Because innocent Jesus died for guilty sinners so that we can be made clean, 00:15:27.719 --> 00:15:29.319 can be made right with God. 00:15:29.320 --> 00:15:38.220 That is why the cross is both the most beautiful and most horrific moment in history. 00:15:39.180 --> 00:15:45.720 It's horrific because Jesus, the only perfect and sinless person to have ever lived, 00:15:46.340 --> 00:15:51.180 God in the flesh, is nailed to a wooden cross and executed. 00:15:51.179 --> 00:15:57.799 But it's beautiful because Jesus willingly went there, 00:15:58.299 --> 00:16:04.659 knowing that his death would bring life to millions of people across the world. 00:16:05.819 --> 00:16:10.519 That is why the old hymn writer Isaac Watts could write in his hymn, 00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:12.879 When I surveyed the wondrous cross, 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:16.460 See from his head, his hands, his feet, 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:20.120 Sorrow and love flowed mingled down. 00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:23.399 Did ever such love and sorrow meet, 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:27.080 Or thorns compose so rich a crown? 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:33.720 Sorrow, because the innocent one is dying in the place of the guilty. 00:16:34.720 --> 00:16:40.279 The spotless, sinless lamb is dying for a sinful humanity. 00:16:40.279 --> 00:16:51.079 And love, because friends, that suffering, that agony, that punishment is yours and mine. 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:55.000 We deserve to be on that cross. 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:59.879 But out of amazing love, Jesus took our place. 00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:04.480 It was our sin that held him there. 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:07.940 And he willingly bore that punishment for us. 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:16.720 No greater love has the world ever known than the Son of God dying for us sinners. 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:23.640 That is true sacrificial love, embodied by the sacrificial death of Jesus. 00:17:26.620 --> 00:17:30.799 So was this different for the centurion? 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:35.080 Was this a different crucifixion compared to all the others he'd supervised? 00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:36.379 Well, of course it was. 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:42.679 This man was innocent, and yet he was dying for the guilty. 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:49.000 And the second reason why this crucifixion is different is because of the darkness. 00:17:50.199 --> 00:17:57.139 So standing in amazement, the centurion sees this bleak darkness fall over the land at midday. 00:17:57.140 --> 00:18:01.420 For three hours they stood in darkness. 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:06.720 A sign of God's wrath and judgment against the sins of the world. 00:18:06.780 --> 00:18:10.800 And all the while, Jesus is in physical agony. 00:18:11.640 --> 00:18:15.380 But worse than that, he is in spiritual agony, 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:20.140 as the full weight of God's wrath against sin is laid on him. 00:18:20.140 --> 00:18:30.380 Jesus is bearing all the just wrath of a holy God against the sins of an unholy people. 00:18:32.140 --> 00:18:35.140 And in his agony, Jesus cries out in verse 34, 00:18:35.140 --> 00:18:39.700 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 00:18:41.860 --> 00:18:43.940 It's as if God has forgotten him. 00:18:44.820 --> 00:18:46.480 The punishment is so severe. 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:50.799 Behold the man upon a cross. 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:54.200 My sin upon his shoulders. 00:18:55.539 --> 00:19:00.559 Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:06.660 It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished. 00:19:06.660 --> 00:19:12.779 The cross should make us see the seriousness of sin. 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:17.000 Because the punishment was so severe and yet it was right. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:19.300 It was required. 00:19:20.560 --> 00:19:22.980 Jesus went through darkness and pain. 00:19:23.820 --> 00:19:25.800 Destruction and death. 00:19:26.620 --> 00:19:28.480 That each of us deserves. 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:32.860 For how we have wronged and rejected God. 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:37.539 And yet after this period of darkness, 00:19:38.179 --> 00:19:42.740 in John's gospel, we're told that Jesus' final words were not that of defeat. 00:19:43.699 --> 00:19:46.419 They were of a completed task. 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:47.699 Jesus cried out, 00:19:48.099 --> 00:19:49.959 It is finished. 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:51.979 And he died. 00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:55.879 It is finished. 00:19:55.880 --> 00:20:01.520 The centurion saw those words come out of Jesus' mouth. 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:04.220 But what could they mean? 00:20:05.620 --> 00:20:11.520 Well, they mean that the wrath of God against the sins of his people is satisfied. 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:20.660 They mean that the judgment and wrath that we rightfully deserve has been laid on Jesus and it is done. 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:24.800 God's righteous wrath has been taken. 00:20:26.420 --> 00:20:27.740 Friends, it is finished. 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:35.940 Sin, judgment and wrath was laid on Jesus and now in its place we have been given hope, 00:20:36.960 --> 00:20:41.320 peace with God and life, life now and life eternal. 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:47.320 No more punishment is required for those who follow Jesus. 00:20:47.460 --> 00:20:48.120 We are free. 00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:52.819 It is finished, Jesus said. 00:20:55.519 --> 00:21:02.500 And then the third difference in the crucifixion of Jesus is that the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:08.599 The curtain of the temple which separated the holy of holies, 00:21:09.319 --> 00:21:14.739 the physical reminder of how a holy God cannot dwell with an unholy people, 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:17.559 has been torn from top to bottom. 00:21:18.119 --> 00:21:27.219 Friends, the wonderful news of the cross is that Jesus made it possible for sinners like you and like me 00:21:27.219 --> 00:21:32.299 to be able to go directly to God and call him father. 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:35.879 That is an immense privilege. 00:21:35.880 --> 00:21:40.100 Jesus died so that we can be saved. 00:21:40.100 --> 00:21:45.860 So that we can be taken from living in darkness and separation from God. 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:53.460 To living in light and being called sons and daughters of the living God. 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:57.500 That is wonderful news. 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:59.799 And that is the meaning of the cross. 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:06.180 We now have direct access to God who is our heavenly father. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:13.600 And so the centurion is watching all of this and he cannot help but say in verse 39, 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:17.100 surely, surely this man was the son of God. 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:24.159 Now maybe at that moment, he remembered all the things that he'd done in his life. 00:22:25.359 --> 00:22:27.480 All the people that he'd killed. 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:32.079 All the atrocities that he'd done in the name of Rome. 00:22:32.899 --> 00:22:37.980 And maybe how even just a few hours earlier, standing with his soldiers, 00:22:38.199 --> 00:22:42.139 they beat the very man he now declares as the son of God. 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:46.920 Can you imagine the weight of that shame? 00:22:48.020 --> 00:22:50.540 The weight of that sin? 00:22:53.300 --> 00:22:55.860 We should all feel that same disgust. 00:22:56.300 --> 00:22:59.140 That same hatred of sin, of our sin. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:01.920 Because it required the death of Jesus. 00:23:03.380 --> 00:23:08.820 But friends, the wonderful news is that that is precisely why Jesus died. 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:13.539 His death declares people forgiven. 00:23:14.399 --> 00:23:18.819 He bore our sin and he has gifted us his perfect righteousness, 00:23:19.839 --> 00:23:22.119 his status of being right with God. 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:28.240 He died so that sin has no more say over us. 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:33.700 He died defeating death itself and bearing our shame 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:36.559 so that we need not feel it any more. 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:44.819 So as we look to the cross, we should see an instrument of execution and torture. 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:49.980 But more importantly, we should see what the centurion seemed to grasp 00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:54.179 to an extent that he saw the cross as a place of victory. 00:23:55.679 --> 00:24:00.720 The cross is a symbol of hope, of peace with God 00:24:00.720 --> 00:24:05.059 and the very means through which people are offered life. 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:09.899 Another New Testament letter puts it this way. 00:24:10.899 --> 00:24:12.899 Death has been swallowed up in victory. 00:24:13.399 --> 00:24:15.019 Where, O death, is your victory? 00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:17.599 Where, O death, is your sting? 00:24:18.419 --> 00:24:21.919 The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the Lord. 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:23.659 But thanks be to God. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:28.819 He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:32.200 What a wonderful Saviour we have. 00:24:34.159 --> 00:24:38.960 We cannot simply overlook the cross as a nice story. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:45.099 But it must be the historical event that causes our hearts 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:50.460 and our voices to sing in endless praise of the wonderful Saviour who died 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:52.200 so that we can live. 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:57.240 The wonderful Saviour who died so that we can have access to God. 00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:04.100 And the wonderful Saviour who died so that those who put their trust in Him 00:25:04.100 --> 00:25:06.180 need not fear punishment. 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:13.340 But are instead filled with a certain hope 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:19.740 and future promise of a glorious dwelling with God in eternity forever. 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:26.279 The cross of Jesus Christ should lead us to marvel 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:29.839 in the unending love of God 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:36.799 and stand amazed at His grace that He shows by dying in our place. 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:45.279 The death of Jesus is the moment that secured life for those who trust in Him. 00:25:46.399 --> 00:25:50.619 His death was no defeat but His death was victorious 00:25:50.619 --> 00:25:55.379 because He dealt the final blow to sin and death itself. 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:59.839 So whilst we see that the cross is a brutal death 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:02.740 that we look at rightly with horror and shock 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:07.039 for the Christian we look at the cross with hope 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.940 and with rejoicing 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:13.620 because it was there that our salvation was secured. 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:18.079 And as a proof of that wonderful news 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:23.039 that millions of people hold to Jesus did not remain in the grave 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:28.120 but He would rise again as we will celebrate on Easter Sunday. 00:26:28.119 --> 00:26:30.619 Therefore rejoice 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:33.519 because the cross was not the end. 00:26:33.639 --> 00:26:35.319 Our Savior lives 00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:38.079 and He offers you life. 00:26:40.679 --> 00:26:44.139 The death of Jesus brought about a wonderful confession 00:26:44.139 --> 00:26:45.699 in the centurion 00:26:45.699 --> 00:26:48.459 and I imagine from that moment on 00:26:48.459 --> 00:26:50.659 that His life would never be the same. 00:26:53.139 --> 00:26:54.559 Friends, the death of Jesus 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:59.419 should bring about a moment of change in our lives 00:26:59.419 --> 00:27:03.240 because it is the ultimate picture 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:07.319 of the love of God for a sinful world. 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:12.839 That God Himself would step into our mess 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:14.539 into our sinful world 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:16.299 and die in our place 00:27:16.299 --> 00:27:18.039 so that we can be forgiven. 00:27:18.779 --> 00:27:21.720 There is no greater love than that. 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:25.740 But the cross leaves us with a decision. 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:28.460 If we follow Jesus 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:29.759 we are promised life 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:31.940 both now and for eternity 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:33.539 in the place we call heaven. 00:27:35.360 --> 00:27:37.279 But those who reject Jesus 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:41.200 will spend eternity in separation from God 00:27:41.200 --> 00:27:44.940 bearing the weight of His wrath against sin 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:46.440 in the place we call hell. 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:50.600 For the Christian, Jesus took that punishment 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:54.039 but for those who reject Jesus 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:56.879 they must bear that punishment themselves. 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:01.579 Friends, as we draw to a close 00:28:01.579 --> 00:28:04.399 how do you see the cross? 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:12.159 Is it a historical means of torture and of death 00:28:12.159 --> 00:28:14.779 or is it a symbol of life 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:17.799 of hope and of love? 00:28:17.799 --> 00:28:20.960 If you are a Christian 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:24.059 rejoice because your Savior took your place 00:28:24.059 --> 00:28:26.940 God's plan of salvation was fulfilled 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:30.339 and abound in endless praise 00:28:30.339 --> 00:28:31.720 because you are now a son 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:34.139 or daughter of the living God 00:28:34.139 --> 00:28:37.259 we serve a wonderful Savior. 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:41.160 And if you are not a Christian 00:28:41.160 --> 00:28:45.279 think about why the death of Jesus was different 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:47.779 from all the other crucifixions 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:49.980 our centurion had supervised. 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:53.539 Why did he come to the conclusion 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:55.400 that Jesus is the Son of God? 00:28:55.400 --> 00:28:58.900 I'd encourage you this evening 00:28:58.900 --> 00:29:00.060 I'd encourage you now 00:29:00.060 --> 00:29:03.460 to consider where you stand before God 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:07.380 because Jesus made it possible 00:29:07.380 --> 00:29:09.700 for you to be right with Him 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:13.300 to be forgiven of your sin 00:29:13.300 --> 00:29:14.580 and your shame. 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:17.919 This is not a decision 00:29:17.919 --> 00:29:19.500 to be taken lightly 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:21.899 and it is not a decision 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:23.000 to postpone 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:25.000 for a more convenient time 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:28.539 but now is the time 00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:30.740 to listen to the voice 00:29:30.740 --> 00:29:32.119 of Jesus calling you 00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:34.159 to repent and believe 00:29:34.159 --> 00:29:35.039 the good news. 00:29:36.419 --> 00:29:38.000 Friends, Jesus died 00:29:38.000 --> 00:29:39.960 so that we can have life 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:42.900 and He offers it to you now. 00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:45.740 Will you follow Him? 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.579 Let's pray together. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.160 Heavenly Father 00:29:54.160 --> 00:29:55.620 we thank You so much 00:29:55.620 --> 00:29:57.880 for what we celebrate at Easter. 00:29:58.799 --> 00:30:00.620 Jesus, we thank You so much 00:30:00.620 --> 00:30:01.600 that You were willing 00:30:01.600 --> 00:30:03.920 to die in our place 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:05.779 that You were willing 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:07.299 to go to a cross 00:30:07.299 --> 00:30:09.840 and die the death 00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.720 that we deserve 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:13.779 and You gave us 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.599 Your righteousness. 00:30:17.119 --> 00:30:18.599 You've now made it possible 00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:20.059 for us to be right with God. 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:21.839 What a privilege 00:30:21.839 --> 00:30:23.359 to be taken from darkness 00:30:23.359 --> 00:30:24.099 to light. 00:30:25.039 --> 00:30:26.939 Jesus, thank You. 00:30:29.079 --> 00:30:30.459 Father, would You help us 00:30:30.459 --> 00:30:32.539 reflect on where we stand 00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:33.699 before You this evening 00:30:33.699 --> 00:30:34.720 and would You help us 00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:35.899 continue to reflect 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:37.959 until Easter Sunday 00:30:37.959 --> 00:30:39.099 where we rejoice 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:41.099 because our Saviour lives 00:30:41.099 --> 00:30:43.319 and it is in His holy 00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:44.919 and precious name 00:30:44.919 --> 00:30:45.639 that we pray. 00:30:46.579 --> 00:30:46.939 Amen. 00:30:46.939 --> 00:30:47.099 Amen. 00:30:47.099 --> 00:31:17.079 Thank you.