The Cross
Matthew 27:33-44
Chris Seidman
Part of The Gospel of Matthew—King & Kingdom
April 10, 2022

The Gospel of Matthew — King & Kingdom

The Cross
April 10, 2022
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch Church


Matthew 26:28 (NIV)
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”


Matthew 27:33-44 (NIV)
They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”

In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.


Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
… he endured the cross, scorning its shame … .


Matthew 27:45-46 (NIV)
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).


Throughout Scripture, Light And Darkness Play Important Roles In The Course Of Stories And Events

  • Darkness is sometimes associated with everything that is evil, sinful, or wicked. (Proverbs 2:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-7)

  • Darkness is associated with death. (Psalm 88:11-12)

  • Darkness is associated with the judgment of God on evil. (Amos 5:18, 20; Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:15; Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:12-17)

Two Painful Realities About This Moment

  • His alienation from God.


2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

  • His substitution for us.


Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him … and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.


2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)
And he died for all … .


Galatians 3:13 (NIV)
Christ redeemed us … by becoming a curse for us … .


1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross … .


1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
For Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.


1 Peter 3:18b (NIV)
… to bring you to God.


Matthew 27:50-51 (NIV)
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.


Hebrews 10:19-22, 13:5-8 (NIV)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body … let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

… God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”


Matthew 27:51b-54 (NIV)
The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”


Matthew 27:42b (NIV)
“Let him come down from the cross, and we will believe in him.”

The Story Of The Cross

  • Reveals how serious our sin is.

  • Reveals how great His love is.


1 John 3:16 (NIV)
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.


Romans 5:8 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

  • Reveals that even when we go through seasons of darkness, He is there.

Communion

  • What does it mean for you to believe and live in the light of “Christ crucified?”