Trevor S. Ferguson
April 23, 2011
Matthew 27:33-38 (KJV)
33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36 And sitting down they watched him there;
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36 And sitting down they watched him there;
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
Introduction
Yesterday we celebrated Good Friday, the day traditionally used to reflect on the crucifixion of Christ. As part of our reflection we often read through the biblical account of the trial of Jesus. As we read, it is to escape the recurring theme of “JESUS as KING”.
When we begin to think of Jesus Christ as a King it forces us to question: Why would a king be crucified? Why would one who possessed such awesome power allow himself to suffer such basal, cruel and demeaning punishment?
We note also that the two other persons crucified were thieves! This serves to emphasize the paradox: A king is not normally subjected to such dehumanizing death.
We note also that the two other persons crucified were thieves! This serves to emphasize the paradox: A king is not normally subjected to such dehumanizing death.
Today we will take some time to reflect on this paradox as we seek to appreciate the magnitude of God’s love and extent to which he debased His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. We will first look at the evidence for the kingship of Jesus and then outline the purpose of Jesus’ death in saving lost humanity.
The Kingship of Jesus: What is the evidence?
The points below summarize some of the facts supporting Jesus’ kingship:
- A number of prophesies referred to the Messiah as the son of David; David was symbolic of kingship in Israel; Isaiah referred to him as the “root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:10). Matthew also emphasized his kingship and as heir to the throne in Israel by tracing his genealogy back to David.
- In Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah prophesied that the government would be on his shoulder and that he would be Prince of Peace
- At his birth he was declared to be king. In Matthew 2:2, the wise men came to Herod asking: Where is he that is born King of the Jews?
- During his ministry Jesus spoke repeatedly of his kingdom
- During the trial he was frequently referred to as the King of the Jews
- Paul in 1st Timothy 6:15 describes Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
- In Revelation 19:16, John saw the victorious Christ coming in his glory; he had a name written on his vesture and on his thigh - King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Why was this KING crucified?
We could suggest a number of possibilities:
Was it because the Jews did not like him? Did it represent a failed uprising against the Roman government?
Was it because Pilate did not have the moral strength to oppose the Jews?
We can confidently say that it was not for any of the reasons given above! Jesus himself said: I have power to lay down my life! As the Son of God no one was able to kill Jesus! He willingly laid down his life!
Was it because Pilate did not have the moral strength to oppose the Jews?
We can confidently say that it was not for any of the reasons given above! Jesus himself said: I have power to lay down my life! As the Son of God no one was able to kill Jesus! He willingly laid down his life!
The question then is: Why would Jesus lay down his life? What good could come out of such tragedy?
The answer is based upon one simple fact: MAN WAS IN NEED OF A SAVIOUR!
In Adam all died! The death sentence was pronounced upon all men. We were all doomed to death! Without hope! Without God! In order to provide pardon for sin there needed to be a substitutionary death. Someone had to die!
God’s solution to the sin problem
There was no one found worthy of this task of substitutionary death. In order to fulfill this redemptive role one had to be without sin and had to be a near kinsman of the one he intends to redeem.God therefore robed himself in flesh, took on the form of a man so that he could redeem man.
Romans 5:7-8 tells us: “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”.
Romans 5:7-8 tells us: “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”.
CONCLUSION
We conclude therefore that this king was crucified so that we can have the hope of eternal life! It was not a mistake! It was not a travesty of justice! It was a deliberate self-sacrificing act of a loving Saviour and God.
If he did this for you, you can be assured that he will not hold back anything that is for your good! Have you put you trust in Him today?
If he did this for you, you can be assured that he will not hold back anything that is for your good! Have you put you trust in Him today?
Don’t let good blood go to waste! His blood was shed for YOU! You can apply the shed blood to your life by repenting of your sins; accepting water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and seek for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
This will be the best decision you can ever make!
Thanks to the King, who allowed himself to be crucified!
This will be the best decision you can ever make!
Thanks to the King, who allowed himself to be crucified!
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