They Watched Him There
Series on the Cross Matthew 27:36
I. Introduction
A. Studies in the Passion and Power of Our Lord
1. The cross through Easter
2. This intense hour: Christ’s last words, last looks
B. Moving Ever Toward the Cross
1. The Passover, the Lord’s Table, betrayal
2. The mock trial
3. Pilate: “Behold the man”
4. Account of the crucifixion (Matt. 27:27–36)
C. The Soldiers at the Cross
II. Body
A. They Watched Complacently in the Hour of the Crucifixion
1. These soldiers had witnessed many crucifixions
a. Darius crucified two hundred when conquering Babylon
b. Alexander crucified two thousand when conquering Tyre
c. A common means of capital punishment for the Romans
2. To them, just another execution
3. This may be the reason the cross means so little to many today
a. They have mutilated the Master before He reaches the cross
b. They doubt His virgin birth and reject His deity
c. They do not accept His miracles. Just another man
4. Who died that day?
a. The One of whom the prophets had spoken (Isa. 50:6 and Isa. 53)
b. The One who was miraculously born (Isa. 7:14; Luke 2:1–14)
c. The One who could open blind eyes and even raise the dead
5. p 44 See who is dying there, and you will never get over it
6. Gypsy Smith: “I have never lost the wonder of it all”
B. They Watched Calmly in the Hour of the World’s Greatest Crisis
1. This was the hour of the ages, and they were not moved
2. When the darkness came and the earth shook, their leader would finally be shaken and exclaim: “Truly this was the Son of God”
3. They were just observers as the scene unfolded before them
a. There were the priests who taunted Him
b. The thieves who cast the same in His teeth
c. The wandering disciple afar off in tears
d. The little band of faithful ones near the cross
4. The forces of heaven and earth stand poised
a. He could have called ten thousand angels
b. The earth hovered between destruction and deliverance
5. This is also an hour of crisis, and many are unmoved
C. They Watched Carelessly in the Hour of God’s Greatest Example of Caring
1. They had gambled with His garments by casting lots
2. They heard the words from the cross
a. “Father, forgive them …” (Luke 23:34)
b. “Today, thou shalt be with me …” (Luke 23:43)
c. “Woman, Behold thy son …” (John 19:26)
d. “My God, My God, Why? …” (Matt. 27:46)
e. “I thirst …” (John 19:28)
f. “It is finished …” (John 19:30)
g. “Into Thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
3. They saw it all, knew all the facts, but did not respond
4. Have you responded to God’s love?
III. Conclusion
A. What does the Death of Christ mean to you?
B. How does His Death Affect Your Life?
C. Trust the one who Died for you
Roger F. Campbell, Preach for a Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997). 43-44.
Comments