Jesus On The Cross
Introduction
Luke 23:33–34 records Jesus’ crucifixion and His first word from the
cross, “Father, forgive them.” Today we consider the scene at
Golgotha and the prophecies fulfilled as the Lamb suffers for our
sins.
They
Crucified Him
The Gospel writers describe the terrible moment with sober brevity:
“They crucified Him.” The Lord had prepared His disciples for this
very hour. He foretold His betrayal, condemnation, and death, and He
declared that He would be “lifted up,” signifying the manner of His
death (Matthew 20:18–19; John 12:32–33). The cross was no accident.
The Son willingly embraced the Father’s will to accomplish
redemption.
The King’s
Title Above His Head
Matthew notes that the charge above Jesus read, “This is Jesus, the
King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37). The public notice announced His
identity and declared Rome’s verdict. Heaven’s decree stands higher:
the crucified One truly reigns. Even in humiliation, Scripture
presents Him as King.
Numbered
With Criminals
“Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and
another on the left” (Matthew 27:38). Crucifixion was commonly
reserved for the worst offenders. The Holy One hung among
lawbreakers, offering grace where judgment seemed final. His
presence between the guilty reveals the purpose of the cross—to
bring sinners to God.
The First
Word From the Cross: “Father, forgive them”
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke
23:34). The prayer matches the mission. Forgiveness would be secured
through the sacrifice He was offering. Peter calls believers to
follow this pattern of holy endurance: Christ suffered, leaving an
example; He committed no sin, and in His suffering He entrusted
Himself to the righteous Judge (1 Peter 2:21–24). Calvary teaches
disciples to answer hostility with intercession and to trust God’s
justice.
Prophecy in
the Soldiers’ Hands
As Jesus hung on the cross, soldiers divided His garments and cast
lots. Centuries earlier David wrote of the Messiah’s suffering:
“They pierced my hands and my feet… They divide my garments among
them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (Psalm 22:16–18). The
execution squad knew nothing of prophecy, yet their actions matched
the Scripture line by line, confirming the Word’s reliability.
Mockery
Foretold and Endured
Spectators, rulers, soldiers, and even a criminal hurled insults:
“He saved others; let Him save Himself… If You are the King of the
Jews, save Yourself” (Luke 23:35–39). They offered Him sour wine as
they sneered. The Psalms had spoken of this bitter cup: “For my
thirst they gave me vinegar to drink,” and of the crushing reproach
that broke the sufferer’s heart (Psalm 69:20–21). The Messiah’s
patience under scorn displays a love stronger than derision.
The
Suffering Servant
Isaiah testified that the Servant would be “despised and rejected,”
“wounded for our transgressions,” and chastened so that we might
have peace; “by His stripes we are healed.” The Lord laid on Him
“the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:3–6). Golgotha stands as the
fulfillment of that promise: our sins transferred to Him, His
healing granted to us.
The Mission
Clarified
One criminal demanded deliverance from the cross. The Lord’s purpose
required endurance, not escape. He chose the path that purchases
salvation. If He had stepped down, our hope would collapse. By
pouring out His life, He secured the mercy His first prayer
requested—forgiveness for sinners and peace with God.
Jesus On The
Cross Sermon Outline:
Call to
Action
Stand at the foot of the cross with a believing, penitent heart.
Receive the forgiveness Jesus prayed for and purchased with His
blood. Hear the Gospel, confess Jesus as Lord, turn from sin, and be
baptized in His name for the forgiveness of sins. Walk in the
pattern of His suffering love and holy obedience.
Key
Takeaways
-
Jesus
foretold His crucifixion and embraced the Father’s will (Matthew
20:18–19; John 12:32–33).
-
The title
above His head proclaimed His kingship even in suffering
(Matthew 27:37).
-
He was
crucified among criminals to bring sinners to God (Matthew
27:38).
-
His first
word—“Father, forgive”—reveals the cross’s purpose (Luke 23:34;
1 Peter 2:21–24).
-
Soldiers
fulfilled prophecy by piercing and by casting lots (Psalm
22:16–18).
-
Mockery and
sour wine were foreseen and endured (Luke 23:35–39; Psalm
69:20–21).
-
Isaiah’s
Servant suffered for our iniquities and grants healing and peace
(Isaiah 53:3–6).
Scripture
Reference List
-
Matthew
20:18–19 — Jesus predicts
betrayal, condemnation, and death.
-
John
12:32–33 — “Lifted up” indicates
crucifixion and its saving draw.
-
Matthew
27:37 — The charge above His
head: “King of the Jews.”
-
Matthew
27:38 — Jesus crucified between
two robbers.
-
Luke
23:34–39 — “Father, forgive
them”; insults from rulers, soldiers, and a criminal.
-
1 Peter
2:21–24 — Christ’s sinless
suffering provides both example and atonement.
-
Psalm
22:16–18 — Pierced hands and
feet; garments divided; lots cast.
-
Psalm
69:20–21 — Reproach and vinegar
foretold.
-
Isaiah
53:3–6 — The Servant’s rejection,
substitutionary suffering, and healing.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
|
The
church of Christ
