In this message we will take a deep dive into Jesus’ final hours on the cross. We learn as much about him in his death as we do in his life. The day of his crucifixion changed forever those who witnessed these events first hand and continue to reverberate through history.
When Pilate asks Jesus directly, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replies simply, “You say so.” Pilate is amazed that Jesus does not defend himself against this charge!
Later, an angry crowd shouts for the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. When asked what to do with Jesus, this guilty mob lobbies for the execution of an innocent man, chanting, “Crucify him!”. Little do they know that Jesus is the key to their own divine pardon! Next Jesus will be mocked, scourged and led away to be crucified.
What began with a joyful procession into Jerusalem became a dark day for Israel. Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders. His visit to the temple was the last straw—what should have been a place of prayer had become a place of extortion. Jesus visually declared his judgment on the nation by cursing a fig tree, that, like Israel, should have been fruitful, but remained fruitless and barren.
SERMON SUMMARY The central tenant of Christianity is incredible the claim that Jesus of Nazareth was raised from the dead three days after being crucified. But even if it did happen—does it matter? After all, if it did happen, it happened over two thousand years ago! I’m convinced that Jesus’ resurrection speaks to our present…
SERMON SUMMARY There is a good deal of historical evidence surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. In fact, there are mountains of evidence, but today we are going to look at a special subset of that evidence called the Minimal Facts. The Minimal Facts approach consists of only those facts that are strongly evidenced and agreed…
SERMON SUMMARY Today, I want to begin preparing our hearts for Easter by looking at some of the important events that occurred during the last week of Jesus’ life. Monday. The gospel of Mark describes the scene as Jesus entered Jerusalem in preparation for the Jewish Passover (Mark 11:8-10). The enthusiastic crowd that welcomed Jesus…
Sermon Summary We refer to the day on which Jesus died as “Good Friday.” But to those who witnessed its events, “Bad Friday” or “Dark Friday” would have seemed much more appropriate. The events that transpired that Friday and the Sunday which followed, however, have turned this world upside down. What man intended for evil,…
