Today is February fourteenth, the day that we give flowers, candy, cards, and other expressions of our love to the ones we truly care about. The greatest expression of love ever made took place on Calvary nearly 2000 years ago. This morning, and over the next few weeks, I want us to turn our attention toward the cross, and the love of God manifest toward us through Christ. Paul told us that God showed His love for us by giving His Son to die for us while we were yet sinners!
In Matthew 27 we find the account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Lord has been betrayed, arrested, falsely tried, and now sentenced to die the cruel death of crucifixion. He had been brutally beaten and then turned over to the execution detail who would finish the job. Look, if you would, at verse 27 of our text. (Read: v27-36)
Note the final verse we just read. "And sitting down they watched him there."
I. THEY WATCHED COMPLACENTLY IN THE HOUR OF THE CRUCIFIXION
A. These soldiers had witnessed many crucifixions
1. Darius crucified two hundred when conquering Babylon
2. Alexander crucified two thousand when conquering Tyre
3. A common means of capital punishment for the Romans
B. To them, just another execution
C. This may be the reason the cross means so little to many today
1. They have mutilated the Master before He reaches the cross
2. They doubt His virgin birth and reject His deity
3. They do not accept His miracles. just another man
D. Who died that day?
1. The One of whom the prophets had spoken (Isa. 50:6 and Isa. 53:4-5)
2. The One who was miraculously born (Isa. 7-.14; Luke 2:1-14)
3. The one who could open blind eyes and even raise the dead
E. See who is dying there, and you will never get over it
F. Gypsy Smith: "I have never lost the wonder of it all"
II. THEY WATCHED CALMLY IN THE HOUR OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST CRISIS
A. This was the hour of the ages, and they were not moved
B. When the darkness came and the earth shook, their leader would finally be shaken and exclaim: "Truly this was the Son of God" cf v54
C. They were just observers as the scene unfolded before them
1. There were the priests who taunted Him
2. The thieves who cast the same in His teeth
3. The wandering disciple afar off in tears
4. The little band of faithful ones near the cross
D. The forces of heaven and earth stand poised
1. He could have called ten thousand angels
2. The earth hovered between destruction and deliverance
E. This is also an hour of crisis, and many are unmoved
III. THEY WATCHED CARELESSLY IN THE HOUR OF GOD'S GREATEST EXAMPLE OF CARING
A. They had gambled with His garments by casting lots. v35
B. They heard the words from the cross
1. "Father, forgive them . . . " (Luke 23:34)
2. "Today, thou shalt be with me. . . " (Luke 23:43)
3. "Woman, Behold thy son. . - " (John 19:26)
4. "My God, My God, Why?. . . " (Matt. 27:46)
5. "I thirst. . . " (John 19:28)
6. "It is finished. . . " (John 19:30)
7. " Into Thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 2 3:4 6)
C. They saw it all, knew all the facts, but did not respond
D. Have you responded to God's love?
CONCLUSION: WHAT DOES THE DEATH OF CHRIST MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES HIS DEATH AFFECT YOUR LIFE? TRUST THE ONE WHO DIED FOR YOU