series: good friday sermons

In Luke, we have reported that Jesus was crucified with two criminals. Each of these has different and profound responses to Jesus; one rails and him while the other expresses trust. Each of these men, and Jesus' words themselves, provides for us three distinct images from Scripture. Let us hear from these pictures, that we may better see the beauty and wonder of the cross!

Christians do many weird things. Today, we proclaim the day that the Lord of glory, the one in whom we hope for eternal life, dying at the hands of wicked and sinful men, is a day best described as "good." Of course, we have good reason to do so. By his blood, he has redeemed us from our sin and given us hope. Yet, there are some things that even we Christians find odd. What does the Apostles' Creed mean by saying that Jesus "descended to the dead"? Let us consider Jesus' victory over the dead, in his death, tonight.

We have gathered to celebrate and remember Good Friday, the day that the Lord of life was crucified and killed. It is, admittedly, an odd day to celebrate, but we understand by faith the life giving power and the sin cancelling nature of his death. Tonight, as we look at the four words Jesus uttered on the cross in Matthew 27:46, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani” we have a chance to think through the grave problems this declaration gives to us, and a chance to wonder in amazement at the cross.

In Mark 15 we see an unjust trial against a perfect king, a sinner set free, and the wrath of God satisfied.

We look at Jesus' last day on earth as it leads Him to the cross and brings good news by faith alone.

On Good Friday we are reminded of the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Here we see Peter using this example of the Suffering Servant as our example on how to face suffering.

Good Friday—a day we set aside to remember the death of Jesus on the cross. And most the important question we can ask today is, “Why did Jesus die on the cross?” If you read books and newspapers or watch documentaries today, you’re likely to get all kinds of answers. But the Bible itself is clear and consistent when it comes to answering this question: Jesus died on the cross to save sinners. This wasn’t a message human writers made up but a message that Jesus himself taught before his death. We want to look at a passage that show this to be true. We want to look at a passage that shows how Jesus himself understood what his death was going to accomplish for the salvation of humanity.

Matthew shows that four specific blessings from the death of Christ on the cross.

What is there anything more tragic than calling out to a god that isn't real? How about rejecting the one, true God who is real?

What does it mean for Christ to be lifted up on the cross? (NOTE: The first minute or two was cut-off during recording).