Seven Views of the Cross

Introduction. (Luke 23:32-34,44-46) The crucifixion is one of the most well-known events in human history. Some see it as a the climax to which all of history was pointed. Others see it as a myth, a joke, or the a bloodthirsty demonstration of a twisted imaginary god created in the mind of man. How we personally view the cross is of great importance, but as we consider our own point of view it might help us to consider how those who were first present at the time saw it. This morning let’s consider seven points of view the Bible shows that different people had.

From the Viewpoint of...

I. The Jewish Leaders it was about SILENCE.

A.      The Jewish leaders knew that the people were going after Jesus, and they were afraid that more would follow Him (Matthew 27:18; John 11:48).

B.      When they couldn’t trap Him with their questions, they decided to silence Him by putting Him to death (Matt. 22:15-17, 35; 26:3-4).

C.      They failed—He arose three days later, and the message of His resurrection went throughout the world (Acts 5:27-31).

D.     Application: We can’t succeed in silencing the message of Jesus but we may try to do the same thing in our response to the cross. We ignore it and hope that it will silence our guilt, accountability to it, or what it demands of us.

II. Judas it was about SILVER.

A.      A He was a thief and a traitor (John 12:4-6).

B.      He conspired with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:15).

C.      Application: Most of us would not admit that we would betray Jesus for silver, but often we do the same kind of thing by valuing material things over the value of the gospel.

III. Pilate it was about SELF-PRESERVATION.

A.      Pilate knew Jesus was innocent (see), but he caved in to Jewish pressure (Luke 23:4; Mark. 15:15).

B.      Pilate sacrificed Jesus in an effort to save himself (Mt. 27:24).

C.      Application: Pilate felt threatened by what Jesus could do to his status and power. We might view the cross in the same way of we fear that following Jesus, admitting who He is, or obedience to Him will make us lose friends, lose status in our job or at school. We are trying to preserve ourselves.

IV. The Roman Soldiers it was about SPORT.

A.      The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus before He was crucified (Matt. 27:27-31).

B.      While He was on the cross they cast lots for His garments (Matt. 27:34-35).

C.      Application: We can’t mock Jesus or barter over His garments as the soldiers did, but perhaps we treat the cross as something that is silly, boring, or unworthy of our consideration and interest.

V. God the Father it was about SACRIFICE.

A.      In His grace, God sent Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins cross (Rom. 5:8-10).

B.      The sacrifice of Jesus sanctifies once for all (Heb. 10:10-14).

C.      Application: The Christian must be willing, in the face of God’s sacrifice on our behalf to “deny himself” (Matt. 16:24a).

VI. God the Son it was about SUBMISSION.

A.      Although the cross meant great shame and suffering for Jesus, He submitted to the Father’s will and went to the cross (Phil. 2:8-9).

B.      Application: Jesus’ attitude is an example to us. He shows us the power of yielding our will to the will of God. In following Christ we are to “take up” our own cross of submission (Matt. 16:24b).

VII.  Disciples of Christ it was about SALVATION.

A.      Early Christians saw the cross, and the blood that was shed there, as the means of their salvation (1Cor. 1:18,22-24).

B.      It alone brought redemption, forgiveness, and every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:7; 1:3).

C.      Application: We, like the first disciples are called to “follow” Him (Matt. 16:24c). The same view held by those who first saw a loving Savior who suffered and died for their salvation, can be our viewpoint as well, if we will accept and obey the gospel.