What Can We Learn From Jesus' Crucifixion?

He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
~Isaiah 53:3 ESV

Without question, the crucifixion of Jesus was a terrible event. It was an excruciating and painful way to die, which Jesus was willing to accept without pain-killing drugs (Matthew 27:32-35). It was also a shameful way to die, mocked by those who watched, crucified with common thieves (Matthew 27:36-44). Along with the physical suffering, there was the spiritual agony (Matthew 27:45-50).

While there may be a place for contemplating upon the actual physical agony Jesus endured, he did not want people to weep for Him, but for themselves (cf. Luke 23:26-31). Even on the cross, His concern for others was evident (Luke 23:34). Therefore, the purpose of the crucifixion was not just to engender pity for Jesus.

The significance and lessons to be learned from the crucifixion go far beyond feeling sorry for what Jesus suffered. For example, we should never forget that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...

THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN. Jesus died because of sin. As foretold, He died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; Isaiah 53:5-6). He gave Himself for our sins (Ga 1:4). He bore our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our own sinfulness and the need for redemption (1 John 1:8-10).

Jesus killed sin. He condemned sin in the flesh through His death (Romans 8:3); now making it possible for sinners to destroy their own body of sin, when united with Him by baptism into His death (Romans 6:3-6). May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our duty to crucify the sinful passions of the flesh (Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5-11).

To motivate us in our efforts to let Jesus' death help us deal with the problem of sin, we should also remember that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...

THE REVELATION OF LOVE. Jesus died because of love. He died for the love of the Father for a lost world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8), and the love of the Son (Ephesians 5:2). May our contemplation of the crucifixion never neglect the love that was behind the fact (1 John 4:9-10).

Jesus thereby demonstrated what true love is. We now understand the meaning of true love (1 John 3:16; John 15:13). His love serves as the pattern for our love (John 13:34-35; 15:12). May our contemplation of the crucifixion remind us of the high standard of love we are called to show toward one another (1 John 4:11).

As we strive to overcome sin and love one another, assisted and motivated by the death of Jesus on the cross, we should also be mindful that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...

THE REDEMPTION OF THE WORLD. Jesus died for all! God desires all men to be saved, not desiring any to perish (1 Titus 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9). Therefore ,He offered Jesus as a propitiation for all (1 John 2:1-2). May our meditation upon the crucifixion include thinking about the need of others.

Jesus is the world's only hope! He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Only in His name is salvation to be found (Acts 4:12). Deny the Son, and one does not have the Father (1 John 2:23). Abide in His doctrine, and one has both the Father and the Son (2 John 9). May our meditation upon the crucifixion move us to do what we
can to proclaim the message of redemption to those lost in sin (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:1).

And so the death of Jesus on the cross should prompt us to look both inward and outward, to address both our spiritual needs and those of others. To what extent effort may be required in these areas, we should also view "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" as...

THE INSPIRATION OF SACRIFICE. Jesus provided the example. His death demonstrated the mind of humility (Philippians 2:3-8). And His suffering demonstrated the example of suffering patiently (1 Peter 2:20-24). May our reflection upon the crucifixion move us to consider what His sacrifice should inspire us to do!

Jesus' sacrifice is designed to inspire us. It inspires us to walk in love (Epheisans 5:2); to walk in humility (Philippians 2:3-5); to suffer patiently when mistreated for doing good (1 Peter 2:20-24); and to give of ourselves to others (2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 John 3:16-18).

As we close today's message, certainly more could be said about "The Crucifixion Of Jesus." But perhaps these few thoughts will increase our appreciation of this significant event...

a. His death is the condemnation of sin;
b. His death is the revelation of love;
c. His death is the redemption of the world;
d. His death is the inspiration of sacrifice.

Have you taken advantage of what "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" means for you...? Have you been crucified with Christ? Are you putting to death the deeds of the flesh? Are you growing in love? Are you concerned and doing something about the redemption of the world? Are you inspired in your service to your brethren and the lost by the example of Jesus' sacrifice?

And finally, in the words of the apostle Paul: "We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain." (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Prayer:

My Lord,
your son has suffered so much, shed so much blood.
I was born with so many faults
and my nature is so full of weakness,
and yet your son Jesus has died on the cross for me.
I know your grace has the power
to cleanse me of my many sins
and to make me more like your Son.
Thank you for your goodness and love for me.
I ask you, Father, to watch over me - always.
Amen

God bless you,

Jocelyn