HE DIED FOR US

 

HE DIED FOR US

 

INTRODUCTION:

King of my life, I crown Thee now

Thine shall the glory be

Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow

Lead me to Calvary

 

Lest I forget Gethsemane

Lest I forget Thine agony

Lest I forget Thy love for me

Lead me to Calvary

 

May I be willing, Lord, to bear

Daily my cross for Thee

Even Thy cup of grief to share

Thou hast borne all for me

 

1. In our text one can find the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies regarding Jesus’ suffering. Following each Scripture below list the prophecy and the verse or verses in John 19 where it is fulfilled.

Isaiah 53:3, Isaiah 53:7, Psalm 22:18, Psalm 69:21, Psalm 34:20. Zechariah 12:10

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Rejection

·         the action of spurning a person's affections

·         the act of refusing to accept or believe someone or something

·         Jesus came purposely to redeem and to reconnect us back to God but He was rejected

·         Don’t be surprised when your best motives are turned down and spurned

·         Know how to handle rejection – It doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you

Quiet

·         Jesus knew how to defend Himself but He chose to be quiet

·         Knowing what to say and when to say it is wisdom

·         To always think you know how to answer back all the time might be an indication of lack of spiritual virtue

Dispossession of personal details

·         Jesus was stripped of His personal details when He most needed comfort

·         You may feel exposed and naked or stripped of needed comforts or conveniences

·         Like Master, like servant

Bitter payback

·         Jesus brought good news, blessings and more but He was offered vinegar

·         Do you feel like you are being paid back evil for good?

Covenant limitations

·         Jesus bones were not broken – it is written

·         God still rules the world

·         There are covenant limitations that enemies cannot go beyond

·         If God allows it, He will see you through it victoriously

Hit where it pains most

·         Jesus side piercing suffering is the height of his suffering because his heart was touched

·         That was a perfecting action – Jesus’ blood was let loose and flowed freely

·         What the enemies meant for destruction perfects our redemption

·         Are you facing or experiencing a bitter situation? Jesus will make it sweet

 1. Isaiah 53:3

   - Prophecy: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief..."

   - Fulfillment: John 19:14-15: "And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar."

 2. Isaiah 53:7

   - Prophecy: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth..."

   - Fulfillment: John 19:9: "And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer."

(This demonstrates His silence before His accusers.)

 3. Psalm 22:18

   - Prophecy: "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."

   - Fulfillment: John 19:23-24: "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots."

 4. Psalm 69:21

   - Prophecy: "They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."

   - Fulfillment: John 19:28-30: "After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

 5. Psalm 34:20

   - Prophecy: "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken."

   - Fulfillment: John 19:33-36: "But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken."

 6. Zechariah 12:10

   - Prophecy: "And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced..."

   - Fulfillment: John 19:34-37: "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."

 

2. Jesus suffered greatly during his last 24 hours on earth. In what ways was He physically abused? List as many as you can find. In addition to the text, use Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65; 15:19.

Physical assault & Physical pain

·         Jesus could feel pain because He was carrying the natural body

·         Are you going through any form of pain or assault? Jesus will bear you up

·         Though He is Supernatural but at the is time Jesus was not shield from pains in anyway

He bore it all. Why?

·         Jesus bore it all: Every bit of the pains

·         Imagine the pains you could feel now, if physically harmed: Jesus bore it all

·         He could have called ten thousand Angels

·         But He bore it all for a purpose

·         Just for you and me

Physical Abuse Jesus Suffered

1. Mockery and Insult:

Isaiah 50:6: "I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."

Matthew 26:67: "Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him."

2. Beatings and Whipping:

Mark 14:65: "Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, 'Prophesy!' And the guards took him and beat him."

3. Crown of Thorns:

Mark 15:19: "Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him."

4. Scourging: - Jesus was scourged, a brutal form of punishment involving whipping that would leave severe lacerations on His body.

5. Physical Exhaustion:  - Endured a long night of trials without rest, leading to extreme fatigue.

6. Carrying the Cross: - Jesus was forced to carry His cross, which would have been physically taxing, especially considering the previous abuse and blood loss.

7. Nail Piercing:- The crucifixion itself involved being nailed to the cross, causing immense pain and suffering.

8. Thirst: - During His crucifixion, Jesus expressed His thirst, highlighting the physical suffering of dehydration (John 19:28).

 

3. In what ways did Jesus mentally or emotionally suffer in those last hours? To supplement the text, see Mark 14:43-44,55-57,71; 15:34; Luke 22:44 and John 1:11.

Emotional stress

·         Jesus suffered emotional stress

·         While physical stress can be painful, emotional stress is more damaging

·         Are you going through emotional stress? Jesus knows exactly how you feel

Loneliness

·         Jesus went through degrees of loneliness

·         While we get succour through moral support, being lonely in times of need is strenuous

·         Are you lonely? You don’t have to be alone, Jesus promised He will always be with us

Betrayal

·         Jesus was betrayed by friends and close associates, but He remained true

·         You may be betrayed but maintain your integrity. It would pay off

Shame & Stigma

·         Jesus was subjected to public shame

·         Being shamed with falsehood and what you are not guilty of can be more painful

·         When your best intentions are misinterpreted or manipulated to ridicule you

Character damage

·         Jesus is divine and with supernatural deity

·         He was treated as a criminal with utmost disdain treatment meted out to chronic criminals

·         You may be experiencing character damage and unable to explain yourself

·         Hold on to your integrity

Helplessness

·         Jesus is the Helper of the helpless

·         Yet He was helpless in time in time of need

·         You are not helpless – Jesus paid it all and you have all the best help as at when needed

Humiliation

Condescension

Deprivation

Defenseless

Bad repaid for good deeds

All rights denied

Seeming lost of “investments” and efforts

Lack of encouragement

 

Mental and Emotional Suffering of Jesus

1. Betrayal by Judas:

Mark 14:43-44: Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, highlighting the pain of betrayal from one of His closest followers.

2. Abandonment by Disciples:

Mark 14:50: "Then everyone deserted him and fled," indicating the deep emotional pain Jesus faced from the abandonment of His followers, who promised loyalty.

3. False Accusations and Trials:

Mark 14:55-57: Jesus faces false testimonies during His trials, leading to a mental and emotional agony of being unjustly condemned.

4. Denial by Peter:

Mark 14:71: Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, which adds to Jesus’ emotional suffering as it reflects the rejection of His closest companion.

5. Isolation:

Luke 22:44: "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

This highlights Jesus’ deep emotional turmoil and isolation in His suffering.

6. Feeling Abandoned by God:

Mark 15:34: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

expresses the profound anguish of feeling abandoned by the Father during His final moments.

7. Rejection by His Own:

John 1:11: "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him," illustrating the emotional pain of rejection by those He came to save.

8. Foreknowledge of Suffering:

- Jesus had foreknowledge of His impending suffering and death, which would have caused profound mental distress as He prepared for the ordeal ahead.

 

4. Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to suffer so?

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Blood requirement for Redemption

·         The life is in the blood

·         For shedding of blood, there is no redemption or remission

Mortgaged

·         We have been sold

·         Our inheritance was mortgaged to sin

·         We owed a debt that we could never pay

Covenant provision

·         The only provision is to have a sinless pay the price

·         No one could pay for himself or for another person

No alternative to redemption

·         Jesus had to suffer to redeem us

·         All hope was lost

·         God’s requirement for redemption must be met

“Like passion” experience

·         Beyond redemption blessings, Jesus went through the pains to secure our liberty

·         Physical, emotional and spiritual support

·         In order to make us whole, Jesus paid the full price.

Fulfilment of all righteousness prerequisite

Effective & effectual sacrifice

Full payment

Fulfillment of Prophecy:

  - Jesus' suffering fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating God's sovereign plan throughout history (e.g., Isaiah 53).

Atonement for Sin:- Jesus’ suffering was necessary to provide a perfect sacrifice for the atonement of humanity's sins, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the need for redemption (Romans 6:23).

- Identification with Humanity: - Through His suffering, Jesus fully identified with human pain and suffering, providing comfort and understanding to believers in their own trials.

- Demonstration of Love: - His willingness to suffer exemplifies the depth of God’s love for humanity, showing that love often comes at a cost (John 3:16).

- Model of Obedience: - Jesus’ suffering demonstrated obedience to the Father’s will, teaching believers the importance of surrendering to God’s plan, even in difficult circumstances (Philippians 2:8).

-Transformation: - Jesus' suffering invites believers to reflect on their own lives and leads to spiritual transformation, aligning with Romans 12:2's call for renewal of the mind and transformation into Christ’s likeness.

- New Covenant:- The suffering and sacrifice of Jesus established the New Covenant, offering grace and a personal relationship with God rather than reliance on the law (Hebrews 8:6).

- Revealing God's Character:- Jesus' suffering reveals the nature of God as one who understands and empathizes with human suffering, urging believers to trust in His goodness despite their circumstances.

 

5. In what ways have Christians suffered physically through the centuries because of their love for Jesus? How does this compare to Christ’s suffering?

Must Jesus bear the cross alone

And all the world go free?

No, there's a cross for ev'ry one,

And there's a cross for me.

 

Mark of Discipleship

·         Persecution is a mark of our discipleship

Like Servant, Like Master

·         If they had persecuted the Master, expect it

Love-driven

·         When we go through it, we do with a deep love in our hearts

The why?

·         That we may know Christ

·         Partake of His passion

Separation

·         Our decision to follow Christ separates us from so many things

·         The separation is on two dividing, opposing sides

·         Expect reactions from the other side

Deprivation

·         You may be deprived of your rights

Physical abuse

·         Many Christians are going through physical abuse and torture

Loss of personal belongings

·         Many suffered physical loss of personal details

Denial of due benefits and rights

·         Many have been denied of due benefits and rights because of their stand for God

Job loss

·         Many lost jobs and means of livelihood due to their Christian stand

Financial loss

·         Many are stripped of financial benefits because of their Christian integrity

Heaven is still cheap at any price

·         Hold on to your integrity

·         It would be worth it all

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Comparison to Christ’s Suffering

Purposeful Suffering: - Just as Christ endured suffering with purpose (for the salvation of humanity), many Christians suffer as a testimony of their faith and as part of God’s redemptive plan.

Emotional and Physical Pain:- While Jesus experienced extreme physical pain, many Christians have also faced not only physical suffering but also emotional anguish due to the spiritual battle that accompanies their faith.

Unjust Treatment: - Christ suffered unjustly at the hands of authorities, similar to how many Christians face unjust treatment from secular governments or societies hostile to the Gospel.

Witness to Others:- Jesus’ suffering provided a means of salvation for others; likewise, the suffering of Christians can serve as a powerful witness, drawing others to Christ (Philippians 1:29).

Victory Over Suffering:- Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that suffering does not have the final word. Christians endure suffering with the hope of eternal life, just as Christ secured victory over death.

Endurance and Perseverance:- Jesus remained faithful through His suffering, and Christians are called to exhibit similar perseverance, drawing strength from His example.

 

6. In what ways do Christians face mental or emotional suffering?

Satan’s devices

·         Satan is very cunning and experienced

·         He knows the power of emotional and mental damage

ANTIDOTE:

·         Know your God

·         Know who you – your identity, opportunities and blessings

·         Know satan’s tactics

·         Apply all the armour of God

·         Avoid self-pity

Sin’s temptations

·         Sin is subtle but very destructive

·         Sin comes with assumed and fake promises

·         Sin separates from God

·         Sin attacks strategically (more reason to be spiritually proactive)

·         The blood of Jesus is the antidote

·         Sin is not to be toyed with but to be destroyed effectively

·         Remember “sin shall not have dominion over you”

Worldly allurements

·         As humans, we love comforts, good things and pleasures

·         The day a Christian knows that the world is not a friend to righteousness and grace, he/she is a step ahead towards consistent victory

·         We are in the world but not of the world

·         We operate using the world’s system for our daily lives engagements and activities

·         Where do we draw the limit? Does it please God and does it add spiritual value

·         Set your affection where your treasure is - Heaven

Family

·         The close ally that could become a potential spiritual threat is one’s family

·         God give us Christian homes

·         But it does not come easily or cheap

·         Invest in maintaining a godly home

·         Home front, if neglected spiritually can become a living hell

Friends & Associates

·         The most emotional and mental trauma that hits so hard comes from close associates

·         Who are your friends?

·         What do you share/feed your associates

·         Whatever you do with them is an investment

·         You will reap the inputs in compounding output

·         Choose your friends and associates wisely

·         So that when you are down, they will lift you up and not kick you down

Error of judgement (even from saints)

·         Most of us can endure maltreatments from sinners (what do you expect from a sinner?)

·         Remember even the best saints are still human being

·         What do you when your expectations are let down

·         What do you do when you experience outright disappointment from a trusted saint?

·         You are warned to be wise and prepare ahead

·         Most saints will have spiritual challenges due to interpersonal relationship issues, most especially with other saints

“We have a High Priest” who is touched

·         Jesus experienced emotional and mental disappointments from his close associates

·         Expect it, be prepared for it and make it a stepping stone

Encouragement Amid Suffering

Support:- Many Christians find emotional healing and strength through fellowship with other believers, emphasizing the importance of community in overcoming mental and emotional distress.

Prayer and Scripture: - Engaging in prayer and meditation on Scripture offers comfort and renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2), helping believers cope with their struggles.

Hope in Christ:- Faith in Christ provides a source of hope and encourages resilience, reminding believers that they are not alone in their suffering and that God cares for their burdens

(1 Peter 5:7).

 

7. At one point Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Had God forsaken Jesus? Explain.

God loves sinners

·         God loves all sinners

·         But He hates sin

·         Considering the price of redemption, if God does not love sinners, it would never be considered

·         Are you still a sinner? God loves you

God hates sin

·         Sin separates from God

·         Sin is Satan Identity Number – so God does not associate with sin

Zero tolerance for sin

·         God has zero tolerance for sin

·         That is why He embarked on redemption plan

·         Sin is to be dealt with and eradicated with the blood of Jesus

Where do you stand?

·         Your current position is your choice

·         Are you serving sin?

·         It is time to decamp from crooked street to Glory Avenue

What are you doing, can God be invited?

·         It is easy to know if we have God’s approval or rejection

·         What are your regular activities, can you invite God?

·         Do you have God’s smile of approval?

There is yet hope (If on the wrong side)

·         Today is the day

·         God is calling and waiting

ANTIDOTE:

Be at the Right Place

With the Right People

Doing the right thing

Expression of Deep Human Emotion:- Jesus’ cry reflects the immense emotional and spiritual agony He faced, emphasizing the depth of His suffering and His humanity in that moment.

Fulfillment of Scripture:- The statement is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, indicating that Jesus was fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. This connection highlights the continuity of God's plan of salvation.

Not a Total Forsakenness: - While Jesus felt abandoned in His suffering, God the Father had not completely forsaken Him. Instead, Jesus experienced the weight of sin and separation that comes from bearing humanity’s transgressions.

Identification with Human Suffering:- Jesus’ cry allows Him to fully identify with human suffering, including feelings of abandonment that people may experience, which can bring comfort to those in distress.

Divine Purpose in Suffering:- Jesus’ temporary feeling of abandonment was part of God’s redemption plan. His suffering was necessary for atonement and redemption, showing that even in suffering, God is at work for a greater purpose.

Encouragement for Believers:- Believers may sometimes feel forsaken or abandoned in their own struggles. Jesus’ experience reminds us that we can express our pain to God and still maintain faith, as even Jesus did in His darkest hour.

 

8. By His death, Jesus made certain provisions for us. The following Scriptures give some of these pro-visions. List them here. Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:24, Hebrews 13:12

Redemption? (Not damage control)

·         Jesus redeemed us by His death

·         This is restoration work and not mere damage control exercise

Justification (No criminal/sins records)

·         By Jesus death, we are justified

·         Not just set free, with criminal, sinful records

·         The old account fully settled and cleared, as if we never sinned

Make whole (Double cure)

·         Through Jesus death we were made whole

·         Tripartite whole in spirit, body and soul

·         Provision for spiritual and physical maladies

Sanctification? (Renewal)

·         Through Jesus death, we secured a historical inheritance paradigm shift

·         The human nature is uprooted

·         We possess new life with righteous nature

Life Sustaining manual

·         Through Jesus death, we have access to go through life with confidence

·         We are not living a make-belief or trial and error life

·         We can face each day and the future victoriously

For all (Whosoever will)

·         Jesus death brought an equal opportunity to all and whosoeverwill

1. Redemption from Sin:

Titus 2:14 - "Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

Provision: Jesus’ sacrifice provides redemption from sin, freeing us from the bondage of wickedness and purifying them for a righteous life.

2. Healing from Sin’s Consequences:

1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."

Provision: Jesus’ death offers spiritual and physical healing. By bearing the sins of humanity, He enabled us to be healed from the consequences of sin and empowered us to live righteously.

3. Sanctification and Holiness:

Hebrews 13:12 - "And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood."

Provision: Jesus’ sacrifice sanctifies believers, setting them apart as holy through His blood, enabling them to live in a way that reflects God’s character.

Transformation by Grace: These provisions exemplify the transformative power of grace. Jesus’ death empowers believers to live a life not conformed to worldly standards but to God’s righteous standards.

Hope and Assurance: These provisions instil hope and assurance in us, reminding us that through Christ, we are equipped and empowered to overcome sin and experience genuine transformation.

Connection to Identity: Understanding these provisions emphasizes the identity of believers as a people set apart for God’s purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and mission rooted in Christ’s sacrifice.

 

CONCLUSSION

Thank God for the redemption plan

Thank Jesus for Calvary

 

CALVARY COVERS IT ALL

Verse 1

Far dearer than all
That the world can impart
Was the message that came to my heart
How that Jesus alone
For my sin did atone
And Calvary covers it all

Chorus:

Calvary covers it all
My past with its sin and stain
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there
And Calvary covers it all

Verse 2

The stripes that He bore
And the thorns that He wore
Told His mercy and love evermore
And my heart bowed in shame
As I called on His name
And Calvary covers it all

Verse 3

How matchless the grace
When I looked on the face
Of this Jesus my crucified Lord
My redemption complete
I then found at His feet
And Calvary covers it all

 

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE 

'Twas a life filled with aimless desperation
Without hope walked the shell of a man
Then a hand with a nail print stretched downward
Just one touch, then a new life began 

And the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat
I will praise Him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me 

Barren walls echoed harshness and anger
Little feet run in terror to hide
Now those walls ring with love, warmth, and laughter
Since the giver of life moved inside

And there's a room filled with sad, ashen faces
Without hope, death has wrapped them in gloom
But at the side of a saint there's rejoicing
For life can't be sealed in a tomb