Week 3: The Cross – The Ultimate Sacrifice
The Price He Paid, The Victory We Gain
Matthew 27:32-56 (NASB)
Introduction: The Moment That Changed Everything
Imagine the sound of hammers striking nails, the shouts of Roman soldiers, the gasps of onlookers. The sky darkens, the ground trembles, and the air grows heavy with sorrow. The sinless Son of God hangs between two criminals, beaten beyond recognition, nailed to a rugged cross—a symbol of death and shame.
Why did He do it? Why did Jesus willingly endure the most agonizing death imaginable? Because the cross wasn’t just His death—it was our victory. Perception = The Cross was NOT about death (one perception); it was about VICTORY (BEST Perception). Our perception should be: that Jesus didn’t die for us; He died instead of us.
- The Journey to Golgotha – The Weight of Sin
Matthew 27:32-34 (NASB)
"As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine mixed with gall to drink; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink."
The Weight He Carried
- Jesus had been brutally beaten and scourged—His body broken; His strength depleted.
- Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the cross – Why? Who was Simon of Cyrene? Why was this man chosen to be part of The Plan.
- Jesus in His humanity showed us another example of humility; when things are tough, look to fellow believers to HELP (carry the cross) you.
- Simon not only “helped” – he carried the cross – which means that Simon “participated” in the journey “with” Jesus. The shame; the jeering of the crowd; the “weight” that was intended for the other one.
- Simon in Aramaic means = “he has heard”
- Cyrene is a Greek city (modern-day Lybia) that was known for being a place for “Hellenistic Greeks”.
- The symbolism here is enlightening: God chose Simon from the midst of worldly evil and Simon heard (hence his name)
- Simon's life was forever changed
- Simon went on to minister to “Hellenistic folks” in Egypt
- Simon then joined Thaddeus (Jude) until they were both martyred (cut in half)
- Jesus, as a human, was completely without strength and could not “complete the journey to the end” on his own.
- This whole scene is a symbol of our inability to bear the weight of our own sin.
- The wine mixed with gall was meant to dull the pain, but Jesus refused. He chose to fully experience the suffering, bearing the full weight of sin without numbing it.
- This detail is crucial because it reveals the full extent of Jesus' willingness to endure the complete weight of human suffering and sin. Let’s break down why this is so significant:
- Demonstrates the Fullness of His Sacrifice
The wine mixed with gall (or myrrh) was a common practice for those being crucified. It acted as a mild anesthetic to dull the pain.
- By refusing it, Jesus made a conscious decision to fully embrace the suffering without any relief.
- This means that Jesus did not just partially suffer—He endured the full measure of pain and physical agony on the cross.
- Isaiah 53:4-5 (NASB) - "Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried... He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities..."
- Why It Matters:
If Jesus had accepted the wine mixed with gall, it could have lessened His suffering. But He wanted to fully bear the punishment for our sins without dulling or diminishing the pain. This shows the depth of His love and commitment to the Father’s plan.
- 2. Complete Identification with Our Suffering
- Jesus chose to experience the full extent of human pain and suffering so that He could fully identify with us.
- He did not take a shortcut, even though He had every right to.
- Hebrews 4:15 (NASB) - "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin."
- Why It Matters:
Because He chose to endure the full measure of suffering, He can truly understand our pain, our struggles, and our sorrows. This makes Him not just our Savior, but also our Sympathizer and Comforter.
- 3. A Demonstration of His Unwavering Obedience and Commitment
- The cross was not just about physical pain; it was also about obedience to the will of the Father.
- By refusing the pain-dulling drink, Jesus was saying, "I will not take the easy way out. I will fully complete the mission."
- Philippians 2:8 (NASB) - "Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
- Why It Matters:
It shows that His love for us was greater than His desire to escape the pain. He remained fully obedient to the Father’s will, no matter the cost.
- 4. Symbolizes the Bitter Cup He Chose to Drink
- Earlier in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed,
Matthew 26:39 (NASB) - "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." - The cup He referenced was the cup of God’s wrath and judgment against sin.
- On the cross, He literally and figuratively drank that cup—the cup of suffering, sin, and separation from God.
- Why It Matters:
By refusing the wine mixed with gall, Jesus was demonstrating that He would not avoid the bitter cup of God’s wrath. He drank it fully on our behalf so that we wouldn’t have to.
- Final Thought: The Power of His Choice
- Jesus’ refusal of the gall-laced wine shows His willingness to take on the complete suffering required for our redemption. He endured it without shortcuts and without diminishing the pain because our sin required a full and complete sacrifice.
- When we consider the cross, we must realize that Jesus didn’t just partially suffer—He fully bore the weight of sin so that we could be fully forgiven. That kind of love and commitment should move us to our knees in worship and gratitude.
Application:
Jesus didn’t take shortcuts in His suffering because our redemption required full payment. Just as Simon carried the cross, Jesus carried our guilt, our shame, and our sin. This is a STRONG visual given to us by our Messiah.
- The Mocking and the Crucifixion – Enduring the Shame
Matthew 27:35-44 (NASB)
"And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, ‘THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’"
The King of Glory Humiliated
- The soldiers mocked His kingship, unaware that He truly was the King of Kings.
- They cast lots for His garments, fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 22:18).
- Even the criminals crucified with Him mocked Him, though one later repented. Matt 27:44; Mar 15:32; Luk 23:39-43
- You may be “hurling insults” at Jesus (unsaved) Jesus will give you the gift of Eternal Life even at the last minute of physical death.
Application:
Have you ever felt humiliated, mocked, or betrayed? Jesus understands. He bore the insults and the shame so that you wouldn’t have to. He was stripped and mocked to cover us with righteousness and honor.
- The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross – A Glimpse into His Heart
Luke 23:34 (NASB) - "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."
- Jesus' first words reveal His unimaginable love and grace.
- Even while suffering, His focus was on forgiving those who mocked and crucified Him.
Luke 23:43 (NASB) - "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
- Jesus’ grace extends to the repentant thief on the cross, promising him salvation.
- This reminds us that it’s never too late to turn to Jesus.
John 19:26-27 (NASB) - "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!"
- Even in agony, Jesus ensures that His mother Mary is cared for.
- Love and responsibility remain His priority, despite His pain.
Matthew 27:46 (NASB) - "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Eli, Eli, lama azavtani)
- This cry of abandonment echoes Psalm 22 and reveals the depth of His separation from the Father as He bore our sins.
John 19:28 (NASB) - "I am thirsty."
- A reminder of His physical suffering and the humanity He bore on our behalf.
John 19:30 (NASB) - "It is finished!"
- The debt is paid in full—the work of salvation is complete.
Luke 23:46 (NASB) - "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit."
- A final declaration of trust and surrender into the Father's hands.
Application:
The seven sayings reveal His heart, His mission, and His love (Perception, Personality, Passion). He was thinking of others—even in His suffering. He declared victory, not defeat. “It is finished” means your debt is paid in full!
- The Moment of Death – Victory in Surrender
Matthew 27:50-51 (NASB)
"And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split."
The Tearing of the Veil
- The veil separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple—access to God was restricted.
- When Jesus died, the veil tore from top to bottom, signifying that God Himself made a way for us to enter His presence.
- This wasn’t just a symbolic act—it was a declaration of access to the Father through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Application:
Through His death, Jesus removed every barrier between us and God. Are you living in that freedom, or are you still acting as if the veil is intact? Your “Surrender” means your “Victory”!
- The Impact of the Cross – Lives Changed Forever
Matthew 27:54 (NASB)
"Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'"
Transformation at the Cross
- The very men who crucified Him recognized His divinity.
- The cross changed everything. It transformed sinners into saints and haters into believers.
Conclusion: What Does the Cross Mean to You?
The cross was not just a historical event—it was a cosmic victory. Jesus endured the pain, the shame, and the death that we deserved. He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.
The question today is not just, "Do you know about the cross?" but rather, "Has the cross changed you?"
