We Remember Jesus' Suffering!

Intro: As Easter approaches, we take time to remember what Jesus did for us more than 2,000 years ago when He gave His life on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. After His last Supper, Jesus made His way to the “Garden of Gethsemane” where He would pray for Himself. He prayed for the strength to fulfill the father's will for Him. No one ever suffered like Jesus!

1. Jesus suffers agony in the garden. After Jesus and His disciples had observed the Passover meal celebrating the exit of the Israelite's from Egypt. At the end of the Passover meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Then Jesus and His disciples made their way to the garden of Gethsemane. There Jesus' would be suffering great agony and pain and would be forsaken by His disciples that He loved as He made His final steps to the cross. As the Lord's Resurrection Day approaches, we need to take time to once again remember that severe agony, pain and humiliation Jesus suffered for us on His way to the cross. We must never forget what Jesus suffered for us! Luke 22:39-46 (ESV) ³⁹  And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰  And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹  And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴²  saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³  And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵  And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶  and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” These verses tell us what happened as Jesus prayed there in the garden. He was in such agony the angels came and ministered to Him, strengthening Him as He sweat drops of blood. There while He was praying, His disciples went to sleep on Him. They could not stay awake to pray for strength to go thru what was ahead. May we not sleep but pray!

2. Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples. Luke 22:47-48 (ESV) ⁴⁷  While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, ⁴⁸  but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

3. He was forsaken by His disciples. Matthew 26:31 (NKJV)
³¹ Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' Not one disciple stood by Him. Jesus walked the road of suffering to the cross all alone.

4. Peter denied Him 3 times, the last time with a curse. Matthew 26:74-75 (NKJV)
⁷⁴  Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. ⁷⁵  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly.

Peter had confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and had seen Him work many miracles that only God could do, still denied Jesus. How that hurt Jesus!

5. No fault could be found in Him. Luke 23:13-16 (NKJV)
¹³  Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,¹⁴  said to them, "You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; ¹⁵  no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.
¹⁶  I will therefore chastise Him and release Him" Jesus was falsely accused and denied a proper trial before the religious leaders and Pontius Pilate.

6. Jesus was condemned to die unjustly. Luke 23:18-24 (NKJV) ¹⁸  And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas"--¹⁹  who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder. ²⁰  Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them.²¹  But they shouted, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" ²²  Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go." ²³  But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. ²⁴  So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. Even though Jesus did no wrong, He was unjustly condemned to die on a cross by His own people the Jews.

7. Jesus forsaken by the Father the cross. Matthew 27:45-46 (NKJV) ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" He was even left alone by the Father God while He bore our sins in His body. We remember how Jesus endured that cross, hanging there in agony with His arms outstretched in love until He gave His Life and shed His precious blood to pay the penalty for our sins.

8. Jesus finished everything needed for our salvation. [John 19:28-30] ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. ³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. The payment for mankind's sin was now paid in full. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God! Let us just take a minute to bow our heads and each of us personally thank Jesus for what He has done for us. In conclusion, may we always show our love, honor and respect for our Savior and Lord because of what He has done for us. May He always have first place in our lives. Let us leave here to live for Him daily!

Invitation: If you have never taken advantage of what Jesus' suffered for you, Do it now by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your life to take charge of you and His love and salvation will flood your soul forever.

"The Life”

 

(John 14:6)

INTRODUCTION: Two of the most remarkable statement by Jesus is found in this one verse. John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This statement was made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death. In making such statements, Jesus claims to be three things: "The Way, The Truth, And The Life." Two weeks ago we learned why Jesus is the only Way. Last week we learned why Jesus is THE ONLY TRUTH! Today we will take a look at where we observe that Jesus is... THE ONLY SOURCE OF LIFE.

A. JESUS PROVIDES ETERNAL LIFE...

1. By His teaching regarding the new birth

a. We must be born again - John 3:3 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

b. Of the water and the Spirit - John 3:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵ Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

c. By our believing in Him – John 3:15-18 (NKJV) ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

d. By pouring out the Spirit who washes and regenerates us - Titus 3:4-6 (NKJV) ⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,⁶ whom He poured out on  us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.                            Through His redemptive work on the cross He justified us, By making us heirs of God. ⁷ having been (justified) by His grace (we should become heirs) according to the hope of eternal life.

e. By bearing our sins in His body on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)
²⁴ who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

f. By being the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. [1 Peter2:25] For you were like sheep going astray but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

II. HE OFFERS ABUNDANT LIFE NOW...                                                   1. As He promised as the Good Shepherd - John 10:10-11 (NKJV)The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ¹¹ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

 2. Jesus offers a peace the world cannot give - John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 16:33 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

 3. He gives us His love, which passes knowledge. John 15:10 (NKJV) If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. Ephesians 3:19 (NKJV) Paul prayed that all Christians might know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

4. He provides His joy, that is inexpressible - John 15:11 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 1 Peter 1:8 (NKJV) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. With such peace, love, and joy, what an abundant and eternal life Jesus offers. 

CONCLUSION: Jesus is truly the way, the truth, and the life. The way to knowing and experiencing God as your Heavenly Father. The reality of truth that provides freedom from the guilt and bondage of sin. The source of life that is blessed now and lasts forever!Jesus may be "the" way, truth, and life, but He is of no value unless He becomes "your" way to the true salvation that leads to eternal life with God.

Invitation: Have you responded to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and received eternal life? Have you ask Jesus to show you the way to God, the truth, and the life? Is He your truth to a close and personal relationship with God? Has Jesus become to you that abundant life by virtue of a spiritual rebirth and the blessings that follow? If not, now is the time to ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you. Then invite Him to take charge of your life. Be baptized to show you are sincere in your desire to be saved and live for Jesus.

"The Truth”

 

Scripture Text

(John 14:6)

INTRODUCTION: The most remarkable statement by Jesus is found in this one verse. This statement was made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death. Jesus claims to be three things: "The Way, The Truth, And The Life." Last time we looked at Jesus as “The Way.” Today we will take a closer look at this scripture, where we observe that Jesus is..THE TRUTH. If it's anything the world needs today in the midst of so much lies, deception is truth, because Jesus said it sets us free.

I. WHAT IS TRUTH...? [John 18:37-38] John 18:37-38 (NKJV)
³⁷  Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
³⁸  Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him at all.” In verse 37 Jesus told Pilate He came to bear witness to the truth. Then in verse 38 Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, what is truth? Consider the meaning of the Greek words translated as "true" and "truth." True means opposed to a lie." It means “real, ideal, genuine.'" Truth means The facts, certainty, reality, honesty, integrity. Truth is what Jesus came to this earth to bear witness to. Truth never changes!

A. Why is truth important? To many government officials, our society and social media, truth is whatever the majority of people agree with or whatever helps advance their own personal power and political goals. To many, the rulings of the Supreme Court are truth. Without the truth of God's word as a foundation, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Today, Justice and truth has become whatever works or whatever helps those in power. When the government, the Supreme Court or society goes against the truth found in God's Holy Bible; we stay with the truth of the bible. There is no room for compromise on God’s word. When we change the truth of God’s word for a lie, God’s judgment is right around the corner. In Jesus and His word we have the standard for truth and our moral behavior.            B. JESUS IS THE TRUTH. By proclaiming that truth is real and knowable. [John 8:31-36(NKJV) ³¹  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³²  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ³³  They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" ³⁴  Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.                             1. To know the truth we must study and live in God’s word. It is the standard for truth. Jesus urged those who really wanted to live by the truth and be His disciples, we are to abide, which means to hold on to, and continue in, and conform to his teachings. [V:31] Jesus proclaims when we abide (continue in) the truth and conform to its teaching, it can set one free from the bondage of sin, lies and deception of Satan and the world. (v:32)

2. People who don’t know the truth are unaware of their bondage to Satan and sin. (v:33-35) The Jews had been in bondage ever since they had rejected God's word and Jesus as their Messiah and King. Those living in lifestyles that are contrary to God’s word don’t realize they are slaves to Satan, sin and death, both physical and spiritual. God’s truth as taught by Jesus and found in Him can set people free of their bondage to Satan, sin and the deception of the world and the flesh. We are to help spread His truth.

3. Jesus as God's Son abides forever and He can set slaves totally free from bondage. (v:36)

4. Jesus speaks truth because He faithfully proclaimed His Father's Word. [John 17:17] Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. The Father’s word is truth. It sanctifies or sets us apart for God's use, it makes us holy. It purifies and frees us from sin!

Conclusion: In John 17:18 Jesus said He has sent us into the world just as God sent Him. We must carry His message of truth to the world regardless of the situation or circumstance, trusting God for his protection. As we pray and give to the Easter mission offering we support our missionaries that are going into all of North America with the truth of the gospel. The gospel is the only cure for all the problems that people have. You and I have the opportunity through the Easter offering to fulfill the command of Jesus and bring honor and glory to Him. Jesus came to this earth to bear witness of the truth which is the word of God. The world needs that truth and it can change a person's life for the good. Will you help spread the gospel? When we hear, read and study the word of God and obey it, and share it with others, Freedom from the bondage of sin and death becomes even more meaningful as we consider how Jesus is...the Truth and has the answers to the world's sin problems.

Invitation: Do you know the truth about whether you are saved or not? If not now is the time to find out the truth about where you stand with God and His Son Jesus. Jesus said you must be born again by the Spirit to ever see the kingdom of God. That is the truth! Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life and He will guide you into all truth by His Spirit.