Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Have you been astonished by someone?
• Have you met someone and formed a first impression and then found out more about them?
• Example of Owen Owen - rebuilding the car 'Babs' and his mechanical genius
• In this passage, Jesus astonishes His disciples
• The great problem today is that people are not amazed by Jesus
• They don't think much about Him
• They don't think much of Him
• We as Christians are often not astonished by Him
• We have become so used to reading about Him we are no longer amazed
• As we look at v32-34 – be amazed, be astonished
• The disciples were amazed and afraid
• Not an amazement at tricks or being entertained
• There is something disturbing as they watch Jesus
• There is something fearful about Jesus
• Jesus was just walking
• Luke 9:51 - Jesus set His face steadfast to Jerusalem
• The intensity of His desire to reach Jerusalem increases
• This will culminate in the Garden of Gethsemane
• There was a terrible foreboding and nervous anticipation at His commitment to the cross
• May we be amazed at the Saviour's determination to die for us
• Jesus was going on the road up to Jerusalem
• They were walking up the hill to Jerusalem
• The phrase also used of those who were going up to worship God in the Temple
• This was the time of the Passover, with many going to celebrate, some with sacrifices
• Jesus was in the middle of this great group of people
• He brings no sacrifice for He is the sacrifice
• Jesus knew what was going to happen
• He knew exactly what awaited Him
• He has already spoken twice to His disciples about His upcoming death
• This third time - He gives more details, 7  distinct aspects of His arrest, trial and execution
• Explanation (v33-34)
  
• He was fully aware of the death that awaited Him
• He has known all His life but now He must prepare His disciples for it
• Jesus exhibits such determination
• Knowing what lies ahead - He cannot casually walk the road, He cannot engage in banter
• He has set His face to Jerusalem
• Each step requires discipline - of perfect obedience to the will of the Father
• Jesus knew an assurance of His ultimate victory
• He would rise on the third day (v34)
• He has the certain knowledge that Calvary would be followed by an empty tomb
• It would involve anguish but the outcome was not in doubt
• He would rise from the death triumphant over death, hell, sin and satan
• The disciples were fearful of going to Jerusalem and what would unfold
• They should have realised the Sovereign King of glory could never be defeated
• Jesus was certain without a shadow of a doubt, that He would rise on the third day
• Not a hopeful contestant but an assured champion
• Jesus is not just the favourite but a certain champion
• This reminds us of three things:
1. Calvary was no accident
• It was the whole purpose of Jesus coming into this world
• He came to die on the cross to make the 'once for all' sacrifice for sin
• There was no other good enough to make this sacrifice
• He was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world
• Not a tragedy but a triumph of grace, mercy and love
2. Jesus' sufferings
• Did not begin when He was arrested
• The burden is bearing on Him now even as He walks the road
• He suffered great physical punishment
• He experienced the wrath of God
• He was cut off from God
• Nothing would deflect Him from this suffering - He committed Himself to the cross to pay the penalty for our sin and reconcile us to God
3. Our salvation is a matter of certainty
• Before the foundation of the world
• Jesus could not fail
• The victory that was never in doubt - is secured
• The victory was secured before the battle even began
• He is a champion
• Anyone that has not yet come to trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour:
• Do you see Him walking with determination to the cross?
• To take your place and punishment?
• Are you amazed as you watch Him walk along the road?
• Do you see His commitment to take our punishment?
• Turn in faith to Him
• Repent of your sin - from breaking God's law (as we all have)
• Come to Him
• See Him as your Lord and Saviour
• Trust in Him
• Acknowledge that He alone can save you
• For those in Christ:
• Love Him all the more
• What a Saviour He is
• What love He demonstrates to us
• Hallelujah - what a Saviour
• Example - do we love Him enough?
  
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to deepen our love for our Saviour
• Praise Him all the more - He is our champion
• Serve Him all the more - He gave everything for us, what will we give for Him?
• Our acts of love, praise and worship
• Closing Remarks