April 14, 2017

Good Friday Service

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Matthew 26:36-46, Psalm 22:1-19
Service Type:

Introduction

  • There is much confusion and darkness about what Good Friday is about
    • Example
  • To see a little glimpse of what it cost our Saviour
  • We are on hallowed ground

Jesus Death was voluntary

  • Make no mistake about it - Jesus death was voluntary
  • There was a purpose of Jesus going to the cross
  • He said 'I  delight to do Your will'
  • John 10:14-18
  • The disciples were with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane
    • Jesus took three closest disciples with Him

The True Gospel

  • Do people know what Easter is really about?
    • There has be a decline in Christianity
    • We are in an increasing minority
    • Where are we as a country and as individuals?
  • The disciples saw the true sorrow of Jesus (v38)
    • "My Soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death"
    • Jesus pours out His soul to His disciples and then to His Father
    • Jesus poured out His soul to God three times
    • Phil 2:6-8
  • What is going on here?
    • God the Father is offering God the Son the cup of wrath and sin
    • In this darkness we have the shadow of Calvary
    • In a few hours Jesus drinks the cup of wrath to the full
    • Perhaps we can begin to understand something of Jesus' sorrow
  • The Jews and the Romans saw Jesus as a criminal
    • He is guilty before men
    • He is guilty before God
    • Can you begin to understand what is happening here?
  • God is saying that Jesus is being punished for sin
    • 'The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all'
    • God pours out His reproach on Jesus
    • God reckons Jesus as a sinner - He has taken all our sin
  • God has made us righteous in Christ
    • 2 Cor 5:21
    • 2 Cor 8:9
    • Are we rejoicing?
    • God has gone through the filth and sludge of humanity so that we can be covered in beautiful garments
    • It should thrill our souls and delight our hearts

Closing Remarks

  • "Could you not watch one hour?"
    • The disciples were asleep
    • Are we asleep?
    • Do not miss the gospel because you are asleep
    • Call out to God for the promise of life eternal
  • The word of God comes to us: are we asleep in our sin?
    • Are we awake and serving Christ?

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