BUT THAT WAS FRIDAY, AND THIS IS SUNDAY!
Luke 23:26-27, 33-38, 44-46; 24:1-11
Dr. Glenn A. Jent, Pastor
INTRODUCTION
It was on a Friday that Jesus was crucified. It was the single most important event in the history of the world. I want us to go back across the centuries in our mind's eye and imagine that we were there on that historic weekend. Let us lay aside our rationalistic thinking and natural skepticism so that we may "see" and "experience" this never-to-be-repeated moment. I want us to notice three specific groups that were around the cross on that day. There were (1) Those who were helping Jesus die, (2) Those who were helpful when Jesus died, and (3) Those who were helpless when Jesus died. Let us look at the first group.
I. THOSE WHO WERE HELPING JESUS DIE
1. The Religious Leaders—the High Priest, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadduccees
2. The Political Leaders—Governor Pilate, King Herod, and other public servants
3. The Common Folk—the soldiers and the mob
They all were helping Jesus die! BUT THAT WAS FRIDAY, AND THIS IS SUNDAY! And, this morning, there was an earthquake here in Jerusalem. And, out where Jesus was buried in a borrowed grave, the stone that had secured the grave was found to be rolled back from the mouth of the cave. Those who checked inside the tomb found that the tomb was empty. Yes, EMPTY!!! But, wait, there was a second group there.
II. THOSE WHO WERE HELPFUL WHEN JESUS DIED
1. Simon, of Cyrene—who was commanded to carry the cross
2. One Thief on the Cross—who spoke up in behalf of and with faith in Jesus
3. Joseph, of Arimathea, and Nicodemus—who took care of the body of Jesus
These people had been helpful when Jesus died that agonizing death. Even the descriptions of crucifixion are sufficient to bring tears to the eyes. BUT THAT WAS FRIDAY, AND THIS IS SUNDAY! This morning, two women went to the tomb with spices to embalm the body of Jesus; but they were shocked to find that the stone was rolled back and that His body was missing. Two angels announced to them that Jesus had risen from the dead. But, wait, let us consider a third group.
III. THOSE WHO WERE HELPLESS WHEN JESUS DIED
1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus—experiencing agony in her heart
2. The Followers of Jesus—who could do nothing to stop the horror
3. The Common Folk—who had heard Him gladly and could not be intimidated
Weeping, powerless, they thought that ALL was lost. They had expected Jesus to establish His Kingdom when He came to Jerusalem; now, He was dead. BUT THAT WAS FRIDAY, AND THIS IS SUNDAY! And, tonight, in a room with all entrances sealed because of fear for their safety, the disciples were shocked by the sudden appearance of Jesus in the room. It was NOT a ghost, or a spirit, or a vision. It was Jesus in the flesh! Yes, HE IS ALIVE! He is risen from the dead, just as He said. His disciples could deny it no longer. They were afraid no longer. In a single moment, they were encouraged and empowered to tell others—yes, this same group of people who once fled for their lives and were totally defeated. BUT THAT WAS FRIDAY, AND THIS IS SUNDAY! And they will never be the same again.
CONCLUSION
This Jesus died for OUR sins. "He was wounded for our transgressions." "He was bruised for our iniquities." "With His stripes, we are healed." He paid the price for OUR sins. BUT THAT WAS FRIDAY, AND THIS IS SUNDAY! Now, HE IS ALIVE! Now, He demands a response from us! Now, He stands waiting to enter the hearts and lives of every man, woman, boy, and girl! Now, He awaits YOUR decision! Will you believe in Him? Will you receive Him as Savior and Lord? OR Will you just ignore the cross and the empty tomb?
BUT THAT WAS FRIDAY . . . AND THIS IS SUNDAY!
By Glenn A. Jent
With hurried step, they brought Him in--
This Jesus whose life they sought to end.
With heated words, they charged Him there
As He stood before the High Priest's chair.
Then off to Pilate's Hall they came,
Demanding death in Caesar's name.
Reluctant Pilate sent the same
To Herod, a kind of political game,
But got Him back again that day.
This crowd, no doubt, would have its way.
So Pilate washed his hands and said,
"Go, take Him, and crucify till He is dead."
The rabble rejoiced with victorious shout,
'Though few realized what it was all about.
They marched our beloved up Golgotha's Brow
Where the soldiers proclaimed, "Let's do it now!"
He was beaten and bruised and spit on that day;
He was taunted and jeered as if it were play.
But the pain and the death were horribly real
From mixture of politico-religio zeal.
As Jesus died there for our sin,
He cried to His Father again and again.
But that is the story of Friday's gore,
And this is Sunday; there's so much more!
It's true that on Friday His followers lost hope,
But on Sunday their Lord would help them cope.
Before daybreak, the ground began to shake;
The guards at His tomb their post did forsake.
The stone was rolled back for all to see
That Jesus, from death, had been set free.
Angelic the message the women heard,
They ran to tell others this glorious word
That Jesus had risen from the dead.
It happened exactly as He had said.
Dumfounded disciples refused to believe;
So Jesus granted another reprieve.
In the upper room, the Savior appeared
Until all were certain and, then, Him revered.
And into all the world they did go
To tell of this Jesus that they loved so.
No one could withstand or cause them to cease,
For He was alive and had given them peace.
Yes, boldly they went, this group that once fled,
And praised their Redeemer until they were dead.
Now we, in their place, must boldly go
And praise our dear Lord so that all may know
That on Friday He died for all of our sin
But on Sunday He came back to life again!
|
