By: Ernest S. Underwood
Text: Luke 23:33–49
Subject: Christology
Proposition: To examine the words “There They Crucified Him” as found in the text.
Objective: To bring the hearer to the actual realization of the events at Calvary.
Introduction:
- Read Luke 23:33–49.
- Jesus gave up Heaven to come to earth in the flesh to save man (2 Corinthians 8:9; John 15:13).
- At about age 30, He began an intense personal ministry of teaching, preaching and working wonders.
- After three years of this ministry, the Jews, because of their hatred of Him, were instrumental in having Him put to death.
- In this lesson, we shall take from the text the words “There They Crucified Him” and study each of them.
Discussion: Concerning these words we notice:
I. “There they crucified Him.”
A. A shameful place – between two thieves.
B. A public place. - Usually at a busy intersection of roads so that the victim could be seen by many, and this as a warning (Matthew 27:39, “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads.”)
- Schaff-Herzog says, “Value was attached to the publicity of execution, and for this reason highways or elevated squares were selected for the place.”
- Today, in Red Square in Moscow, stands an elevated area of some 50 X 50 feet where hangings and beheadings took place in the past.
C. A solitary place. Though in a public place and surrounded by many, He was forsaken by His friends, and finally by the Father. “My God, my God, why has Thou…”
Song: “The Old Rugged Cross”
II. “There they crucified Him.”
A. Though the Jewish leaders could not carry out the actual execution, they planned and caused it. They were murderers at heart (John 11:53).
B. The Roman soldiers were the murderers indeed. - They were simply doing their duty.
- In this duty, there was no pity, compassion or shame.
- They were only interested in the personal belongings of their victim. They cast lots for His garment.
- Their cruelty can be seen later in the breaking of the legs of the two thieves.
C. He died for all mankind (1 Corinthians 15:3). - Question #1: If you had been there on that day, would you have joined in with those who cried, “Crucify Him?”
- Question #2: Are you aware that each time you deliberately sin, it takes the blood of Him to cleanse you? Woe to him who deliberately sins (Hebrews 10:26–31).
Song: “I’ll Be a Friend to Jesus.”
III. “There they crucified Him.
A. A painful death. - Smith’s Bible Dictionary: “It was unanimously considered the most horrible death.”
- The agony and suffering was prolonged.
B. There are records where some lasted as long as four days before dying.
C. Mercifully, Jesus died after six hours. (Discuss the all-night trial, the scourging.) - A shameful and vile death.
- It was the form of execution reserved for the vilest of criminals.
- It was applied almost exclusively to slaves and people of lower rank.
- Note the emphasis of “even” in Philippians 2:8—“Even the death of the cross.”
Song: “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord”
IV. “There they crucified Him.”
A. The One Who never harmed another person but Who “went about doing good.”
B. The sinless One. - The Jews could bring no just accusation against Him (John 8:46) and finally employed false witnesses.
- The Roman government, represented in Pilate, judged Him innocent: “I find no fault in this just man.”
- To this very day, even though still hated by many, no one has ever been able to bring a just charge of wrongdoing against Him.
C. The Lamb of God (John 1:29). He was the sacrifice that God gave for sinful man.
D. The Prince of Life (John 11:25; Acts 3:15). - The One Who the grave could not hold.
- The One Who offers eternal life to all who obey.
Song: “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”
Conclusion: - Jesus died on the cross.
- In His death, His blood was shed (John 19:33–34).
- To reach and appropriate that blood, one must get into His death.
- This is accomplished as one obeys His will (Romans 6:17–18; 6:3–4).
- He died for you. Will you live for Him?
Invitation Song: “Come to Jesus”
