The Power of the Cross of Jesus

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Power of the Cross of Jesus

Date: Sep. 25, 2018

Passage

John 19:31-42 (ESV)

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 19:36

For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”

1. Jesus died (31-37)

As the Jews wanted to celebrate their Passover ceremony, the soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals. They did not do this to Jesus because he was already dead. Still one of them wanted to confirm his death by piercing his side. That brought a sudden flow of blood and water. That became a scientific evidence of his sure death. Thus fulfilled the scriptures, 'His legs would not be broken and he would be pierced by his side' (Ex 12:46; Zec 12:10). Jesus' death was according to God's plan and his prophecies for world salvation work.

2. Jesus was buried by Joseph and Nicodemus (38-42)

Witnessing Jesus' courageous death on the cross, forgiving sinners, made a secret disciple Joseph of Arimathea fearless. He boldly asked Pilate for the body of Jesus to bury him. He was ready to lose his social position as a Sanhedrin member. Nicodemus also became bold. He brought very expensive perfume to embalm Jesus' body. Jesus was well wrapped then buried in a new tomb hewn for the rich. This fulfilled the scriptures too. In the cross we see God's forgiveness for our sins and God's power to change sinners.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, your cross takes away all our sins, fear of death and makes us fearless witnesses to Jesus too.

One Word: The cross of Jesus has power to change people

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references