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Luke gives up something that none of the other gospel writers give us.  He draws our attention to a group of mourning, crying, weeping women.  This is what particular women did, in the city of Jerusalem, when men were on their way to execution.  What Jesus does in response to these mourning women is sobering.

Luke gives up something that none of the other gospel writers give us. He draws our attention to a group of mourning, crying, ...

Weep For Yourselves - Luke 23:27-31

The trials of Jesus are now over.  The outcome is settled. He is hated without a cause. What we have seen in His trials will not be left behind as they lead Jesus away to His death. The light of the world continues to shine. God continues to put His Son on display. We are taught and reminded that the greatest need that men have is for the grace and mercy of God. This morning we set our attention on God's saving grace experienced by a particular man; Simon of Cyrene.

The trials of Jesus are now over. The outcome is settled. He is hated without a cause. What we have seen in His trials will not be ...

Simon of Cyrene - Luke 23:26

Why did the writers of the New Testament, and apostolic preaching, assign human responsibility for the condemnation and crucifixion of Jesus? Why, when we know that in the final analysis, Jesus died for God? Why, when we know that the death of Christ was the plan of God from all eternity? 
 
This is the very point that Peter made in that Pentecost sermon, even as he assigned guilt (Acts 2:23). So why did these preachers assign guilt to the Jews, to the Gentiles, to Herod, and to Pilate? Because it was true! 
 
Divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility.

Why did the writers of the New Testament, and apostolic preaching, assign human responsibility for the condemnation and crucifixion of Jesus?  Why, when we know that in the final analysis, Jesus died for God?  Why, when we know that the death of Christ was the plan of God from all eternity?

This is the very point that Peter made in that Pentecost sermon, even as he assigned guilt (Acts 2:23).  So why did these preachers assign guilt to the Jews, to the Gentiles, to Herod, and to Pilate?  Because it was true!

Divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility.

The Whole World Guilty - Luke 23:18-25

DescriptionThere were two phases to the trials that led to the crucifixion of Jesus. The first phase was the Jewish phase. Jesus faced three trials at the hands of the Jews. Those trials were a mockery and a model of dishonesty. 
 
The second phase is the trials of Christ in the civilian realm. He appears before Pilate, then Herod, and then he is returned to Pilate. The theme that emerges from these trials is clear. Jesus is innocent and they are guilty. Jesus is pure and they are corrupt. Jesus is the Savior and instead of looking to Him for the forgiveness of their sins, they confirm their sinfulness by wanting Him dead. When you come face to face with the Son of God, you do not judge Him, He judges you.

DescriptionThere were two phases to the trials that led to the crucifixion of Jesus.  The first phase was the Jewish phase.  Jesus faced three trials at the hands of the Jews.  Those trials were a mockery and a model of dishonesty.

The second phase is the trials of Christ in the civilian realm.  He appears before Pilate, then Herod, and then he is returned to Pilate.  The theme that emerges from these trials is clear.  Jesus is innocent and they are guilty.  Jesus is pure and they are corrupt.  Jesus is the Savior and instead of looking to Him for the forgiveness of their sins, they confirm their sinfulness by wanting Him dead.  When you come face to face with the Son of God, you do not judge Him, He judges you.

Christ's Innocence Proclaimed, Pt 2 - Luke 23:8-12

The trials of Jesus represent a study of unintentional vindication. Jesus was absolutely sinless.  He was perfectly pure, and His enemies couldn't hide it.  Despite their zeal to kill Him, and despite their zeal to find ANYTHING for which they could condemn Him, Jesus' purity proved to be radiant light that they couldn't hide.

Christ's Innocence Proclaimed - Luke 23:1-12

Does God Want You To Be Happy?  Genesis 2:4 - 3:8

Christians are not strangers to failure. We wish we were, but in truth, the Christian life, sadly, is chocked full of failure. Thankfully, if we know Christ, we have also come to know the promise of the Gospel, and the power of the Gospel. Mercifully, as we look at the perfect record of Scripture, we are able to see that we are not alone in this and this did not have its beginning with us. In these verses we see Peter, a man full of love for Jesus, yet we see also what may have been his greatest failure.

Failure & Hope - Luke 22:54-62

There are few places in Scripture more deep and full of mystery than this passage of scripture.  What it says is not at all difficult to understand.  What we have here is presented in plain statements. We can see what happened with Jesus. We can listen as He prays.  But to exhaust the full depths of it is beyond us.  We must be content to say what Scripture allows us to say and then leave the rest to God.

Holy Ground - Luke 22:39-46

The word of God is full of exhortations that speak of the need for manly strength in the ministry. It seems especially needed in these present days. We live in a day of much compromise and great apostasy. If there was ever a time for strong men of God it is right now.

The Mindset & Manner of God's Servant - 2 Timothy 2:24-26

The last moments you have with someone that you love is a time that represents great treasure. Where you were, what you did, what was said, and even how you wish you had been more aware than you were that the time was short, sticks with you. These are memorable moments. These are treasured moments. These are impactful moments. When that person with whom you are spending those last moments happens to be the Son of God, then it represents a time to be recorded and a time to be treasured by the whole world. In Luke 22, we see the disciples sharing in sharing moments with the Son of God.

Upper Room Riches - Luke 22:21-23

Our Lord did NOT die a victim. He did die as an innocent. He was hated without a cause. His trials and His crucifixion DID represent infinite injustice, from the standpoint of how men treated Him. And yet, it was all by divine design. 
 
Who was responsible for the death of Jesus? The religious leaders of the Jews were responsible for their part in the death of Jesus. Judas was responsible for his part in the death of Jesus. Satan was responsible for his part in the death of Jesus. The people who would eventually choose Barabbas over Jesus would be responsible for their part in the death of Jesus. Pilate and the Romans were responsible for their part in the death of Jesus. But in the final analysis we know that Jesus died for God. Jesus died according to the will of the Father. Jesus died voluntarily.

Our Lord did NOT die a victim.  He did die as an innocent.  He was hated without a cause.  His trials and His crucifixion DID represent infinite injustice, from the standpoint of how men treated Him.  And yet, it was all by divine design.

Who was responsible for the death of Jesus?  The religious leaders of the Jews were responsible for their part in the death of Jesus.  Judas was responsible for his part in the death of Jesus.  Satan was responsible for his part in the death of Jesus. The people who would eventually choose Barabbas over Jesus would be responsible for their part in the death of Jesus. Pilate and the Romans were responsible for their part in the death of Jesus.  But in the final analysis we know that Jesus died for God.  Jesus died according to the will of the Father.  Jesus died voluntarily.

Victor Not Victim - Luke 22:1-6

Soldier, Athlete, Farmer - 2 Timothy 2:3-7

Words are powerful and words are telling.  What comes out of a person's mouth reveals what is in the heart. A person's character is known by their speech. If perfection is possible it would require a stainless tongue. Every word would have to be trustworthy, and pure and holy. Our words reveal that we are sinners. Our words reveal that we needed a Savior. Christ had to die for our tongues.

The Words of Christ - Luke 21:29-33

How has the salvation unity between Jew and Gentile been brought into being? What can be said of this new unity between Jew and Gentile in the church can be said of all things that have historically and sinfully divided people.  If Jew and Gentile are to recognize one new identity in Christ, then so is everybody else.  All of the categories used by men as an excuse to exalt self, and to hate others, the gospel reduces to nothing.  Whether rich or poor, whether slave or free, whether Jew or Gentile, Greek or barbarian, male or female, or what your past was in sin, what matters now is that our spiritual identity is Christian.  Christian is our name.

The Precious Truth of Peace - Ephesians 2:14-18

Why predictive prophecy? Do you think about that very often? Just because God knows something, and has determined to do something, doesn't mean that He has to tell us.  So why do we find predictive prophecy in the word of God?  There are a number of reasons. Luke 21 explores four of those reasons.

When You See Jerusalem Surrounded - Luke 21:20-24

The Christian life is a life in union with Christ. The Christian life is a Christ centered life in its pursuits.

The Christian Life Is A New Life In Christ - Colossians 3:1-4

The weeping prophet speaks for a merciful God. A gracious opportunity is set before a people on their way to a just judgment. The potter has spoken making use of a potter and he has formed disaster for Judah. 
 
Jeremiah announces that judgement is on the way. He also proclaims terms for peace. The Lord will relent if they will repent. 
 
How do they respond? Sadly, Judah would refuse the mercy of God.

The weeping prophet speaks for a merciful God.  A gracious opportunity is set before a people on their way to a just judgment.  The potter has spoken making use of a potter and he has formed disaster for Judah.

Jeremiah announces that judgement is on the way.  He also proclaims terms for peace.  The Lord will relent if they will repent.

How do they respond?  Sadly, Judah would refuse the mercy of God.

Lessons From A Potter, Pt 2  Jeremiah 18:12-23

Absolute power and amazing grace exist in the same God. Absolute holiness, a perfect hatred of evil, an immovable commitment to justice AND compassionate love, the willingness to forgive, the desire to deliver, exists in the same God. God raises up and sends messengers to announce that message to a people on the brink of disaster.  His willingness to judge and His willingness to relent are announced through the same vessel.  Jeremiah was such a vessel. A faithful messenger is a grace gift from God to a needy world.

Lessons From A Potter, Pt 1 - Jeremiah 18:1-23

One of the great dangers in the Christian life, in the spiritual realm, is the danger of forgetting. Our memories can be weak. Our minds can be misinformed and thus our memories inaccurate. When it comes to the things that we are called upon by God to remember, we rely on His word to inform and refresh our memories.

Gentiles - Remember! - Ephesians 2:11-13

Sin has more than one face and more than one form, and the particular sin that I alert us to this morning is one that God warns of often. It is the sin of ungratefulness.

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