Matthew: The Power of the Cross

Matthew 27

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If you had to guess, how many crosses (physical or pictures) do you think you see around the city every day on average?

The cross has become the universal symbol of Christianity (and rightfully so). Do you think most people understand what it means when they see it?

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Matthew 27:15-17

[15] Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. [16] At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. [17] So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”

Matthew 27:20-23

[20] But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. [21] “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered. [22] “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” [23] “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

Matthew 27:33-51

[33] They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). [34] There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. [35] When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [36] And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. [37] Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.

[38] Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. [39] Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads [40] and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” [41] In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. [42] “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. [43] He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” [44] In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

[45] From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. [46] About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

[47] When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

[48] Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. [49] The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

[50] And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

[51] At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split

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1. The Power of Substitutionary Sacrifice

Can anyone think of a movie or novel where someone sacrificed themselves for the sake of someone else?

Why are these scenes so powerful and memorable?

From the crucifixion account we just read, what hits home to your heart? Why is it so memorable to you?

One of the clearest pictures of substitutionary sacrifice is the scene with Barabbas and Jesus. What do you think was going through Barabbas’ mind when Jesus took his place?

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“Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” ~John Stott

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Why did our sin put Jesus on the cross?

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You can summarize the gospel in four words: “Jesus in my place.”

2. The Power of Access and Adoption

What was the purpose of the giant curtain in the temple in Jerusalem?

Why is it significant that the curtain was torn from top to bottom?

Knowing that you have that kind of access to God now, how should that impact your prayer life?

Not only do we have access, but we are adopted into God’s family? What benefits come with being adopted? (maybe compare earthly adoption to our adoption by God)

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3. The Power in Suffering

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Would it have been fair and just for God to let humanity suffer in their sins?

It is understandable that many people do not believe the Bible because they do not know how to think about God and suffering. However, the Bible is not silent on this issue. What does the cross teach us about God and suffering?

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“Jesus was abandoned, and paid for our sins, so that God the Father would never abandon you. The cross proves that he loves you and understands what it means to suffer. It also demonstrates that God can be working in your life even when it seems like there is no rhyme or reason to what is happening.” ~Timothy Keller

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Based on everything we discussed today, what aspect of the power of the cross encourages you the most?