THE AGONY

AND
GLORY
OF THE CROSS
From The Book By Brother Charles R. Hodge Jr.
Outlined by Bob Buchanan
Editors Note: We are thankful that the brothers in
Christ who are publishing and distributing brother Hodges
book are graciously permitting us to outline it for use in
evangelism and leadership training. We have added just a few
Scriptures and points of emphasis.
We recognize our
own inadequacy in showing the depth of feeling, the
intensity, the passion seen in the reading of the book.
We encourage the reading of this book by all.

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 1
I. The OFFENSE of the CROSS
A. A Short Introduction
1. The apostle Paul would glory ONLY IN THE CROSS

(Galatians 6:14)

2. You cannot have the glory of the cross without the agony of the cross.
3. So much of the time, people think of Jesus as sweet baby Jesus, or as a
Helpless man dying on a cross.
4. Much of the preaching has removed the HORROR, the VIOLENCE, and the
CRUELTY of the cross
5. No one today has ever seen a CRUCIFIXION! By putting the cross on a church
building, is it possible that men glorify the CROSS rather than the
CHRIST on the CROSS?
B. JESUS told His disciples that HE WOULD OFFEND MEN (Matthew 16:16-23;
Mark 8:27-33; John 6:60, 61). Jesus even said that his followers would be
scandalized by the events that took place (Mark 14:27-31).
C. WHO WOULD ACCEPT A CRUCIFIED, COMMON CRIMINAL as their
SAVIOR?
1. To the Romans, the word, CROSS was an obscene word, and should NOT
be used.
2. Peter RESISTED the idea of the cross, and wanted to protect Jesus. Jesus
said, Get behind Me, Satan (Matthew 16:23).
3. Even the Old Testament pointed out that HANGING on a TREE brought a
CURSE (Deuteronomy 21:23; Acts 5:30; Galatians 3:13)
D. Paul spoke about the OFFENSE of the CROSS (Galatians 5:11)
E. Christ is pictured as a Rock of Offense (Romans 9:31-33). But, Paul was NOT
ashamed of the gospel! (Romans 1:16). ARE WE ASHAMED?
F. Paul taught that the CROSS was a stumblingblock to the Jews, and foolishness
to the Gentiles (I Corinthians 1:17-25). IS IT TO US?
G. At the cross, God was saying that it was better to bring good out of evil than not to
allow evil at all. Nothing on earth is as controversial, offensive, or divisive as
the cross. No one ever made people angrier than Jesus did!
2

H. The CROSS OFFENDS PEOPLE, because GOD IS RIGHT!

1. God is RIGHT because the universal problem of man is SIN!
2. God is RIGHT because the ONLY ANSWER FOR SIN IS THE CROSS!
3. CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY! (Romans 5:6-8). We ALL
QUALIFY AS SINNERS!
I. The CROSS OFFENDS PEOPLE because MAN CANNOT DESERVE, CANNOT
EARN, and CANNOT BUY SALVATION! (See Romans 6:23)
J. Justice demands punishment, and GRACE provides the escape. Jesus is the Lamb
of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)
K. Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and NO ONE CAN COME TO
THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM (John 14:6). This is considered to be
Rigid, narrow, exclusive, intolerant, and judgmental by the world, but IT IS
TRUTH!
II. The WEEK THAT CHANGED THE WORLD (See Matthew 27:31)
A. Some PRELIMINARY Considerations
1. The Four Gospels of Matthew-John tell us of only FORTY PLUS DAYS in the
Life of Jesus Christ.
2. ONE-THIRD of these GOSPELS focus on the WEEK LEADING UP TO THE
CROSS
3. This week LEADING UP TO THE CROSS is almost ONE-HALF of the book
of JOHN
4. JESUS HAD SET HIS FACE TOWARD JERUSALEM (Luke 9:51).
NOTE: Jesus was in COMPLETE CONTROL! See also Mark 10:32-34.
Jesus DID NOT DIE BY ACCIDENT! He came to earth to die for us!
5. Brother Charles Hodge presented ALL OF HIS SERMONS in the year 1985
on the SUBJECT OF CHRIST
6. NOTE: Jesus DID MUCH TEACHING in this WEEK LEADING UP TO THE
CROSS! He TAUGHT UNTIL THE VERY END!
B. SUNDAY: A DAY OF ACCLAIM
1. The ANOINTING IN BETHANY

(John 12:1-8)

a. This was probably the evening before, but the Jewish day began at
SUNSET, about 6:00 P. M.
3

b. The cost of the ointment was very expensive, perhaps about a common
mans wages for ONE YEAR
c. Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead (John 11), was present
(John 12:2). The raising of Lazarus contributed to the death of Jesus
(John 11:46-53)
d. The real character of Judas Iscariot was revealed at this time (John 12:4-6)
e. Whatever is given to Jesus, for Jesus, cannot be titled, waste.
2. The TRIUMPHAL ENTRY of Jesus Into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11;
Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-41; John 12:12-15)
a. Note that Jesus forced people to make decisions: Accept Me or Kill Me!
b. Two disciples were sent to get a COLT that had never been ridden. Jesus
rode into the City peacefully. Jesus had a parade with the people
spreading branches and clothes.
c. The people shouted, HOSANNA which means, Save, we pray.
d. This Triumphal Entry is in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, 10.
e. The Pharisees were horrified. They had thought the whole world was
going after Jesus (John 12:19). They wanted Jesus to rebuke His
disciples. HE WOULD NOT! IF WE HAD BEEN THERE, WHAT
ATTITUDE WOULD WE HAVE DISPLAYED?
f. Jesus CRIED OVER JERUSALEM! (Luke 19:41). Today, a little chapel
stands on the side of the Mount of Olives. It is constructed in the form
of a TEARDROP!
C. MONDAY: A DAY OF AUTHORITY
1. Jesus CURSED A FIG TREE

(Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-26)

a. This is only one of two destructive miracles of Jesus. See the other
in Matthew 8:28-34.
b. The FIG TREE gave the appearance of bearing fruit, but it did not. The
The Jewish leaders claimed to be of God, but WERE NOT! This is
hypocrisy!
2. Jesus CLEANSED THE TEMPLE
Luke 19:45-48)

(Matthew 21:12-15; Mark 11:15-19;

a. Jesus DID NOT ATTACK MEN, but He ran them out of the temple
b. He said, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you are making
it a robbers den (Matthew 21:13; Jeremiah 7:11)
4

c. The temple tax had to be paid in shekels. When money was exchanged,
people were cheated! A robbers den!
d. NOTE: Jesus was NOT a coward or sissy! He was strong and
courageous. A man among men!
3. JESUS CONTINUED HIS TEACHING

(John 12:20-50)

a. While the Jews tried to kill JESUS, some GREEKS wanted to hear Him
(John 12:20)
b. Jesus knew HIS HOUR had come, but He continued to TEACH AND
TEACH GREAT TRUTHS! He taught that seed must die in order
to live (John 12:21-26)
c. Jesus said, Father, glorify your name! For a third time during His
personal ministry, the FATHER SPOKE FROM HEAVEN! (John
12:28, 29). It sounded like thunder! See also Matthew 3:13-17 and
17:1-5.
d. If Jesus is LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH, He would draw men unto
Himself! HE SPOKE OF THE CROSS! (John 12:32, 33)
e. The Jews LOVED THE APPROVAL OF MEN MORE THAN THAT
OF GOD (John 12:42, 43)
D. TUESDAY: A DAY OF ACTIVITY
1. This seems to be the BUSIEST DAY in the ministry of Jesus
2. The Jews asked, BY WHAT AUTHORITY was Jesus doing these things?
Remember that he He had CLEANSED THE TEMPLE. (Matthew
21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8)
a. Jesus fought fire with fire. He told them that if they would answer
concerning John the Baptist, He would answer them. They would
NOT answer. Neither would He!
b. The Jews were asking for His credentials. He was the Great Debater,
and exposed their foolishness
3. Jesus TAUGHT THREE PARABLES in this particular context or setting
a. The parable of the TWO SONS

(Matthew 21:28-32)

b. The parable of the WICKED RENTERS who killed the owners

SON! (Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)
c. The parable of the MARRIAGE FEAST (Matthew 22:2-14).
The invited guests were guilty of murderous sport (Matthew
22:6, 7)
5

d. Is it not interesting that the LEADERS rejected Jesus, but the

COMMON PEOPLE heard him gladly? (Mark 12:37)
4. ATTEMPTS TO ENTANGLE, TRAP JESUS
a. The Pharisees and Herodians asked about the poll tax to Caesar
(Matthew 22:15-21). Jesus said that they should Render to
Caesar what is his, and to God what is His!
b. The Sadducees asked about the RESURRECTION. They did NOT believe
in a resurrection. Jesus told them they did NOT KNOW THE
SCRIPTURE, NOR GODS POWER (Matthew 22:23-33)
c. The Pharisees sent a lawyer to ask about the GREATEST
COMMANDMENT (Matthew 22:34-46). Love God with all your
heart! Love your neighbor!
5. Jesus pronounced a series of WOES on the scribes and Pharisees
(Matthew 23:1-36)
a. In this strong, scathing sermon, Jesus said, How shall you escape the
sentence of hell? (Matthew 23:33).
b. Then, Jesus mourned over the City of Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39)
6. Walking away from the temple, Jesus told His disciples of the destruction of
Jerusalem, and the end of the age (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21)
7. In the middle of all the hypocrisy and sin, there is the story of the POOR
WIDOW (Mark 12:41-44)
8. Jesus told THREE PARABLES OF JUDGMENT
a. The parable of the TEN VIRGINS
b. The parable of the TALENTS

(Matthew 25:1-13)

(Matthew 25:14-30)

c. The parable of the SHEEP AND THE GOATS

(Matthew 25:31-46)

`E. WEDNESDAY: A DAY OF NO ACTIVITY

1. God gave Jesus A DAY OFF
2. Jesus enemies could NOT ANSWER HIM. So, they desired to KILL HIM!
3. JUDAS, (And, Satan) WERE BUSY ON THIS DAY. He made an agreement
with the chief priests to deliver Jesus (Luke 22:1-6)
F. THURSDAY: A DAY OF ACTION
1. Jesus awakened this day, NOT TO SLEEP AGAIN. The hour had come.
6

2. The task for this day was the preparation of the PASSOVER MEAL
(Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13)
3. The disciples would see a MAN carrying a pitcher of water. The women usually
did this. The room was there and available, even though great crowds were
in the City.
4. REASONS for Jesus desiring to EAT THIS PASSOVER with the disciples
a. He wanted the disciples fellowship before SUFFERING
b. This would be the LAST God-given PASSOVER. For Christians, the
Law of Moses ended at the CROSS! God gave the Passover. God
took it away!
c. Jesus is NOW our perpetual PASSOVER

(I Corinthians 5:7)

d. At this time, Jesus will institute His Supper in memory of His death
on the CROSS!
5. There are TWO interesting things here: (1) The authority of the Scripture, and
(2) Jesus OBEDIENCE. Jesus obeyed Gods Law of the Passover up until
the end. See Matthew 5:17-20.
6. That evening was the Supper, Thursday had ended, and, at SUNSET, FRIDAY
had begun.
7. On the evening BEFORE THE CROSS, the disciples were ARGUING over who
would be the GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM (Luke 22:24-30). See
also John 13:1-20. Note also Matthew 20:20-28
8. NOTE: Jesus did NOT shout and scream! He did NOT decide to abandon
these and GET OTHER DISCIPLES! He taught and taught!
9. During the PASSOVER, Jesus announced the BETRAYAL (Matthew 26:21-25;
Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30).
10. Jesus gave the morsel to JUDAS, and immediately JUDAS went out. And it
was night (John 13:30)
11. Jesus instituted the Lords Supper in memory of the CROSS (Matthew
26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20: I Corinthians 10:16, 17;
11:23-29)
12. JUDAS missed so much. He left also BEFORE Jesus gave John 13:34, 35 that
the disciples should LOVE ONE ANOTHER as He had loved
13. Jesus also, at this time, announced that PETER WOULD DENY HIM
(Matthew 26:33-35; John 13:36-38)
G. FRIDAY: A DAY OF AGONY
7

1. The great PRAYER OF JESUS is located in John 17. This is truly the Lords
Prayer, perhaps the greatest prayer ever uttered.
2. JESUS PRAYED FOR:
a. Himself

(John 17:1-5)

b. The Apostles

(John 17:6-19)

c. And, US! Those who would believe on Him (John 17:20-23)

3. Jesus prayed in GETHSEMANE, perhaps the hardest prayer ever prayed
(Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46). In this prayer,
THE FATHER SAID, NO, AND JESUS SAID, YES!
a. Let this cup pass from Me Jesus was NOT a coward!.
b. This was the battle of eternity! Between God and Satan! Humanity
was at stake!
c. Jesus was made to be sin! See II Corinthians 5:20, 21. The eternal
wrath of a Holy God was poured out on Jesus.
d. The CROSS was the only time in all eternity when the Father and Son
were separated. Note that, on the cross, Jesus said, My God, my
God, why have you forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
e. Jesus could have called for 12 legions of angels to PROTECT HIM, but,
in the Garden, He was sent ONE ANGEL TO STRENGTHEN HIM
(Matthew 26:53; Luke 22:43).
f. Evidently, this was the time when there was loud crying and tears
(Hebrews 5:7)
g. This is the only time when Jesus called the Father, ABBA, a term
in Aramaic that is similar to the word, Daddy (Mark 14:36)
h. The crowd, LED BY JUDAS, came to seize Jesus. People in a MOB
lose their individuality. Hatred rejects thought! (Matthew
26:47-56)
i. Peter used force cutting off MALCHUS RIGHT EAR! See John 18:10, 11.
j. Before the Devils fire, Peter DENIED THE LORD THREE TIMES
(Mark 14:54. See Matthew 26:69-75). He then CRIED BITTERLY!
k. Jesus appeared before ANNAS, CAIAPHAS, the SANHEDRIN, to
PILATE, then HEROD, then back to PILATE (John 18:13-24;
18:24-28; Matthew 27:1-33; Luke 23:1-11; 23:11-25)

l. JUDAS had regret that came from pride, but NOT TRUE
REPENTANCE that comes from HUMILITY. He committed
suicide (Matthew 27:1-10)
m. Jesus was on the CROSS for six hours, from 9:00 A. M. until 3:00 P. M.
He died as a PAUPER, but was buried as a KING in Joseph of
Arimatheas new tomb (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47;
Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42).
n. The people involved KNEW that Jesus was DEAD. The soldiers KNEW!
Pilate KNEW! Joseph of Arimathea KNEW! Nicodemus KNEW!
The women KNEW!
H. SATURDAY: A DAY OF ABSENCE
1. If Satan ever had a banquet in hell, it must have been on Saturday. However,

SUNDAY WAS COMING!

2. Jesus was RESURRECTED on the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK
(Matthew 28:1, 2; Mark 16:1, 2, 9; Luke 24:1-3; John 20:1)
I. SUNDAY: A DAY OF APPEARANCES
1. On Sunday, the tomb was empty. The angel said, Why do you seek the living
One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen (Luke 24:5, 6)
2. Some APPEARANCES on that day:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:1-9; John 20:1-18)

Other women (Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-11)
Men on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13-33)
Peter (Luke 24:34)
Ten of the apostles (Thomas was absent) (John 20:19-25)

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 2
I. GETHSEMANE (This word means oil press)
A. Like Paul, let us GLORY IN THE CROSS (Galatians 6:14)
B. Gethsemane was the PRAYER PLACE of Jesus when he was in the Jerusalem
area (John 18:1, 2). He often went there for PRAYER!
C. Jesus had His JUDAS! Jesus had said that it would be better for JUDAS IF HE
HAD NOT BEEN BORN! (Matthew 26:24, 25)
D. It is NOW PRAYER TIME for Jesus. HIS HOUR HAS COME! The CUP is
near! See also Mark 10:38, 39
1. The weight of the sins of the world were on His back!
2. He had instituted the Lords Supper in memory of His body and blood
3. He had prophesied that His BETRAYAL WAS IMMINENT!
E. In the HOURS AHEAD:
1. Peter will DENY HIM
2. Only one of the twelve, JOHN, will even be at the CROSS.
3. The Jews would reject Him in favor of a common criminal, Barabbas.
F. It was time to PRAY!. Note that Jesus PRAYED at the time of GREAT EVENTS
IN HIS PERSONAL MINISTRY
1. He was PRAYING at His baptism

(Luke 3:21, 22)

2. He was PRAYING all night before He selected the TWELVE

3. He was PRAYING at the time of His Transfiguration

(Luke 6:12-16)

(Luke 9:28-35)

G. NOTE that God answers PRAYER! But, sometimes the answer is NO! But, God
provided the way of salvation for US! There is NO WAY BUT THE CROSS!
H. Jesus said, IT IS FINISHED on the cross, but the DECISION was made in
GETHSEMANE! Jesus gave His soul in Gethsemane, and His body at
Golgotha
I. PAIN TIME was coming. Jesus endured the cross and despised the shame
(Hebrews 12:1, 2)
10

J. NOTE: The writers of the four gospel accounts placed very little or no emphasis
on the physical pain.
K. BETRAYAL TIME! Multitudes of armed men came to arrest an UNARMED
PREACHER!
1. Jesus stood out in the open ground and said, HERE I AM. (John 18:5-8)
2. It was a LONG, HARD, COLD NIGHT!
II. THE TRIALS OF JESUS (Matthew 26:57-68; 27:1, 2, 11-25; Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-15;
Luke 22:63-23:25; John 18:2-19:16)
A. Many were giving their testimony against Jesus, but their testimony was NOT
CONSISTENT (Mark 14:56)
B. The TRIALS were UNFAIR from the very beginning
C. Judas betrayed Him, the apostles were scattered, Peter denied, and four puppet rulers
ANNAS, CAIAPHAS, HEROD, and PILATE judged the GREAT JUDGE
D. The respected Sanhedrin (Jewish court) became a lynch mob.
E. THE ONLY ONE WHO WAS IN CONTROL IN THESE TRIALS WAS JESUS
Note: John 10:17, 18; 19:10, 11. Jesus forced His enemies to take action! Jesus
fought Satan, Judaism, and the whole world, AND HE WON! The COURAGEOUS
LORD!
F. JUDAISM and its LEADERS were MORALLY and SPIRITUALLY CORRUPT!
G. The religious leaders were AFRAID OF JESUS! They could NOT deny His miracles.
They were AFRAID of a RIOT if they took Jesus during the PASSOVER!
H. SOME OF THE ILLEGAL and IRREGULAR ACTIONS during the trials of Jesus
1. The decision about Jesus was made before the trial began
2. Officials had no authority to make an arrest at night
3. Capital trials could not be held at night, and a guilty verdict could not be
made without a night to consider it
4. Crucifixion was not known in JEWISH law
5. The judges were to act as defenders as well as accusers
6. Hearsay evidence was not to be admitted under Jewish law
7. Two or three witnesses must testify. False witnesses were sought in the
Trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:59-61)
8. A member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish council) was to be assigned to defend
the accused
9. The younger members of the Council were to vote first
10. The Sanhedrin had no authority to originate the charges. They could only
try the case after the charges were filed.
11. Court cases were not allowed on feast days and the eve of the Sabbath
12. The accused person could not testify against himself
11

13. The Council must meet in the Hall of Hewn Stones

14. The High Priest was forbidden to tear his clothes
I. THE JEWISH TRIALS
1. Jesus was first taken before ANNAS the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Annas
had been High Priest in the past, but he and his sons had been corrupt.
2. However, he was still the power within the Jewish priesthood.
3. Then, Jesus was taken before CAIAPHAS, the High Priest. It is almost
humorous that they could not even find paid false witnesses.
4. Examine Matthew 27:1, 2, 11; Mark 15:1, 2; Luke 23:1-3; John 18:29-33.
5. The Jewish leaders were very PROUD and HAUGHTY
6. In a barbaric way, they SPAT on Jesus, SLAPPED HIM, CURSED Him, and
taunted Him to tell them who hit Him while blindfolded (Matthew 26:66-68;
Mark 14:65; Luke 22:63-65). NOTE: Jesus had prophesied SPIT! (Mark
10:34; Luke 18:32)
7. Caiaphas FORCED Jesus to TESTIFY AGAINST HIMSELF UNDER OATH
(Matthew 26:62-64). The Jews were very ANGRY!
J. THE ROMAN TRIALS
1. Pontius Pilate HATED the JEWS, and they also hated him. The Jews wanted
Jesus BLOOD, but Pilate wanted to protect his political position.
2. NOTE: The Jews, in a dishonest way, EXCHANGED the charge against Jesus
that He blasphemed, for another one, that of POLITICAL TREASON.
See this in Luke 23:1-3.
3. Pilate repeatedly stated that Jesus was NOT GUILTY, and sent Jesus to King
Herod (Luke 23:7-12). Jesus would NOT perform a magic show for
Herod! Pilate and Herod became friends.
4. The Jews thought they WON, BUT THEY REALLY LOST! They cried out
that they had NO KING BUT CAESAR! (John 19:15). They renounced God
for Caesar. They accepted the very thing they HATED, submission to
Caesar! Read John 19:12.
5. The Jews shouted, His blood be upon us and upon our children (Matthew
27:25). It is so tragic that in the war with Rome, hundreds of thousands
of Jews were killed, and Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed (A. D. 70).
6. NOTE THIS PARADOX: Pilate washed his hands of the matter and permitted
Jesus to be crucified (Matthew 27:24). On the other hand, Jesus washed
Feet (John 13). The historian, Eusebius, said that at a later time, Pilate
committed suicide.
12

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 3
I. CRUCIFIXION
A. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
(Galatians 6:14)
B. The horrible practice of CRUCIFIXION was probably invented by the Persians,
but perfected by the ROMANS. Rome would NOT crucify a Roman citizen.
C. Crucifixion took away any human dignity that a man had. It was meant to KILL, but
to keep the person ALIVE as long as possible in his horrible agony.
1. A man was left naked
2. Nails were put through his wrists
3. There was just a small amount of blood loss. No major blood arteries were
affected.
4. It was very difficult to breathe. To exhale, the victim must push up with his
legs, and accept the terrible pin in the feet.
5. Many lived for two or three days.
6. Movement multiplied the misery experienced.
7. There were headaches, muscle spasms, nerve spasms, and terrible thirst.
8. Death came from shock and exhaustion
9. When the legs were broken, and the victim could not push up to assist breathing,
he would die in a few minutes. Note: John 19:31-34.
10. The English word, excruciating, which means terrible pain, literally means
out of the cross.
D. The SCOURGING of Jesus
1. Jesus prophesied His own flogging or scourging (Matthew 20:17-19;
Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34)
2. It produced great welts on the skin, very deep stripes, and swollen body. Eyes
were sometimes torn from their sockets, and teeth knocked out.
3. Some people DIED from the scourging, but this whipping was NOT intended
to kill, but to punish. Crucifixion was to KILL.
4. Pilate had Jesus scourged (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; John 19:1). Then,
thinking that the Jews might sympathize with Jesus, Pilate said, Behold
the man (John 19:5). This FAILED!
5. The Scripture places very little emphasis on the PAIN and TERRIBLE
SUFFERING involved in this. The scourging was called the Little
Death and CRUCIFIXION was called the Big Death.

13

E. There are DIFFERENT KINDS OF WOUNDS. Jesus suffered all of them:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Wounds that produced BRUISES caused by FISTS and blunt instruments

Lacerated wounds coming from scourging
Penetrating wounds coming from sharp instruments
Perforated wounds coming from pierced hands and feet (Psalm 22:16)
The wound that came to insure Jesus was dead. The spear pierced His side

II. SIX HOURS ON THE CROSS (PART ONE) (Matthew 27:33-44; Mark 15:22-33;
Luke 23:22-43; John 19:15-27)
A. When they came to the place of the SKULL, they crucified Him, a thief on his left
and one on his right (Luke 23:33)
B. The third hour until the ninth hour would be equivalent to 9:00 A. M. to 3:00 P. M.
Jesus DIED at the NINTH HOUR.
C. The death of Jesus is the MOST FAMOUS DEATH IN ALL OF HISTORY!
This was Pauls SERMON --- Christ CRUCIFIED (I Corinthians 2:1, 2). Read
also I Corinthians 1:18-25.
D. DETAILS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE GOSPEL ACCOUNTS
1. Luke said, .There they crucified Him. (Luke 23:33)
2. We do NOT know the exact shape of the cross. It was probably like the
traditional cross, NOT an X or T.
3. We know that Jesus was RAISED on the first day of the week, our Sunday
(Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1, 9, etc.). But, we must examine the text to see
the day of crucifixion.
a. The GOSPELS state TEN TIMES that Jesus was raised on the third day.
b. The New Testament does say three days and three nights in comparing
Jonahs experience in the great fish (Matthew 12:40). But, this is a
Figurative expression.
c. If Jesus had spent a literal three days and nights in the tomb, He would
have been raised on the fourth or fifth day.
d. NOTE A PARALLEL: Rehoboam told the people, who requested lower
taxes, to depart for three days, and then return (I Kings 12:5). The
people returned to get the answer on the third day (I Kings 12:12).
NOTE ALSO: Jesus said, .the third day I reach My goal (Luke
13:32)
e. The day of crucifixion was the day BEFORE THE SABBATH, the
preparation day (Mark 15:42; John 19:31; Luke 23:50-56).
Thus, the day of the crucifixion must be considered FRIDAY.
14

E. INTERRUPTIONS on the ROAD TO GOLGOTHA

1. The appearance of SIMON of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32, 33; Mark 15:21, 22;
Luke 23:26)
a. He was compelled to carry a portion of the cross
b. Mark said that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus. Perhaps,
these sons were known in the early church. There is a Rufus in
Romans 16:13, but it is uncertain that this is the same Rufus.
c. There were people from Cyrene who were present on the day of
Pentecost (Acts 2:10). There were also preachers from Cyrene who
assisted the work in ANTIOCH (Acts 11:20), and, a prophet from
Cyrene is found in Acts 13:1-3.
2. There were sympathetic, heartbroken WOMEN (Luke 23:27-31). Jesus stated
that, because of future sorrow, they must mourn for themselves and their
children.
3. NOTE: The Jews traded the life of Jesus for that of a wretched criminal,
Barabbas. An apostle, Judas, betrayed Him. His good friend, Peter, denied
Him. An illegal court sentenced Him. A group of bullies beat Him.
And, hardened, calloused soldiers crucified Him.
F. THE FIRST THREE HOURS ON THE CROSS
1. Jesus was offered vinegar with myrrh, but refused it
15:23)

(Matthew 27:34; Mark

2. The people chanted for Him to come down from the cross (Matthew 27:39-44;
Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:35-40). The thieves also participated (Matthew
27:44, Luke 23:39-41 etc.)
3. If Jesus HAD COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS, there would be NO
SALVATION! The Jews rejected the MESSIAH! This rejection put them
out of the Messiah business. They put Jesus blood on themselves and on
their children (Matthew 27:25).
4. Jesus FORGAVE one of the THIEVES who turned to Him in penitence
(Luke 23:39-43). Jesus forgave SINS during His personal ministry. Read
Mark 2:1-12. The thief may have been baptized with Johns baptism. We
do NOT KNOW. However, he lived and died under the LAW OF MOSES.
Jesus WILL came into effect at His death (Hebrews 9:15-17). The
Baptism of the New Covenant was NOT ANNOUNCED UNTIL
PENTECOST (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:36-41).
5. In great pain, JESUS TOOK CARE OF HIS MOTHER (John 19:26, 27)
Jesus was saying to John, Stay with My mother. NOTE: The mother
and brothers of Jesus were with the apostles BEFORE PENTECOST
(Acts 1:13, 14). An interesting thought is that the MOTHER and BROTHERS
15

OF JESUS MUST BE SAVED BY JESUS BLOOD JUST AS WE ARE!

Life is not futile.failure is not fatal.. death is not final!

16

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 4
I. THE HOLINESS OF GOD
A. But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 6:14)
B. Look at the beautiful picture of a HOLY GOD on His throne (Isaiah 6:1-8).
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD OF HOSTS! The whole earth is full
of His glory! (Isaiah 6:3)
C. There are wrong ideas about God today:
1. People want to believe in a god they have created. People want to believe
in God, but NOT A HOLY GOD!
2. People want to FEEL God, while refusing to LISTEN to God and KNOW
GOD (John 17:3)
D. The word HOLY is found in the Bible more than 600 times.
E. HOLINESS is the unique characteristic of God that SEPARATES Him from all
created beings. It is the number one attribute of God, and is explained by
other characteristics. God can both withhold His love, and He can give His love.
He is HOLY!
F. Holiness MUST BE the goal of every Christian! Read I Peter 1:15, 16. Notice that
this passage is based on such Scriptures as Leviticus 11:44, 45, and 20:26.
1. However, sermons and classes on HOLINESS are NOT being presented.
2. PERSONAL HOLINESS is obsolete in the lives of so many religious people.
3. The Christian is NOT RUINED by living in the world, but by allowing the
world to live in him.
4. Real HOLINESS is a position, a practice, and a process.
G. True HOLINESS has been exchanged for a cheap, false spirituality. Spirituality
can be faked or bragged about, but true HOLINESS CANNOT. Can a person
be PROUD of their HUMILITY?
1. One lady told the author of our text, I am on a higher spiritual level than you
are. His answer was, (1) I hope so, and (2) How do you know?
2. WITHOUT HOLINESS, WE CANNOT SEE GOD! (Hebrews 12:14)
3. Our hearts are to be holy and blameless before God (I Thessalonians 3:12, 13)
17

4. We must perfect holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 7:1)

H. The question is NOT, How can a loving God send a sinner to hell? BUT, INSTEAD,
How can a HOLY GOD NOT SEND A SINNER TO HELL? We must look at
the cross!
II. SIX HOURS ON THE CROSS (PART TWO)
Luke 23:44-46; John 19:28-30)

(Matthew 27:45-50; Mark 15:33-37;

A. Jesus said, IT IS FINISHED, bowed His head and gave up His spirit (John 19:30)
B. Only the SIX HOURS on the cross can explain the day of Pentecost (Acts 2)
1. There were 3,000 baptisms on Pentecost of people from all over the world known
At that time (Acts 2:36-41)
2. An unknown preacher, Peter, came without an outline on paper, without a
Bible. But, this was the GREATEST RESPONSE!
3. The most marvelous result ever produced came out of the CROSS, the CHURCH!
See Acts 2:42-47, etc..
4. God was in COMPLETE CONTROL. He had given the JEWS 50 days to think
about what had happened.
a. An EARTHQUAKE had rattled their teeth (Matthew 27:51-53)
b. DARKNESS enveloped them for THREE HOURS (Matthew 27:45;
Luke 23:44, 45). Can you imagine the questions they had asked? Can
you imagine their FEAR?
c. ROCKS were broken apart! Tombs were OPENED! These folks walked
around after Jesus RESURRECTION (Matthew 27:51-54)
d. The VEIL (Curtain) in the TEMPLE was torn from top to bottom
(Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:44, 45). Is it possible that
This contributed to the CONVERSION of a number of JEWISH
PRIESTS? (Acts 6:7)
e. The people had been SO FRIGHTENED that they BEAT THEIR
BREASTS (Luke 23:48). We wonder how many of these may
have been present on Pentecost?
f. The CENTURION was deeply moved, saying, Truly this was the Son of
God (Matthew 27:54). The centurion and those with him were
FRIGHTENED! See also Luke 23:47. Certainly, he would
not have a clear understanding at that time concerning what he was
saying.
g. CONSIDER THIS: Pilate and the Jewish leaders KNEW that Jesus was
RESURRECTED!
18

h. Christianity is built on the EMPTY TOMB! The Holy Spirit came on the
apostles at Pentecost. People heard them speak in their own language.
(1) Peter called the people MURDERERS! (Acts 2:22-24; 2:36)
(2) Peter was speaking of what had happened only 50 days earlier in
the SAME CITY!
(3) Peter affirmed the RESURRECTION OF JESUS and proved it
by (1) SCRIPTURE (Acts 2:25-31), (2) By EYE WITNESSES
(Acts 2:32), and (3) By the miraculous coming of the Holy
Spirit causing people to hear in their own language (Acts 2:33)
(4) The CHURCH came from the EMPTY TOMB!
C. THE FINAL THREE HOURS
1. Look at FOUR MORE STATEMENTS OF JESUS
a. My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).
See also Psalm 22:1.
(1) The people thought He was crying for ELIJAH
(2) The wound of separation from the FATHER was a greater
wound than man could ever inflict. Jesus became SIN
for us (II Corinthians 5:20, 21)
(3) By His death, Jesus NOT ONLY conquered SIN, but He also
conquered DEATH! (Hebrews 2:14-18)
b. I Thirst

(John 19:28, 29)

(1) Cheap wine was brought. The One bringing the Water of Life
was so thirsty. Read Psalm 69:21
(2) NOTE: The inspired authors of the Gospels did NOT emphasize
the PAIN of Jesus on the Cross. We are SAVED BY HIS
BLOOD, HIS DEATH!
c. IT IS FINISHED

(John 19:30; 17:4, 5)

(1) Gods PLAN OF THE AGES has been PERFECTED! Read

Ephesians 3:1-11.
(2) THE TASK IS DONE! God had PLANNED, PROMISED,
PROPHESIED, PREPARED, and PERFECTED HIS
SCHEME OF REDEMPTION!
d. Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit (Luke 23:46).
19

(1) Jesus cried this WITH A LOUD VOICE!

(2) That day, JESUS would be in PARADISE (Luke 23:43)
(3) Jesus BREATHED HIS LAST!
D. THE GLORY OF THE CROSS
1. Jesus had PRAYED to the Father just the NIGHT BEFORE the CROSS
2. He had GLORIFIED the FATHER by completing the work the Father had
given Him (John 17:4)
3. NOW, Jesus prayed that the FATHER would give Him the GLORY that He
had with the Father, BEFORE THE WORLD WAS (John 17:5)
4. God had TURNED the most terrible, inhumane INSTRUMENT OF DEATH
into the GREATEST MOTIVATION! THE CROSS DRAWS PEOPLE
TO GOD! It is like a MAGNET as it ATTRACTS the hones soul to God.

20

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 5
I. THE APPEAL OF THE CROSS
A. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
(Galatians 6:14)
B. By worldly standards, the LIFE OF JESUS WAS A FAILURE!
C. There were 120 disciples in Jerusalem WAITING!
had been told TO WAIT! (Acts 1:4, 5)

(Acts 1:11-15). The apostles

D. But, with the FIRST GOSPEL SERMON, the NUMBERS BEGAN TO INCREASE
(Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7, etc.)
E. Christianity is NOT just a philosophy or idea. It is A PERSON! It is NOT just what
GOD SAID, but WHAT GOD DID!
F. The Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12, is GOOD and ESSENTIAL, but it CANNOT SAVE.
SALVATION DEMANDS A CROSS!
G. THE APPEAL OF THE CROSS
1. The CROSS APPEALS to our DEEPEST EMOTIONS
a. Jesus said that, if He were lifted up from the earth, He would draw
men unto Himself (John 12:32). He was speaking of the CROSS
(John 12:33)
b. The CROSS arouses our INDIGNATION! It stirs our ADMIRATION.
It BREAKS OUR HEART! It compels, impels, and propels.
c. NOTE: A heart WITHOUT THE CROSS is a MISSION FIELD. A
heart WITH THE CROSS is a MISSIONARY!
2. The CROSS APPEALS to our HUMAN DIGNITY
a. God could FORCE MEN, but He DOES NOT. He INVITES MEN!
b. God is NOT A BULLY!
c. The CLOSER one gets to the CROSS, the MORE POWERFUL IT IS!
d. There should be EMPATHY, SYMPATHY, ANGER, and JOY
e. This is the GREAT MYSTERY OF GODLINESS (I Timothy 3:16)
3. The CROSS APPEALS to our sense of MORAL OBLIGATION
21

a. No one can remain NEUTRAL at the foot of the CROSS

b. Jesus DRAWS men to Himself (John 6:44, 45). He does NOT
DRIVE or FORCE MEN!
c. The CROSS is the GREATEST STORY ever told
II. STATEMENTS AT THE CROSS (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19)
A. STATEMENTS by JESUS (NOTE: Jesus made SEVEN STATEMENTS that are
recorded in the Gospel accounts. The FIRST THREE focused on OTHERS, AND
THE LAST FOUR WERE CONCERNING JESUS HIMSELF
1. FORGIVENESS: Father, forgive them . (Luke 23:34)
a. This was a PRAYER, not a declaration
b. His FIRST and LAST statements were addressed to the FATHER.
(1) Father, forgive them and Father, into Thy hands.
c. THINK ABOUT THIS: Jesus was PRAYING FOR HIS
EXECUTIONERS! Read Jesus statements in Matthew 5:43, 44,
.Pray for those who persecute you. Truly, the cross is
Forgiveness!
2. SALVATION: To the thief, Jesus said, Today, you will be with Me in
Paradise (Luke 23:43)
a. Sin-soaked sinners are saved by a blood-stained Savior
b. Jesus had POWER on earth to FORGIVE SINS (Matthew 9:6;
Mark 2:10; Luke 5:23, 24)
c. It seems that it is easier for God to save the UNRIGHTEOUS than
to save the SELF-RIGHTEOUS and ARROGANT
3. RESPONSIBILITY: Woman, behold your son (John 19:26, 27)
a. Mary was the woman and John was the son.
b. NOTE: Jesus did NOT call her Mother. People would pervert this
into making Mary a beatified person. Nevertheless, It is sad that
many have done it.
c. Mary was called by God to bear His Son (Luke 1:26-33)
d. Simeon, the prophet said to Mary, .And a sword will pierce even
your own soul (Luke 2:35)
e. MOTHERS will always be there. But, where were brothers and sisters?
22

f. Jesus had pointed out in His personal ministry that family are those
who DO THE WILL OF GOD (Matthew 12:46-50)
g. However, even in the middle of great suffering, Jesus wanted John to
take care of Mary.
4. PATHOS: A heart-breaking question, That which arouses PITY or SADNESS
My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46)
a. The FINAL FOUR STATEMENTS of Jesus on the Cross are concerning
HIMSELF
b. Jesus evidently shuddered at the loneliness of becoming SIN
(II Corinthians 5:20, 21)
c. Jesus MUST ENDURE this GREAT SUFFERING ALONE
5. THIRST: I Thirst (John 19:28)
a. Earlier, Jesus had refused a drink that would have dulled His senses
b. Now, he took a drink to retain His senses. This was the only PERSONAL
FAVOR HE REQUESTED.
6. VICTORY: It is finished (John 19:30). In the Greek language, this is only
ONE WORD, tetelestai. WHAT A WONDERFUL VICTORY! Jesus
came to DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER! HE DID IT! (John 6:38)
7. FAITH: Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit (Luke 23:46)
a. Jesus died in confidence and FAITH, NOT IN DOUBT!
b. He chose WHEN He would die and be resurrected. Read John 10:18.
c. Jesus told PILATE that his power was only WHAT GOD ALLOWED
(John 19:10, 11)
B. STATEMENTS MADE BY OTHERS AT THE CROSS
1. The tormentors of Jesus taunted Him, saying, If you are the Son of God, COME
DOWN from the cross (Matthew 27:39, 40)
a. People WITH DEMANDS will NOT BELIEVE! Is it not interesting
that the people believed that LAZARUS HAD BEEN RAISED?
NOTE: John 11:45-51.
b. Is it not also interesting that the Jewish leaders believed in the miracle
at the Temple BUT THEY WOULD NOT OBEY CHRIST? (Acts
4:13-17)

23

2. CHANGE: The thief on the cross said, Remember me. (Luke 23:42)
a. One of the thieves WAS NOT PENITENT. The CROSS either makes
men BETTER or WORSE!
b. The penitent thief was the ONLY ONE who really knew what was
happening. He knew that Jesus could HELP HIM.
3. MAGIC: Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us (Luke 23:39).
The impenitent thief wanted deliverance from crucifixion by some kind of
magical power. He was hurling abuse at Jesus. He was blaspheming.
4. GAWKERS: (People STANDING and LOOKING). Let us see if Elijah
will come to save Him (Matthew 27:47-49; Mark 15:36). Bystanders
want to see everything, but, many times, understand nothing.
5. GAMBLERS: Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it (John 19:24). Jesus
was dying for our sins while men were gambling for His clothes!
NOTE: Things were more important to them than the life of a man.
The ROBE was more valuable to them than the life of Jesus. Are we any
different than they?
6. JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA and NICODEMUS: Where are they? They asked
boldly for the body of Jesus and buried it (John 19:38-40; Luke 23:50-53).
Joseph was a secret disciple. Nicodemus had visited Jesus at night (John
3:1-5). WHAT DID THEY DO IN THE FUTURE? Were they there on
Pentecost? WE DO NOT KNOW.
7. CONCLUSION TIME: Truly, this was the Son of God (Mark 15:39). The
Centurion, perhaps an idolater, would have had an incomplete understanding
of what he said. What the crowds and the enemies of Jesus had missed, THIS
MAN SAW! He had felt the EARTHQUAKE! He and his companions were
frightened (Matthew 27:54).

24

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 6
I. THE MYSTERY OF THE CROSS
A. But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 6:14)
B. Paul told TIMOTHY, And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness.
(I Timothy 3:16)
C. The word, mystery in the New Testament means a thing that was once concealed is
now revealed. For example, the gospel that includes Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-11).
However, mystery includes the idea that we CAN NOT FULLY GRASP THE
EXTENT OF LOVE, FAITH, JUSTICE, OR GOODNESS.
D. The mystery of the Lord can be understood ONLY by revelation, not by human
reason.
E. NOTE some Scripture concerning MYSTERY
1. The GOSPEL is mystery (Ephesians 1:7-13). See also the faith as a
mystery (I Timothy 3:9)
2. The truth about Christ had been a secret since the world began
(Romans 16:25, 26; I Corinthians 2:7)
3. This mystery was for the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5)
4. The mystery was revealed by the Holy Spirit to apostles and other
inspired men (Ephesians 3:2-6)
5. The apostle Paul spoke of Christ and the church as a great mystery
(Ephesians 5:32)
6. The CROSS was planned in the mind of God before creation! The
CROSS purchased the church (Acts 20:28). See also Revelation 5:9, 10.
7. Mystery requires the OBEDIENCE of man without complete knowledge of
all of Gods will. The secret things belong to God! There is MUCH that
we do NOT KNOW AS YET!
II. PEOPLE AT THE CROSS (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19)
A. SOME PEOPLE WHO WERE ABSENT
1. The apostles were ABSENT except for JOHN! Read Zechariah 13:7;
Matthew 26:56 and Mark 14:50. Was the pain of the CROSS too much
for the apostles? What would we have done if we had been there?
25

2. MARY, MARTHA, and LAZARUS were absent. They are not mentioned again.
Were they present on Pentecost? Jesus loved them (John 11:5, 36). Had
they hurt too much already? The raising of Lazarus had been part of the
reason why the Jews wanted to kill Jesus (John 11:46-51).
3. OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN ABSENT
a. The physical BROTHERS of Jesus. They were in the gathering of disciples
waiting for Pentecost (Acts 1:13, 14). John, son of Zebedee, was with
Mary at the CROSS (John 19:25-27).
b. What about BARABBAS who had been delivered from punishment by the
death of Jesus? Perhaps, we would call him a terrorist (John 18:
39, 40).
c. We wonder if MALCHUS was there or absent? Jesus had miraculously
healed his EAR the previous night (Luke 22:49-51; John 18:1-11).
The majesty of Jesus had been seen at that moment. Think about it!
Malchus was the slave of Caiaphas! CAIAPHAS SAW THAT EAR
EVERY DAY!
d. JUDAS was not there, for he was DEAD! (Matthew 27:1-5). Jesus had
permitted Judas to approach Him in the Garden, EVEN KISS HIM!
Jesus knew that Judas was a devil (John 6:70, 71). Satan had
entered Judas (Luke 22:3; John 13:2). Jesus told Judas, What you
do, do quickly (John 13:26-30). A LESSON FOR ALL OF US: If
Jesus cannot save everyone, neither can we!
B. SOME PEOPLE WHO WERE PRESENT AT THE CROSS
1. The WOMEN were there. This included MARY, the mother of Jesus (John
19:25-27), MARY MAGDALENE (John 19:25), MARY, the mother of
James the Less and Joses (Mark 15:40), SALOME, (Mark 15:40;
See also Luke 8:3), AND WOMEN FROM GALILEE (Matthew 27:55, 56).
THE WOMEN WERE THE LAST AT THE CROSS AND THE FIRST AT
THE TOMB! Praise God for women!
2. The SAVED THIEF was there (Luke 23:39-43). The greatest day of this mans
life was his crucifixion! Remember that Jesus FORGAVE SINS during His
personal ministry (Mark 2:10), and the THIEF WAS SAVED under the Law
of Moses (Hebrews 9:15-17). The gospel was NOT yet in effect. NO ONE
CAN BE SAVED TODAY AS THE THIEF WAS!
3. The CROWDS were there (Matthew 26:65-68, etc.). To the spectators, this was
a sport, a bloody, ugly sport. Crowds can be inhumane! They cried, His
blood be on us and on our children (Matthew 27:25).
4. Jesus ENEMIES were there, the Jewish leaders (Matthew 27:41-43). The chief
priests, the scribes, and elders were there MOCKING! What terrible
leadership!
26

a. Christianity stormed throughout the world. After the resurrection,

these Jewish leaders could NOT STOP the spread of the gospel
b. In the time ahead, Biblical Judaism ended, genealogies were lost within
the Jewish nation, Jerusalems temple was destroyed in A. D. 70 and,
the sacrificial
system ceased. The Lord was VICTORIOUS!
5. Of course, the ROMAN SOLDIERS were there. They were hardened to such
events. They had their party! (Matthew 27:27-31, etc.). It is the
CENTURION who was deeply moved! He said, Certainly, this man was
innocent (Luke 23:47), and Truly this man was the Son of God (Mark
15:39).

27

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 7
I. THE WISDOM AND POWER OF GOD
A. But, may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Galatians 6:14)
B. But to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and
the wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:24). Please read also I Corinthians 1:17-2:5.
C. Because of the CROSS, God will DO HEART TRANSPLANTS! The gospel
CHANGES THE HEARTS OF MEN AND WOMEN. Christianity must make
people new creatures with a NEW LIFE and NEW MIND (II Corinthians 5:17;
John 3:1-7; Galatians 2:20, 21; Philippians 2:5-11, etc.). THERE IS NO WORSE
TRAGEDY THAN TO SEE NO DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF CHRISTIANS
AND SINNERS! God took an instrument of death, THE CROSS, and made it the
GREATEST MOTIVATION TO CHANGE LIVES!
D. People want comfort --- the cross is humiliation that opens the door to forgiveness.
People want peace --- the cross brings us to a war that results in peace. People
honor beauty --- the cross, crude and ugly, expresses a beauty that excels all other
beauties.
E. CHRIST, THE POWER OF GOD
1. What kind of God would save sinners with a cross?
2. The world in which we live worships BRUTE POWER!
3. Gods POWER is greater than ALL OTHER POWERS COMBINED!
4. Through CHRIST, He created the UNIVERSE (Genesis 1:1; John
1:1-3; Colossians 1:14-17; Hebrews 1:1-3)
5. However, with HIS GREAT POWER, God does NOT force any of us to serve
Him. HE CALLS US! HE KNOCKS! (Revelation 3:20; See Matthew
11:28-30)
6. There is NO SINNER for whom Christ DID NOT DIE! He died for ALL!
(II Corinthians 5:15). In one sense, Christ was ON THE CROSS for 33
years! He came to DIE!
7. NOTE: Gods POWER is made PERFECT through weakness!
(II Corinthians 12:6-10). Although Jesus was crucified through weakness,
He lives forevermore by the POWER of God (II Corinthians 13:4).
8. Have we thought of the FACT that the gospel can ONLY BE RECEIVED BY
THOSE WHO ARE WEAK? No one can stand at the cross and BOAST!
28

F. CHRIST THE WISDOM OF GOD

1. The greatest power of God lies in His wisdom!
2. The German philosopher, Nietzsche, praised and idolized human power. He
hated Jesus because he considered Jesus to be WEAK! Nietzsche is DEAD!
Jesus and the gospel LIVE!
3. CHRIST CRUCIFIED is the very embodiment of the WISDOM OF GOD
a. The SIN that is the foundation of all sin is PRESUMPTION. Man thinks
that he knows what God wants, and that what man thinks is what God
thinks. See Psalm 19:13 and II Peter 2:10.
b. The CROSS is foolishness to the carnal mind (I Corinthians 1:23)
c. However, the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and His
weakness is stronger than men (I Corinthians 1:24, 25).
d. God makes FOOLISH THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD
(I Corinthians 1:18-20)
4. To those who are intellectually proud and ARROGANT, the preaching of
the CROSS is STILL FOOLISHNESS! Remember that the apostle Paul
determined to know nothing else except JESUS CHRIST AND HIM
CRUCIFIED! (I Corinthians 2:1, 2)
II. SIX MIRACLES AT CALVARY

(Matthew 27:45-54; Mark 15:33-39; Luke 23:44-47)

A. The Jewish leaders KNEW WHO JESUS WAS, but in their hatred and blindness
they killed Him anyway! They knew that He performed MIRACLES. NOTE
John 11:47-51. Even PILATE knew who JESUS IS! (Matthew 27:18,
John 19:14, etc.).
B. NOTE: The VEIL of the temple was torn, the EARTH SHOOK, and the ROCKS
WERE SPLIT! (Matthew 27:51, 52). More below.
C. EARLIER MIRACLES
1. In the Garden, at the time of His arrest, when Jesus said, I AM HE, the people
fell back on the ground (John 18:6). This is AMAZING!
2. The replacement of the EAR OF MALCHUS! See Luke 22:50, 51. We should
be patient with Peter, for, even though they were outnumbered, Peter
was willing to FIGHT! This was the last miracle He performed before the
CROSS.
D. LET US NOT FORGET THE MIRACLE THAT DID NOT HAPPEN! Jesus could
have called TWELVE LEGIONS OF ANGELS to protect Him from the MOB. But,
HE DID NOT! (Matthew 26:53, 54). A LEGION was 6,000.
29

E. SIX MIRACLES AT GOLGOTHA (The Skull)

1. DARKNESS

(Matthew 27:45, etc.).

a. Darkness from the SIXTH HOUR (NOON) UNTIL THE NINTH HOUR,
3:00 P. M. Have you noticed that, many times, we OVERLOOK the
miracles at the CROSS?
b. This was NOT an eclipse. An eclipse only last for a few moments, and
does not take place at the time of the FULL MOON. The Passover
was during the FULL MOON. This was Gods miracle! Was God
saying, Enough of this evil? NO MORE? I will not let you see?
IT WAS A MIRACLE! The shame of Calvary smothered the sun!
(Luke 23:44)
c. Was this DARKNESS a foreshadowing of HELL? Read Matthew 8:12;
II Peter 2:4; Jude 6, 13.
2. THE VEIL (CURTAIN) OF THE TEMPLE WAS TORN (Matthew 27:51;
Mark 15:37, 38; Luke 23:45)
a. The CURTAIN between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place was
torn FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
b. This was the EXACT TIME WHEN JESUS DIED!
c. This was 3:00 P. M. when the priests in the TEMPLE would be performing
their duties
d. So far as God was concerned, the LAW OF MOSES was now GONE, and
the LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD was now GONE! No wonder many
priests obeyed the gospel (Acts 6:7).
3. THE EARTHQUAKE (Matthew 27:51, 54). Even the ROMAN SOLDIERS
WERE FRIGHTENED! When this occurred, ROCKS WERE SPLIT!
This was Gods MIRACLE!
4. THE OPENED GRAVES

(Matthew 27:52, 53)

a. The Jews wanted to SEE SIGNS FROM JESUS (Matthew 12:38-40).

God gave them SEVERAL MIRACLES AT THE CROSS!
b. The graves of MANY selected saints were OPENED!
c. These events caused spectators to BEAT THEIR BREASTS
(Luke 23:48). Were some of the breast beaters converted on
Pentecost? People on Pentecost KNEW concerning miracles Jesus
had performed (Acts 2:22)

30

5. THE GRAVE CLOTHES

week)

(Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9) (The first day of the

a. John outran Peter when they heard that the tomb was open. But, John
stopped and Peter went into the tomb (John 20:1-6). They saw the
GRAVE CLOTHES that had been around Jesus body
b. The last thing the enemies wanted was an empty tomb!
c. NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
(1) If the DISCIPLES had stolen the body of Jesus, they WOULD
NOT HAVE DISROBED HIM!
(2) If the ENEMIES had stolen the body of Jesus, they WOULD
NOT HAVE DISROBED HIM!
(3) When JOHN saw these things, HE BELIEVED!
6. THE RESURRECTED SAINTS

(John 20:6-8)

(Matthew 27:50-53)

a. The graves of these saints were OPENED on FRIDAY, at the time

when JESUS DIED (Matthew 27:52)
b. BUT, these resurrected saints DID NOT GO INTO THE CITY UNTIL
JESUS RESURRECTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK
(Matthew 27:53). THEY APPEARED TO MANY! Can you imagine
how the news spread throughout the City of Jerusalem?
c. What would you have done if you had been there?

31

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 8
I. PROPHECY
A. But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 6:14)
B. PROPHECY is a POWERFUL TOOL!
1. There are 30,000 PROMISES in the Bible. God fulfills ALL OF THEM!
2. Floyd Hamilton said that there are 332 fulfilled prophecies of JESUS in the
OLD TESTAMENT. (Basis of Christian Faith, New York: Harper and
Row, 1964. p. 160). Some prophecies are very SPECIFIC! No other
religion has a prophesied founder and Savior!
3. Gene Greer said that Jesus claimed AUTHORITY 9 times, claimed to be the
Son of God 90 times, claimed to be sent by God 33 times, and claimed to
be the Messiah 31 times. (Conversation by telephone with author)
4. NOTE: At the beginning of His personal ministry, Jesus claimed that He is the
Messiah. Read Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-27. Those who heard understood
His claim, and wanted to KILL HIM (Luke 4:28-30)
C. Consider JUST SOME of the PROPHECIES OF JESUS (Consult The Agony and
Glory of the Cross, page 89)
1. Jesus was the seed of Abraham (Genesis 22:18; Romans 4:13-25; Acts
7:1-6; Galatians 3:8-16)
2. He is the prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-22; Acts 3:22-26)
3. He is the seed of David

(John 7:42; Romans 1:3; II Timothy 2:8)

4. Jesus speaking in parables (Psalm 78:2; Matthew 13:34, 35)

5. Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23-25)
6. A Galilean (Isaiah 9:1, 2; Mark 14:70; Luke 22:59)
7. Jesus was the light to the Gentiles
8. A lowly KING riding into Jerusalem
9. The righteous Branch

(Isaiah 49:6; Acts 13:46, 47)

(Zechariah 9:9, 10; Matthew 21:1-8)

(Jeremiah 23:5; Hebrews 7:14)

10. He was called out of Egypt and became a Nazarene (Hosea 11:1;
Matthew 2:15: See also 2:23)
32

11. The New Testament teaches that Jesus was declared before the foundation of
the world (Ephesians 1:3, 4; 3:9-11; I Peter 1:20)
D. SOME OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES ABOUT JESUS ARE DEALING
ESPECIALLY AND SPECIFICALLY WITH THE CROSS
1. The manner of His death (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10; John 12:32, 33)
2. He would have a public death (Deuteronomy 21:22, 23; Acts 5:30; 10:39;
13:29; Galatians 3:13; I Peter 2:24)
3. His betrayal by a friend

(Psalm 41:9; Matthew 26:14, 15; 27:3-10)

4. He would be silent before His accusers (Psalm 38:13; Isaiah 53:7; Matthew
26:59-63; Mark 14:55-61; I Peter 2:23, 24)
5. He would be associated with thieves
15:28; Luke 23:39-43)

(Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38; Mark

6. He would have pierced hands and feet

John 20:27)
7. They would cast lots for His clothes
8. He would have no bones broken

(Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10;

(Psalm 22:18; Mark 15:24; John 19:23, 24)

(Psalm 34:20; John 19:36)

9. He would be offered gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34)
10. The exclamation, My God, My God, why.
11. He would be buried with the rich

(Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46)

(Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60)

12. He would be the rejected cornerstone (Psalm 118:22, 23; Matthew 21:42;
Acts 4:11, 12, etc.). Etc.
E. ISAIAH is called the MESSIANIC PROPHET
1. The book of Isaiah is quoted more than 50 times in the New Testament
2. Isaiah 53 is the beautiful Suffering Servant Song
3. Part of Isaiah 53 is quoted at least 6 times in the New Testament.
4. The Jews have never understood this chapter, Isaiah 53. They tried to apply
it to the nation of Israel and a military victory.
5. The verbs in Isaiah 53 are in the PAST TENSE. Future events are declared as
History.

33

II. THE BIG WORDS OF THE CROSS (PART ONE). Please Read Romans 5:11-21.
A. . The gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One Jesus Christ
(Romans 5:17)
B. ATONEMENT
1. Every sin and every sinner will be punishedeither at the cross or in hell!
2. Without holiness, NO ONE CAN SEE THE LORD (Hebrews 12:14)
3. Can man in sin be saved? If so, how, when, and by whom?
4. John the Baptist said, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the SIN of
the world (John 1:29, 36)
5. The CROSS of Calvary is the means of salvation of a pardoning God.
6. Sin must be atoned. There must be the way to at-one-ment with God
7. EDITORS NOTE: The Greek word, ilasmos in I John 2:2, translated
propitiation or expiation means Gods means of forgiveness. In
English, the word expiate means to pay the penalty for. JESUS is
the only means of forgiveness.
8. Jesus is the Lion of Judah, but also the Lamb. Forgiveness comes through
the LAMB (I Peter 1:18, 19)
9. Atonement means that GOD IS RIGHT! God is right about our problem --SIN! He is RIGHT about the solution --- the CROSS.
C. JUST, JUSTICE, JUSTIFICATION
1. Please read Romans 3:20-26. This Scripture is the HEART of the book of
Romans.
2. NOTE THIS IMPORTANT POINT: A HOLY GOD CANNOT PERMIT SIN
TO GO UNPUNISHED! Mercy cannot cheat JUSTICE!
3. Today, MAN DOES NOT WANT TO SEE HIMSELF LOST IN SIN! But, he is.
4. To satisfy Gods HOLINESS and JUSTICE, SIN MUST BE PUNISHED! The
CROSS IS THE ANSWER!
5. If we believe in the CROSS, we ACCEPT JUSTICE and we ACCEPT HELL!
6. People in sin MUST BE JUSTIFIED. SIN CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED!
(I Corinthians 6:11)

34

7. It was NOT LOVE that crucified Jesus! It was JUSTICE! Sin must be punished!
GOD IS JUST! It is the blood of Jesus that meets the JUSTICE of God! So,
God can be JUST and the JUSTIFIER of the one who has faith in Jesus
(Romans 3:24-27)
8. ON THE CROSS, when Jesus said, IT IS FINISHED, He paid a debt He did\
not owe. (John 19:30)
D. SUBSTITUTION
1. The CROSS on Calvary was a vicarious, representative, and
substitutionary death. JESUS DIED A DEATH THAT BELONGS
TO US!
2. Can a person benefit from anothers suffering and sacrifice? Yes
3. Jesus was the SUBSTITUTE for US! (Romans 5:5-10; Ephesians 1:3-13;
Philippians 3:9; I Peter 2:24; I John 2:1, 2, etc.)
4. Remember the scapegoat in the Old Testament where the sins of the people
were confessed over the goat, and it was sent into the wilderness?
(Leviticus 16:10, etc.)
5. Our righteousness is a declared righteousness (Romans 3:25, 26). We cannot
declare ourselves as righteous. It is a gift, and that gift must have a giver
and a receiver.
6. To be declared righteous by GOD, we must be baptized into Christ through
A DEATH TO SIN, A BURIAL IN BAPTISM, AND BE RAISED TO A NEW
LIFE (Galatians 3:26, 27; Romans 6:1-5)
E. ADOPTION
1. When a husband and wife ADOPT a child, people will say, This child does not
know how blessed he/she is.
2. The New Testament teaches that disciples of Jesus are ADOPTED
(Romans 8:14-17). One figure is that of the new birth, being born into
the kingdom (John 3:1-7). In Romans 8:14-17, Christians are adopted
as children of God and, therefore, HEIRS of God and fellow heirs
with Christ. Is it true that preachers seldom preach on ADOPTION?
3. REDEMPTION makes our adoption possible, and the Holy Spirit cries, Abba,
Father in the Christians heart (Galatians 4:1-7).
4. By His grace, God predestined the adoption of sons and daughters (Ephesians
1:5, and, when people obey the gospel, they are sealed with the Spirit
(Ephesians 1:3-14)
5. Beloved, now, we are the children of God. (I John 3:1-3). We do not know
what we shall be in eternity, but we shall be like Him
35

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 9
I. SIN
A. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..
(Galatians 6:14)
B. What is one of the most consistently AVOIDED and REJECTED words in our
vocabulary? SIN!
C. EDITORS NOTE: We have a book somewhere in our library, called,

Whatever Became Of Sin?

a. Our culture rejects the idea of SIN. Sinners are no longer referred to
as sinners. Psychology does not even use the word, SIN!
b. Our culture has turned theology into psychology, the cross into a couch, the
church into a rehabilitation program, worship into therapy, and damnation
into dysfunction.
D. NOTE: The churchs responsibility is to convert the world to Jesus, NOT to be overcome
and swallowed up by the world. We are to be in the world, but NOT of the
world (John 15:19)
E. The TOPIC of the entire Bible is SIN! Even the Law of Moses was given to make
people aware of their SIN (Romans 3:20). See also Romans 7:7.
F. God is a HOLY GOD (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8), and He CANNOT permit SIN
IN HIS PRESENCE
G. COSMIC CONSEQUENCES
1. It took only one bite in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned,
everything changed in heaven, in hell, and on earth (Genesis 3)
2. In the sin of Adam and Eve, it was much more than a simple bite. They had
LISTENED TO SATAN, BELIEVED HIM, AND OBEYED HIM!
3. Sin is the refusal to let God be God: it is man trying to be more than man.
Tragically, man decided to be his own god.
4. The Scripture teaches that man is dead in HIS SIN (Ephesians 2:1, 2; Isaiah
59:1-3), and the wages of sin is eternal, spiritual death (Romans 6:23).
5. SATAN has become the god of this world, the prince, the father of those
who follow him, and the ruler of sinners (John 8:44; 12:31; 14:30;
16:11; II Corinthians 4:4). WHO IS THE RULER OF OUR LIFE?
36

6. In order for sinful man to be saved, he MUST SEE HIS SIN AS GOD SEES IT!
Because God HATES SIN, WE MUST ALSO HATE SIN! The more holy
we become, the MORE WE HATE SIN, for we understand what sin does to
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!
H. HOPELESS, HELPLESS, AND HAPLESS (unfortunate)
1. NO MAN CAN SAVE HIMSELF! There is no way that he can buy, deserve,
or earn his way into a proper relationship with God, and forgiveness of
sin. NOTE: Romans 6:23 free gift and Ephesians 2:8-10.
2. CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS! (Romans 5:6, 8; I Peter 1:18, 19)
3. We are washed in His blood (I Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:19; Revelation 1:5;
7:14. Jesus was made to be sin, BUT, He was NOT a sinner!
(II Corinthians 5:14-21)
4. The choice is ours. We can have our sins punished at the cross through Jesus
or have the punishment upon us in hell! (Underlining by Editor)
II. THE BIG WORDS OF THE CROSS (PART TWO)

(II Corinthians 5:17-21)

A. Note that .God was in Christ RECONCILING THE WORLD to Himself.

(II Corinthians 5:18)
B. RECONCILIATION
1. Jesus was our SUBSTITUTE, and the purpose and object of His death was
RECONCILIATION.
2. THE HUMAN PROBLEM TODAY:
a. Forgiving people is taught today. Children are taught to say, I am sorry.
This is often said WITHOUT thought, depth, repentance, or regret.
b. Apology is practiced today, but CONFESSION OF RESPONSIBILITY
is NOT!
c. Sometimes, reconciling is claimed WITHOUT ANY ADMISSION OF
GUILT! (Editors Note)
d. The difference BETWEEN a SHAME CULTURE and a GUILT
CULTURE (Editors Note)
(1) In a shame culture, a person who does wrong is NOT touched
Inwardly, and only has shame when he is caught in his wrong.
(2) In a guilt culture, a person who does wrong has a CONSCIENCE
THAT IS AFFECTED IN A GOOD WAY, and the feeling of
good guilt is felt INWARDLY!
37

3. Reconciliation may be pictured in this way: Two men are good friends, but,
because something happened, their relationship is COMPLETELY BROKEN.
What is the NEED? The need is to RESTORE the relationship AS IT ONCE
WAS.
3. HOW CAN TRUE RECONCILIATION TAKE PLACE?
a. The OFFENDED PERSON must want reconciliation more than anything
else. (In our comparison, THIS IS GOD!)
b. The GUILTY PERSON must want reconciliation more than anything
else. (This is SINFUL MAN!)
c. BOTH PERSONS MUST PAY ANY PRICE NECESSARY for the
needed RECONCILIATION. In our comparison, GOD MADE
the supreme SACRIFICE, the CROSS!
4. In the TEXT, II Corinthians 5:18, we note that God reconciled us to Himself
in Christ. It DOES NOT SAY, God reconciled Himself to the world.
GOD MOVED FIRST through the CROSS!
5. God wants SINNERS to come back to a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
Sinners MUST WANT TO BE TAKEN BACK!
6. THE IMPOSSIBLE :
a. Forgiveness is IMPOSSIBLE without the GRACE of the One offended,
GOD! He has offered HIS GRACE!
b. Forgiveness is IMPOSSIBLE without the REPENTANCE of the guilty
OFFENDER --- SINNERS
7. It takes only ONE PERSON to forgive. But, it takes TWO TO RECONCILE
8. Forgiveness is NOT THE END. Forgiveness is the MEANS to the END and
RECONCILIATION is the END or GOAL.
C. LAWS OF FORGIVENESS
1. We must FORGIVE! We must be FORGIVEN!
2. Be KIND first and then practice the LAWS OF FORGIVENESS!
(Ephesians 4:32)
3. LOOK AT THESE LAWS OF FORGIVENESS:
a. The UNFORGIVING cannot be FORGIVEN (Matthew 6:12-15;
Mark 11:24-26; Luke 11:4, etc.)

38

b. The OFFENDED MUST FORGIVE.

(1) We should FORGIVE ANOTHER in our heart. Once we forgive,
the issue lies with the other person!
(2) The PLACE AT HIS FATHERS TABLE was still there for the
PRODIGAL SON (Luke 15:11-32). But, FIRST, HE MUST
REPENT AND GO HOME TO BE BLESSED BY THAT
TABLE! The father was waiting!
(3) God CANNOT SAVE US UNTIL WE PERMIT HIM, UNTIL WE
COME HOME!
c. There CANNOT BE FORGIVENESS WITHOUT REPENTANCE!
Sin matters. It must be dealt with! NOTE: Repentance is NOT JUST
TURNING FROM SIN, but is also TURNING TO GOD!
EDITORS NOTE: Note Scriptures such as Acts 26:16-18;
I Thessalonians 1:8-10, etc.. TURN TO GOD!
d. Forgiveness does NOT guarantee us a PAINLESS FUTURE
(1) There are always CONSEQUENCES for sin. Because of Davids
Sin, he lost his son (II Samuel 12:15-19).
(2) David said, MY SIN IS EVER BEFORE ME (Psalm 51:3)
(3) Paul remembered that he had been the chief of sinners
(I Timothy 1:12-15)
D. PROPITIATION (I John 2:1, 2)
1. At one time, this word was used in IDOLATRY. Idol gods were pictured as
having childish attitudes and the anger of these idols needed to be appeased.
This appeasement was done by a blood sacrifice.
2. NOTE: In our salvation, GOD DID NOT APPEASE HIMSELF, but He created
a way of salvation by which He was JUSTIFIED. His justice must be
satisfied.
3. Yes, Gods wrath is against all unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). But, DIVINE
GRACE SATISFIED DIVINE WRATH BY A DIVINE SELF-SACRIFICE.
E. EXPIATION
1. In the Websters Dictionary, expiation means to pay the penalty for,
to make amends for. In I John 2:1, 2, the New American Standard uses
the word, propitiation, but the Revised Standard uses expiation.
The footnote in the New American Standard says satisfaction (Editor)
2. You expiate a sin; you propitiate a person
39

3. Expiation is the removal of guilt; propitiation is the removal of wrath Thus,

Jesus blood is our expiatory sacrifice. Expiation is Gods means of
forgiveness. Jesus is our MERCY SEAT! He is our Passover
(I Corinthians 5:7)
4. We are bought with a price (I Corinthians 6:19, 20), and we are declared
not guilty. (Hebrews 2:17, 18; I John 4:9-11).
5. God was ACTIVELY INVOLVED in our forgiveness. He did NOT stand apart
from the CROSS in ANGER!
F. IMPUTATION
1. Man CANNOT be righteous on his own, by himself, and thus, the ONLY
RIGHTEOUSNESS that he can have is IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS.
2. IMPUTED is a word used in ACCOUNTING to mean that, Anothers riches
are placed in my account.
3. Our sins were imputed to Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to us
(Isaiah 53:5, 6, 10, 11; I Peter 2:24; Romans 4:11; 14:9). Study also
Philippians 3:7-11.
G. RANSOM
1. NOTE: GOD DID NOT BUY BACK SINNERS FROM SATAN!
2. NOTE AGAIN: GOD, NOT SATAN, WAS SATISFIED AT THE CROSS
(I John 2:1, 2)
3. NOTE ONCE AGAIN: A ransom is the purchase price for freeing slaves and
sinners are slaves of sin (Romans 6:15-18)
4. God PUT TO SILENCE forever the accuser, SATAN at the CROSS (Matthew
20:28; Galatians 3:13; I Timothy 2:5, 6; Titus 2:14, 15)
5. The RANSOM was paid in order to SATISFY GODS JUSTICE, AND
GODS HOLINESS!

40

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 10
I. WRATH
A. But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 6:14)
B. It is a TERRIBLE HERESY when WE CREATE a God to satisfy us, a god
that meets our demands.!
C. A HOLY GOD, and that is the kind of God that God is, IS A GOD OF WRATH!
1. The word WRATH appears 189 times in the Scriptures
2. Please READ Hebrews 10:26-31; 12:28, 29; Romans 1:18.
3. The LOVE OF GOD holds back and restrains WRATH, but Gods Love
does NOT ELIMINATE WRATH!
4. The book of ROMANS says MUCH ABOUT the GRACE OF GOD! But, the
word, WRATH is found 12 times in Romans.
5. NOTE HOW GODS WRATH IS SEEN IN THE SCRIPTURES:
a. God forced ADAM and EVE to leave the Garden of Eden
(Genesis 3:23, 24)
b. God destroyed humanity in the time of the FLOOD (Genesis 6-9)
c. God destroyed the Cities of SODOM and GOMORRAH (Genesis 19)
d. God destroyed the wicked City of BABYLON (Read Isaiah 13)
e. In the New Testament, ANANIAS and SAPPHIRA fell dead because
of sin (Acts 5:1-10)
f. NOTE: Jesus, who loved so much, was ANGRY at the evil of the Jews
(Mark 3:1-5)
g. Why does God have WRATH? BECAUSE OF SIN! The question is,
Why isnt God more angry? SIN IS HATED BY GOD! NOTE:
(Proverbs 6:16-19). With man, anger is a passion; with God it is a
Principle.
h. If God permitted His Son to be crucified, we can imagine what He will
do to EVIL SINNERS at the judgment!

41

D. REPENTANCE
1. God is slow to anger (Nehemiah 9:17). THAT IS THE WAY WE ALSO
MUST BE! (James 1:19)
2. Because sin is radical, REPENTANCE must be radical, genuine, true
repentance!
3. THE GREAT TOPIC of the Scriptures is REPENTANCE!
a. NOTE: REPENTANCE is the most difficult commandment to get
mankind to obey!
b. JOHN THE BAPTIST preached REPENTANCE, his only sermon
outline (John 3:1, 2, etc.)
c. During His personal ministry, JESUS preached REPENTANCE
(Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14, 15). Forgiveness is impossible without
REPENTANCE (Acts 2:38)
d. Churches with their problems were commanded to REPENT
(Revelation 2, 3)
4. SINNERS are under the WRATH of God, and REPENTANCE is ESSENTIAL.
(NOTE: John 3:36 where wrath abides on the disobedient).
5. It is very TRAGIC that religious groups will offer people SALVATION without
truth, knowledge, repentance, or obedience.
6. REPENTANCE is a second mind, a new mind, a changed mind.
7. REPENTANCE is a wonderful RESPONSE to Gods GRACE (Romans 2:4;
II Corinthians 7:9, 10)
II. THINGS CONNECTED TO THE CROSS

(Ephesians 5:21-33)

A. NOTE: .Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her
(Ephesians 5:25). The CHURCH is connected to the CROSS!
B. We must remember, as we look at those things that are CONNECTED TO THE CROSS,
that we RECEIVE GODS BLESSINGS ON HIS TERMS --- NOT OURS!
C. GODS POWER IS AVAILABLE ! But, it must be CONNECTED (I Corinthians
1:17). The power of the CROSS can be made VOID or lose its power if man
does NOT CONNECT WITH IT IN GODS WAY!
D. THINGS CONNECTED TO THE CROSS
1. The NEW TESTAMENT. Please READ Matthew 26:28. This is My blood of
the NEW COVENANT .
42

a. The Bible is a book of BLOOD. The word, blood is mentioned over

400 times in the Scriptures.
b. Jesus BLOOD brought the NEW COVENANT into existence. He is
the MEDIATOR of that COVENANT (Hebrews 9:15-17) that
went into effect at the CROSS. We must ACCEPT THAT
COVENANT!
c. IF WE ACCEPT THE BLOOD, WE ACCEPT THE COVENANT
PLACED INTO EFFECT BY THAT BLOOD!
2. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH is connected to the CROSS
a. The FOUR GOSPELS (Matthew-John) focus on Jesus, and Acts
through Revelation focus on the CHURCH, the result that comes
out of the CROSS.
b. Jesus promised to build His CHURCH

(Matthew 16:13-19)

c. The CHURCH was purchased, obtained with the BLOOD OF

CHRIST (At the CROSS) (Acts 20:28)
d. Jesus GAVE HIMSELF (At the CROSS) for the CHURCH
(Ephesians 5:25)
e. You cannot separate Christ from His church! The PHYSICAL
BODY of Christ, and shed blood, obtained the SPIRITUAL BODY
of Christ, the CHURCH!
f. Man says, But, the church cannot save you! Correct! JESUS is the
SAVIOR! But, the CHURCH is the SAVED and the SAVED
are the CHURCH (Acts 2:1-47)
g. There are NO SAVED PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, for the
Lord places them in the church! (Acts 2:47; Colossians 1:13).
h. One cannot say, I love Christ, but I reject the church. This is NOT
BIBLICAL! The CHURCH is the BRIDE of Christ! (Ephesians
5:27; II Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 22:17, etc.)
3. THE LORDS DAY: THE LORDS SUPPER
a. Our culture says, It makes no difference what you believe. Just be
good, honest and sincere. But, BELIEVE WHAT? BELIEVE
IN WHOM?
b. Our culture says, JESUS IS LORD! But, WHAT DID JESUS SAY?
And why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?
(Luke 6:46)
c. The LORDS SUPPER CONNECTS WITH THE CROSS!
43

(1) Read Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19, 20;

Acts 2:42; 20:7; I Corinthians 10:16, 17; 11:23-29.
(2) The early church took the LORDS SUPPER every first day of
the week. The Lords Supper is NOT a sacrament that
forgives us, but, rather, it is a memorial that declares we
are the forgiven.
(3) The Lords Supper every LORDS DAY (Revelation 1:10)
One Bible, one bread, one cup, one body, one blood, and one
covenant!
(4) The Lords Supper is proclaiming the Lords death until He
comes (I Corinthians 11:26). The Lords Supper is
connected to the CROSS.
(5) The Lords Day is connected to the CROSS! It is the day of
RESURRECTION! (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1, etc.)
(6) The Lords Supper is the greates memorial in the world. The
Lords Supper is a CELEBRATION, NOT A FUNERAL
4. BAPTISM
a. Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a
CROSS between two thieves.
b. For salvation, some want to offer the Sinners Prayer of the tax
collector found in Luke 18:9-14. This show an ignorance of the
Word of God. Both the Pharisee in this story and the tax collector
Were JEWISH BRETHREN under the Law of Moses of the Old
Testament.
c. The CROSS of Jesus would come LATER! The Great Commission,
the Gospel, the conversions in the book of Acts, the day of Pentecost,
and the church would COME LATER. We cannot be saved like
the tax collector. The CROSS HAD NOT YET TAKEN PLACE!
d. The BAPTISM of the Great Commission, the BAPTISM that is
connected to the CROSS, had NOT YET BEEN GIVEN when
Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
e. Baptism connects sinners with the CROSS! (Romans 6:1-6; Colossians
2:12)
(1) In baptism, the sinner reaches the BLOOD of Christ
(2) The Lord Jesus placed BAPTISM in the Great Commission
(Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-16).

44

(3) A NON-BAPTIZED CHRISTIAN is completely foreign to

yhe Scripture.
(4) NOTE: The heart of the gospel is the DEATH, BURIAL, and
RESURRECTION of Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-4). In a
beautiful LIKENESS, Sinners DIE to sin, are BURIED
through baptism, and then RAISED to a NEW LIFE
(Romans 6:1-5; Colossians 2:12).
(5) In baptism, the sinner accepts the Lord and is clothed with Him
(Galatians 3:26, 27). The sinner is baptized into Christ!
(6) After REPENTANCE, when the sinner is baptized having a
conviction that JESUS IS LORD, he becomes a forgiven
person, a Christian, a disciple of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
(7) A repenting sinner, like Saul of Tarsus, must Arise and be
baptized and wash away yoursins. (Acts 22:16)
(8) Twelve men in Acts 19:1-7 were lacking in their understanding.
They had been baptized with Johns baptism. They were
then Scripturally baptized.
(9) Baptism saves! (I Peter 3:19-22)
5. THE CRUCIFIED LIFE

(Galatians 2:20; 6:14, etc.)

a. When a sinner accepts the CROSS, the result is the CRUCIFIED LIFE
b. Salvation is a free gift, BUT IT COSTS US OUR LIFE! Our life is
completely turned over to JESUS! Paul said that he died daily
(I Corinthians 15:31).
c. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God!
(Colossians 3:1-4). SEEK THE THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE!
d. Give God your WHOLE LIFE!
Give God the first hour of the day
Give God the first day of the week
Give God the first portion of your pay
Give God the first place in your heart
e. Tragically, we have under-preached JESUS!

45

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 11
I. SANCTIFICATION
A. God forbid that I should glory, save in the CROSS of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 6:14)
B. The work of the church is EVANGELISM to save sinners. However, much of the time,
today, evangelism is OUT, not being practiced. People have forgotten that man
is LOST WITHOUT CHRIST!
C. SANCTIFICATION is also OUT! Most people who call themselves Christians
DO NOT even know what sanctification is.
1. The word, sanctification means set aside, dedicated to the Lord. It also
means HOLY!
2. NOTE: You shall be HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY (I Peter 1:15, 16). See
The Old Testament passages such as Leviticus 11:44, 45; 20:26.
3. The church cannot be right until we get the theology right.
4. NOTE the word SALVATION in past, present, future.
a. We WERE saved when we obeyed the gospel. That is FORGIVENESS
(Acts 2:38, etc.)
b. We are being saved (I Corinthians 1:18). That is SANCTIFICATION
c. We WILL be saved (Romans 13:110. That is GLORIFICATION
5. Salvation from PAST SINS comes in A MOMENT: SANCTIFICATION
takes an entire LIFETIME! Read II Corinthians 3:18.
6. Do NOT MIX up and confuse FORGIVENESS, SANCTIFICATION, and
GLORIFICATION! Salvation is not an initial spasm followed by chronic
inertia. That is, salvation is NOT just a moment of receiving forgiveness
followed by AN INACTIVE LIFE! No!
D. FAITH, NOT PERFECTION
1. Once saved, always saved is WRONG (Galatians 5:4, etc.). Once saved,
never saved is also WRONG. Christians have an assurance of salvation
(I John 5:11-13).
2. I cannot be perfect; therefore, I must be saved by faith. God expects
FAITHFULNESS! We must trust JESUS to save us!
46

3. Even saints who are walking in the light SIN! (I John 1:7-10; 2:1-3 ).
4. We walk by faith, NOT PERFECTION! (II Corinthians 5:7).
5. The BLOOD of the Lord is what SAVES us! Also, His BLOOD is what
SANCTIFIES US (Hebrews 10:29).
6. NOTE: The church at CORINTH had many problems. But, it was
SANCTIFIED (I Corinthians 1:2). They had been SINNERS, but had
been WASHED, JUSTIFIED, AND SANCTIFIED (I Corinthians 6:9-11)
7. HOW ARE WE SANCTIFIED?
a. Truth Sanctifies (John 17:17, 19)
b. Prayer Sanctifies (I Timothy 4:5)
c. The Holy Spirit Sanctifies (Romans 15:16; I Peter 1:2)
d. Christ Sanctifies (I Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 2:11)
e. God Sanctifies (John 10:36; I Thessalonians 5:23)
f. FAITH Sanctifies (Acts 26:18)
8. Saints must live in repentance! Saints are saints, NOT PERFECT
ANGELS!
9. SANCTIFICATION is DISCIPLESHIP!
a. We must have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:4-11)
b. We must buffet our bodies (I Corinthians 9:23-27)
c. We must PUT OFF the OLD MAN and PUT ON the NEW
MAN (II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians
3:1-17, etc)
d. We grow in GRACE and KNOWLEDGE
e. Jesus must be FORMED IN US

(II Peter 3:18)

(Galatians 4:19)

f. Every one of our thoughts must be captive to Him (II Corinthians

10:5)
g. We stimulate each other to LOVE and GOOD DEEDS
10:24)

(Hebrews

h. We take up our own cross daily and follow Him! (Luke 9:23-26)
47

II. PREACHING THE CROSS (I Corinthians 1:17-25; 2:1-5; II Corinthians 4:7;

I Timothy 3:15, 16; 4:11-16; II Timothy 4:1-5)
A. Preaching is FROM GOD! The heart of the Great Commission is PREACHING
(Mark 16:15, 16)
1. The beginning of the church came through PREACHING (Acts 2). The
CHURCH GREW through PREACHING (Acts 8:4, 5; etc. See Romans
10:13-17). NOTE SCRIPTURES ABOVE.
2. When we get out of preaching, we get out of conversions! Conversions
produce more preaching, and preaching produces more conversions! Empty
church buildings mean that PREACHING HAS STOPPED!
B. Our ATTITUDE in the assembly should be, IS THERE A MESSAGE FROM THE
LORD?
C. JESUS HAD THE ORIGINAL PREACHING SCHOOL Jesus turned the apostles
into PREACHERS!
D. REAL PREACHING! Preaching that is Biblical!
1. JOHN THE BAPTIST turned Israel UPSIDE DOWN with his preaching. He
called for REPENTANCE! (Matthew 3:1, 2; Luke 3:7-14, etc.). John
IDENTIFIED and MAGNIFIED JESUS! (John 1:29, 3:27-30, etc.)
2. Real preaching permits the people to hear the voice of God, and the preacher
is NOT IMPORTANT! Put yourself into it, BUT, Keep yourself out of it.
That is, PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT, BUT DO NOT EMPHASIZE
YOURSELF!
3. NOTE: Pauls DESCRIPTION of WHAT HIS PREACHING HAD BEEN
(Acts 20:19-35)
a. Serving the Lord with humility and tears

(Acts 20:19)

b. Teaching publicly and from house to house (Acts 20:20)

c. To testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God

(Acts 20:24)

d. He was innocent of the blood of all men (Acts 20:26)

e. He had declared the whole counsel or purpose of God

(Acts 20:27)

4. Paul was a REAL PREACHER

a. Are our SERMONS challenging ADULTS, or are they stories for
CHILDREN?
b. God placed a BEAUTIFUL TREASURE in clay pots, preachers
like PAUL (II Corinthians 4:7)
48

c. NOTE Pauls attitude about preaching the gospel in I Corinthians

9:16
d. NOTE AGAIN: An OLD PRAYER that was heard many years ago,
that is so CORRECT was, May the preacher hide himself behind
the CROSS.
e. TRUE PREACHING has a tremendous FORCE behind it: .The love
of Christ controls us (II Corinthians 5:14)
5. God SAVES THE WORLD only through the PREACHED MESSAGE, the
GOSPEL (I Corinthians 1:21)
a. The GOSPEL is the DEATH OF JESUS FOR OUR SINS, HIS
BURIAL AND HIS RESURRECTION (I Corinthians 15:1-4)
b. Tell people WHAT GOD DID before you tell them WHAT TO DO!
Start with Gods LOVE FOR YOU, NOT YOUR LOVE FOR
GOD!
c. Sermon may be full of BIBLICAL VERSES, but NOT BE EMPHASIZING
THE GOSPEL! People must obey the gospel (II Thessalonians
1:7-9)
d. There MUST NOT BE ANOTHER GOSPEL (Galatians 1:6-9)
6. The most MAGNETIC POWER to DRAW PEOPLE is the CROSS!
(John 12:32)
7. NOTE: Pauls ONLY TOPIC was Christ and Him Crucified
(I Corinthians 2:1, 2)
8. The heart and soul of apostolic preaching was the CROSS!
9. IF WE AS GOSPEL PREACHERS IN THE PHILIPPINES WILL PUT THE
CROSS FIRST IN OUR PREACHING, WE CAN CHANGE OUR NATION!
E. THE SIN ISSUE
1. The GOSPEL is the GOOD NEWS! SIN is the BAD NEWS!
2. The SOUL that sins WILL DIE!

(Ezekiel 18:4, 20).

3. NOTE: Nothing offends people like the preaching of the gospel. WE MUST
EXPECT THAT! Paul spoke about the offense of the CROSS!
(Galatians 5:11). Many just want to ESCAPE HELL without being
restored to a right relationship with God.

49

4. NOTE AGAIN: Man does NOT want to be told that there is something
WRONG IN HIS LIFE!
5. What causes a sinner TRULY TO REPENT? THE CROSS! Without the
CROSS, there is NO POWER STRONG ENOUGH to change people and
cause teem to DIE TO SELF!
6. The Bible teaches that salvation comes through THE LAMB who was
slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). Is it NOT
TRUE that the GOSPEL only sounds good to bad, sinful, lost
people?
7. We must bring back an understanding of SIN by PREACHING!
8. A COUPLE OF DO NOTS:
a. DO NOT equate being positive with preaching truth. Preaching TRUTH
must include pointing out what is WRONG
b. DO NOT confuse our desire for people to accept the gospel with
creating a gospel that is acceptable to people. The gospel
MUST NOT BE COMPROMISED!
F. PASSION
1. The GOSPEL can only BE PREACHED with a sense of URGENCY and with
AUTHORITY! It is not the personal authority of the preacher, BUT the
Lords authority (Titus 2:15)
2. Preaching with passion demands a verdict.
3. NOTE: The only thing JESUS HANDS OUT is CROSSES (Luke
9:23, 24; Matthew 16:24, 25; Mark 8:34, 35).
4. CHRISTIANITY is truly aggressive and evangelistic. It must
oppose and refute false religion! There must be NO COMPROMISES and
NO TREATIES are to be signed with evil.

50

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 12
I. THE INCARNATION
A. But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world
(Galatians 6:14)
B. Man would like to be GOD, but it is DIFFICULT to understand that the divine SON
OF GOD CAME TO THE EARTH TO BE MAN! (John 1:1, 14)
C. Jesus is the ONLY MEDIATOR between GOD and MAN
D. Jesus is the LIVING BREAD from HEAVEN

(I Timothy 2:5)

(John 6:48-58)

E. On the Mount of Transfiguration the Father said, This is My Beloved Son ..

(Matthew 17:1-5; II Peter 1:16-18). The GREAT MIRACLE of the
INCARNATION!
F. Gods FINAL REVELATION is in JESUS (Hebrews 1:1-3; Romans 1:1-6)
G. NOTE: JESUS NEVER REBUKED ANYONE for calling Him GOD OR
WORSHIPING HIM! For example, see Matthew 28:17; John 20:28, etc..
H. Christianity is HISTORICAL! Jesus lived on the EARTH! He provides NOT
ONLY LIFE AFTER DEATH, but also LIFE INSTEAD OF DEATH!
I. Christ came so that people could be IN HIM. The expression IN CHRIST
is found about 135 times just in Pauls writings.
J. THE VIRGIN BIRTH
1. Jesus divinity (His Deity) is closely connected to His VIRGIN BIRTH
(Matthew 1:18-25). If both of Jesus PARENTS had been HUMAN, His
Blood would have been as worthless as ours.
2. Brother Hugo McCord said, Christianity without the virgin birth becomes
a religion without salvation by the blood and without a resurrection. It
is reduced simply to a social gospel for this life only. (From Jesus Our
Eternal Savior in Truth For Today)
3. Many times, people stumble more over the HUMANITY of Jesus than over
His DIVINITY. The phrase, Son of Man is found more than 80 times in
the New Testament.
4. NOTE: Dying was His (Jesus) reason for living He took a body so that He
could DIE FOR US! Consult Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:14-18)
51

5. The entire emphasis of the gospel of JOHN is that Deity came down from
heaven to become flesh, and Jesus HUMANITY is eternally
significant and important (See John 1:14). Jesus exaltation DID NOT
DESTROY HIS HUMANITY!
II. O, GOD, MAKE ME LIKE JESUS! (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20, 21)
A. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall
be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see
Him just as he is (I John 3:2).
B. RESURRECTION! The angel said, .Why do you seek the living One among the
dead? He is not here, but He has risen (Luke 24:5, 6). NOTE; See also
Revelation 1:17, 18).
C. The CHRISTIANS HOPE is NOT JUST IMMORTALITY, but also the
RESURRECTION and CHANGE OF OUR MORTAL BODIES. Read
(I Corinthians 15:50-58).
D. No man was present at the moment of JESUS RESURRECTION. Was the Holy
Spirit there? (Romans 8:10, 11). Jesus was raised through the Holy Spirit. Were
angels there? We do not know. Our wonderful HOPE is based on the REALITY
OF THE EMPTY TOMB!
E. NOTE THESE IMPORTANT THOUGHTS:
1. Paul wanted truly to KNOW CHRIST, AND THE POWER OF HIS
RESURRECTION (Philippians 3:10)
2. Jesus said, I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE.
(John 11:25, 26)
3. Jesus is the WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE (John 14:6)
F. NOTE THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES ON JESUS RESURRECTION:
Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15, 26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30, 33, 34; 17:30, 31;
Romans 10:9; I Corinthians 6:14; II Corinthians 4:14; Galatians 1:1;
Ephesians 1:20, etc..
G. Sometimes we preach the DEATH and RESURRECTION of Jesus, but overlook
HIS BURIAL! A burial demands a DEATH! He did NOT JUST FAINT!
Angels pointed out where the BODY had been (Matthew 28:6; Mark 16:6).
H. INFALLIBLE PROOFS OF JESUS RESURRECTION
1. Jesus showed Himself alive after the resurrection by MANY CONVINCING
PROOFS (Acts 1:3). NOTE that the book of Acts DOES NOT DEBATE
THE RESURRECTION! IT JUST DECLARES IT!
2. The RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS THE MOST CERTIFIED FACT IN
ALL HISTORY!
52

a. Jewish Law required a thing to be established by the mouth of two or

three witnesses NOTE Pauls statement in II Corinthians 13:1.
b. NOTE that when Paul spoke of the DEATH FOR OUR SINS, BURIAL,
AND RESURRECTION of Christ, HE THEN GAVE MANY
WITNESSES (I Corinthians 15:1-8). The resurrection will stand
in any court of law.
3. WITNESSES OF THE RESURRECTION:
a. THE APOSTLE PAUL: This should be enough certification. The
great persecutor became the preacher. Why did he change?
HE SAW THE RISEN LORD! (I Corinthians 9:1; 15:8-11). Paul
DIED FOR HIS FAITH IN JESUS! He taught our resurrection!
(I Corinthians 15:42-58)
b. THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST: Enemies believed when disciples
doubted. They asked Pilate to make the tomb as secure as he
could (Matthew 27:64, 65). NOTE that on Pentecost and the days
following, the ENEMIES were silent and did NOT produce the
body of Jesus! Peter and the other apostles were preaching the
RESURRECTION of Jesus in the very City where it happened!
c. THE APOSTLES: Cowards became martyrs! They gave their lives
to preach the RESURRECTION of Jesus. They were competent
witnesses. Would anyone call them LIARS?
d. THE WOMEN: Jesus appeared to the WOMEN first. These women
had not imagined Jesus RESURRECTION! When, in their joy, they
told the apostles, the apostles considered it NONSENSE, and did NOT
believe (Luke 24:11; Mark 16:11).
e. THE APPEARANCES: Many scholars list as many as TEN appearances
of Jesus to various people during the 40 day period following His
RESURRECTION. See The Agony and the Glory of the Cross,
Pages 143, 144. NOTE that Jesus DID NOT appear before His
enemies, Caiaphas, Pilate, Herod, the Jewish leaders, etc..
f. JOHN: John and Peter ran to the tomb. John saw the GRAVE
CLOTHES, put all the evidence together, and believed.
(John 20:2-10)
g. DOUBTING THOMAS: When Jesus appeared to the apostles,
THOMAS was NOT THERE (John 20:24). Thomas also had been
heartbroken at the death of Jesus. The other apostles talked to him,
and said they had seen the Lord. HE STILL DOUBTED until a week
later when he saw the LORD! (John 20:25-29).
I. GRAVEYARD HUMOR: The Bible is so fascinating. Some of the events at
the RESURRECTION would be humorous if not so serious
53

1. The sad, heartbroken women brought spices to anoint the body of

Jesus, NOT THINKING AT THE TIME, that the LARGE STONE
would be VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE AWAY from the door
of the TOMB! Several strong men would be needed! But, the stone
was removed! An angel did it! (Mark 16:1-3; Matthew 28:2).
2. The SOLDIERS: Is it not humorous to think of the ROMAN ARMY
trying to GUARD A TOMB? They became like dead men
(Matthew 28:4). QUESTIONS: Were they scolded for losing the
Body? Were they told to go and find the body? Were they
executed for losing the body? NO!
3. THE DISCIPLES ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS: (Luke 24:14-32).
They did NOT recognize Jesus as they walked together. They said,
Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things
which have happened here in these days? JESUS PREACHED
THE GOSPEL TO THEM! When He blessed the bread, they
recognized HIM! They were the ones who were missing what
was happening! They finally recognized the RESURRECTION!
J. RESURRECTION POWER
1. Paul wanted to KNOW the POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION
(Philippians 3:7-11)
2. DEATH could NOT GAIN THE VICTORY OVER JESUS (Acts 2:22-36)
By His death, JESUS DEFEATED DEATH!
3. By His DEATH, Jesus saved us from the LAW OF SIN AND DEATH
(Romans 8:1, 2).
4. Jesus took the power of HIS BLOOD to heaven (Hebrews 10:19-23)
5. On the CROSS, Jesus ABOLISHED DEATH, and brought LIFE and
IMMORTALITY to light through the gospel (II Timothy 1:10).
6. NOTE: JESUS RESURRECTION GUARANTEES OURS!
(I Corinthians 15:42-58). In OUR RESURRECTION, WE WILL BE
LIKE JESUS! (I John 3:1-3)
7. But, thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
(I Corinthians 15:57).

54

THE AGONY AND GLORY OF THE CROSS

Lesson 13
I. THE BLOOD
A. But may it never be that I should boast except in the CROSS of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Galatians 6:14)
B. The Holy of Holies is entered into by the BLOOD of Christ
See also Hebrews 9:11, 12.

(Hebrews 10:19)

C. The LAMB OF GOD is the centerpiece OF ALL HISTORY (Revelation 13:8)

In Gods plan, he was Slain from the foundation of the world.
D. The theology of heaven is Christ-centered, cross-centered, and blood-centered.
It is so sad that, in some religious seminaries, the BLOOD of Christ must not be
mentioned.
E. THE ENORMITY OF SIN
1. Have you noticed that the book of LEVITICUS is filled with SACRIFICES,
PRIESTS, and BLOOD, THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS?
2. The Old Testament Law set forth very clearly the SINFULNESS OF SIN
(Romans 7:13)
3. Under the Law of Moses, forgiveness required the shedding of blood
(Hebrews 9:22). But, those animal sacrifices could NOT really take away
sin (Hebrews 10:4). God could forgive, for, in the time ahead, Jesus
would DIE! Read Hebrews 9:15.
4. In the New Testament, Jesus talked about HIS BLOOD more than He did His
CROSS or His DEATH! The blood of Christ, Created a blood bank in
heaven.
5. NOTICE WHAT JESUS BLOOD DOES:
a. Blood RECONCILES (II Corinthians 5:14-21)
b. His blood WASHES (Revelation 1:5; 7:14)
c. It REDEEMS

(Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18, 19)

d. It CLEANSES (I John 1:7)

e. It JUSTIFIES

(Romans 5:8, 9)

f. His blood OVERCOMES (Gains the victory) (Revelation 12:11)

55

g. Jesus blood SANCTIFIES (Hebrews 13:12)

h. It PROPITIATES (Atones) (I John 2:2)
i. And, it GIVES PEACE (Colossians 1:20: Ephesians 2:13-16)
F. THINGS CONNECTED TO THE BLOOD
1. THE NEW TESTAMENT or the NEW COVENANT (Matthew 26:26-29:
I Corinthians 11:25, 26; Hebrews 13:20)
a. The blood of ABEL cries out to God from the ground (Genesis 4:2-12;
See also Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51)
b. The blood of Christ speaks of better things than that of Abel
(Hebrews 12;24). LISTEN TO THE BLOOD OF JESUS!
(Hebrews 9:11-22)
2. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH:

(Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-28)

a. The blood of Jesus bought one thing --- the CHURCH! Animal blood
cannot buy anything!
b. NOTE: Christians are redeemed by Jesus blood (I Peter 1:18, 19).
The CHURCH was purchased with Jesus blood (Acts 20:28)
The KINGDOM was purchased with Jesus blood (Revelation
5:9, 10). THESE ARE ALL THE SAME PEOPLE!
3. THE LORDS SUPPER: (Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 10:16-21; 11:23-29)
a. There is One way, one body (one church), one bread, one blood, one
supper, and one life.
b. The Lords Suppr proclaims the LORDS DEATH until He comes
(I Corinthians 11:26)
4. BAPTISM
a. Baptism is the act that unites the sinner with the BLOOD, and the
DEATH of Jesus (Romans 6:1-5; Colossians 2:12;
Galatians 3:26, 27)
b. The world wants salvation without the blood, without the Bible, without
the church, without the Lords Supper, and without baptism. IT WILL
NOT WORK!
II. MY CROSS (Matthew 10:37-39; 16:24-26; Mark 8:33-37; Luke 9:23-25; 14:27;
15:25-32; Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20, 21; 6:14; Philippians 1:21)
A. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me
(Matthew 10:38)
56

B. If the CROSS OF JESUS WAS NECESSARY, SO IS OURS!

C. There is NO CHEAP GRACE in Gods salvation. Grace does NOT OVERLOOK,
evade, forget, or repeal Gods truth, wrath, or punishment. We must remember
that EVERY SIN IS PUNISHED, EITHER IN CHRIST, OR IN HELL!
D. THOUGHTS CONCERNING THE CAUSE OF JESUS DEATH
1. Some think that Jesus DIED of EXHAUSTION. Jesus had NOT SLEPT! He
had been brutalized in both JEWISH and ROMAN trials. The scourging
was terrible! He was evidently unable to carry His cross! Jesus had power
to lay down His life, and to TAKE IT AGAIN! (John 10:15-18). Jesus had
been emotionally drained by His ordeal in Gethsemane when His sweat
became like blood!
2. Some think that Jesus DIED of A RUPTURED HEART. His death came in
about SIX HOURS! Truly, he was crushed for our sins (Isaiah 53:5)
E. JESUS DIED FOR ME! (Read Romans 4:25; II Corinthians 5:15; I Corinthians
15:1-4, Titus 2:11-14, etc.)
1. Pilate did NOT at first believe that Jesus was DEAD! (Mark 15:42-47)
Then, after assuring His death, he released the body to Joseph of Arimathea.
2. What Jesus suffered on the cross, HE DID FOR ME!
3. This is the GOSPEL! Hear it! Believe it! Obey it! (II Thessalonians 1:7-9)
4. Salvation is NOT something you DO! It is something you RECEIVE!
(Matthew 11:28-30).
5. You cannot earn grace --- it is a GIFT!
You cannot buy grace --- It is NOT FOR SALE!
You cannot merit grace --- It is UNMERITED!
You cannot repay grace --- It creates NO DEBT!
Grace changes everything!
6. Peter accused the Jews of murdering Jesus! (Acts 2:22-36). They did it
PHYSICALLY! Because of our sin, we did it SPIRITUALLY!
7. To give YOURSELF and your CHILDREN a future, GIVE THEM A CROSS!
F. MY CROSS
1. We must give up the BIG ME to receive the, Great HE!
2. We must NEVER say, COME IN SAVIOR, but, STAY OUT, LORD!
We have the GIFT of Gods GRACE, but also the responsibility of
bearing our cross, the SERVICE that is so essential. We must be
disciples who are zealous of GOOD WORKS.
57

3. Always consider the text of Luke 9:23: .If anyone wishes to come after Me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. NOTE
also Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34.
4. NOTICE the following characteristics of these SCRIPTURES:
a. EXCLUSIVE! Jesus said that IF WE DO NOT DO THESE THINGS,
we CANNOT BE HIS DISCIPLES! (Luke 14:27; 14:33). If we do
NOT DENY, TAKE OUR CROSS, etc. we are EXCLUDED
from being His disciples! We must die to self, sin, and society.
b. DAILY: Discipleship is OUR WHOLE LIFE! Every day! It is the
CRUCIFIED LIFE OF SERVICE!
CHRISTIANS:
.Are facing only one direction!
.Can never turn back!
.No longer have plans of their own!
.Have minds through whom Christ thinks!
.Have hearts through which Christ loves!
.Have a voice through which Christ speaks!
.Have bodies through which Christ serves!
c. NOTE: My CROSS is NOT one of my MANY BURDENS A
CROSS is something we TAKE UP, NOT something we
put up with or ENDURE! We voluntarily give our lives to Jesus.
Preacher, elders, deacons, teachers must DIE before they serve.
d. MY CROSS is NOT MISERY or MARTYRDOM. My CROSS
should involve JOY and HAPPINESS! Read John 15:11-14;
Romans 14:17; James 1:2; I John 1:4; III John 4.
e. To TAKE UP MY CROSS is to LIVE FORGIVEN and to FORGIVE
OTHERS EVERY DAY!
5. ONCE MORE: I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who
live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live
by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me
(Galatians 2:20)

58