Recap
Title: Countdown To The Crucifixion
Series: Discovering The Real Jesus
Key Text: John 2:13-17; John 12:12-19; John 13:1-17; John 18:33-37; John 19:28-30
Key Message:
The story of Easter, which we now come to in our series ‘Discovering the Real Jesus’, shows us how God can turn everything around for good after everything was so bad.
Jesus had done so much good and yet He experienced so much evil in the final week of His life on earth. Whenever we have a difficult week, you can definitely put your week into perspective when you consider Easter week.
The humility of Jesus: He is the servant of all (John 12:12-19; John 13:1-17)
The Authority of Jesus: He is the King of all (John 18:33-37; John 19:11; 19)
The Victory of Jesus: He is the Saviour of all (John 19:28-30)
Apply
Jesus, God in human form, entered this world at a baby in the humblest of surroundings. As someone being celebrated as Israel’s great deliverer, the Messiah, you might have expected that Jesus would have come riding a strong and beautiful horse in a show of his power. Instead, Jesus arrives into Jerusalem riding a donkey.
How different this is to today’s celebrity culture where everyone wants to make the best impression. Jesus characterised himself as a humble man, and also a man willing to serve.
Foot washing was a very basic job for lowly servants. However, Jesus was happy to show that no one and nothing was beneath him. He would do whatever was necessary to serve and he told his disciples that they should follow his example.
Today, as we look at Jesus, we should also seek to have humble hearts and be willing to serve others.
We should focus less on ourselves and more on how we can help others. Humility means that we need to listen to others more and be ready to learn. Humility means that we should look at how we can give and not just receive. Humility means that we can receive corrections without resentment. Humility means that we should be quick to say sorry.
Are you thinking about how you can help yourself, or serve others? Do you want to serve others, are you prepared to humble yourself as Jesus did?
Jesus was abused like any other Roman criminal, but everyone knew that the countdown of events to the crucifixion resembled the killing of a King.
When Jesus spoke, he claimed to be the King of a heavenly kingdom on earth. Even the soldiers were focused on this thought of Jesus as King as they mocked him with a crown of thorns. And when He was crucified John 19:19 tells us that: ‘Pilate had a notice prepared and fixed to the cross. It read Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’
Despite the protests of Jewish religious leaders. Jesus was crucified as the King of the Jews, His very own people that He loved with an everlasting love. He died as the King of all Kings.
Do you believe the claims of Jesus? Jesus demonstrated His Authority throughout His life to the very end. Are you willing to submit to His Authority and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?
Jesus finished God’s plan of salvation. Jesus became the final and ultimate sacrifice for sins. No more sacrifices are necessary. Now we can come boldly into God’s presence through the blood of Jesus.
The Cross and the crucifixion have a special power.
Do you believe that non matter what problems you are facing, you can see amazing answers to prayer? The blood of Jesus, the servant of all; the King and the Saviour over all has made this all possible.
