It is customary for a good sermon to begin with an introduction of sorts, an attempt to orient the hearer to the text or topic about to be studied. However, there are some passages of Scripture that simply require no introduction. These are sections of God’s word so momentous, so profound, so dramatic, and so captivating that they demand attention with little outside help.
Such is the case with Matthew’s inspired account of the crucifixion of the King. It is as climactic as it is devastating, as beautiful as it is brutal, and as sombre as it is necessary. And this passage highlights for believers of all eras and ages that which was endured by Jesus, that which was shown by what was endured by Jesus, and that which is demanded by what was shown.
