I don’t Need The Cross I have Easter!

I. Introduction

A. Easter is one of the few times of the year people think of Jesus.

B. This morning people all over the world will be participating in some activity because of the Easter holiday.

i. Some are enjoying Easter because the fact that they have a longer weekend.

ii. Some are looking forward to a family gathering.

iii. Kids look forward to the

1. New clothes for church.

2. The candy.

3. The egg hunt.

C. After Easter has passed most will have a feeling of intimacy with Christ.

i. However this intimacy will soon fade until the next religious holiday.

II. Every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus death, burial and resurrection.

A. Remember the brutal execution of Jesus was the climax of a plan God had from eternity.

i. “Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” 2 Timothy 1:9

B. Jesus said to remember the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God.

C. Every first day of the week just as the first Christians did. Mat. 26:26; Acts 20:7

D. Never forget our sins cause us to be separated from God. Isaiah 59:2

E. Only God could provide a repair in the breach. Romans 5:6

i. He did this through the sacrificial death of his Son on the cross.

III. The cross is more than just a symbol.

A. It represents an instrument of death.

B. Without the cross there would be no need for the burial or the resurrection.

i. Without the cross there would be no sunrise services to celebrate the resurrection of the Christ.

ii. Without the cross there would be no egg hunt.

iii. Higher attendance at churches all over the world.

C. Without the cross there would be no atoning blood.

D. Christians should focus more on the cross because we deserve a cross not Jesus.

I. Why did the Romans use the cross?

A. Mostly for control of slaves and lower class of people.

B. Because the brutality and humiliation was very effective.

1) The cross to the people under the control of the Roman Empire saw the cross as a humiliating and cruel way to die.

2) Bodies were left to decay on the cross. Wild animals would eat the corpses as they hung there.

3) Birds would come and pluck the eyes out of the bodies.

4) Most of the bodies were discarded where trash was dumped.

C. For a stern warning against any rebellion control.

1) People who died on a Roman cross were to serve as a reminder of the consequences of violating Roman law.

II. Why would God need a cross? Rom. 5:6-10

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— [8] but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Romans 5:6-10

A. God doesn’t need the cross we needed it.

B. Breaking of God’s Law requires reparation.

C. Mankind cannot provide the necessary compensation. 1 Peter 2:24

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24

D. To demonstrate Gods love for mankind.

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

E. The cross clearly demonstrated the destructive nature of sin.

1) The Cross Jesus had to bear was both physical and spiritual.

a) Physically suffered.

b) Spiritually suffered. Endured the cup.

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.

Hebrews 5:7

III. Why do people accept the cross of Jesus?

A. They see the greatest of all kinds of love. Romans 5:7

1) For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— Romans 5:7

B. They understand the greatness of Jesus keeping obedient to His fathers’ will.

1) God wanted to destroy death and reconcile mankind back to Him.

a) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15

C. The Gospel taught them the needed atonement for sin.

a) Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; Hebrews 10:5

D. The Gospel taught them how to receive forgiveness. Acts 2:38

E. They learned that His purpose was to die for the sins of mankind.

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Ephesians. 3:11

“…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. [21] And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, [22] he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,”

Colossians. 1:20-22

F. They can see themselves on the cross, but not the Lamb of God.

G. They are astonished at Jesus dying they way He lived.

1) Living and Dying in:

a) Peacefully

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23

b) Humility

“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8

c) Loving.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. John 15:13

d) Forgiving.

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."

Mark 2:5

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34

H. They witness the power of God to raise the dead.

a) Acts 3:15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

b) 1 Corinthians. 15:6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

IV. Why do people reject the cross?

A. Couldn’t see the wisdom in the cross. (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

B. Only see foolishness and want physical proof.

C. They can’t bear the cross.

1) The cost is too high.

And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:38

“Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24

V. Conclusion.

A. When we think of what our Savior Jesus endured on the cross it needs to have more than a momentary effect twice a year.

B. There is a grave waiting for all of us.

C. however because of Jesus victory over death through his resurrection he has provided us the opportunity to have the same victory.

D. Jesus provides a way for us to be free from sin and fellowship with our Heavenly Father!

E. Take advantage of this victory by making the decision to live as God would desire, accept Jesus as your savior, then be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38.