Resurrection of the King 

• Matthew 26-28
  • Death of Judas…
    • When JUDAS saw that Jesus had been CONDEMNED to death…
    • He REGRETTED [not repented] his choice to BETRAY Him – and brought back the MONEY…
    • He admitted he SINNED because he BETRAYED an INNOCENT man…
    • But the PRIESTS had no compassion – they responded that is YOUR problem…
    • So Judas threw down the money – and went and hung himself…
    • The priests took the money and bought a field in the Hinnom Valley [γέεννα]!
  • Final Trial…
    • The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate [they could not execute Him]
    • They made MANY accusation against Jesus – but He did NOT say a WORD…
    • Pilate had a CUSTOM of releasing ONE prisoner on the PASSOVER…
    • He gave the Jews a CHOICE – did they want BARABBAS [murderer] or Jesus [Christ]
    • The people chose BARABBAS – and demanded [imperfect] Jesus be CRUCIFIED!

• 1^st – The Preparation… vs. 26-31
  • 1^st – Scourged… vs. 26
    • When he had scourged Jesus [Pilate] delivered Him to be crucified!
    • SCOURGED [φραγελλόω] – 2x in NT – only used in the crucifixion!
    • Scourging was a Roman interrogation method – meant to force a confession…
    • The prisoner would be tied to a post – with their back bent over and exposed…
    • 39 lashes from a TWO inch leather whip [imbedded with metal and glass]
    • It would tear the back open – ripping flesh and muscle down to the bone…
    • After each lash you would be asked to confess – if you did the torture would lessen…
    • If you did NOT confess – the lashings would grow STRONGER…
    • Jesus was SILENT – meaning the scourging nearly killed Him!
    • Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed and treated harshly yet he never said a word.”
  • 2^nd – King of Jews… vs. 27-30
    • The Robe… vs. 27-28
      • Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium.
      • And gathered the whole garrison around Him – stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him!
      • After the SCOURGING – Jesus was taken to the PRAETORIUM [πραιτώριον]
      • Thought to be the ANTONIO fortress on the north west side overlooking the Temple Mount…
      • There the entire GARRISON [600 troops] surrounded Jesus – and took off His clothes [naked]
      • They placed a SCARLET [κόκκινος] robe on him – which presents a PROBLEM…
      • Because in the parallel account in MARK – we are told it was PURPLE [πορφύρα]!
      • Ask TWO people look at a ONE color and tell you what it is…
      • More often than not – they are going to give you a DIFFERENT answer!
      • If the stories were EXACTLY the same – people might assume it was NOT genuine…
      • That Matthew saw a slightly different color – actually gives the account validity…
      • It also may have deeper meaning – SCARLET points to the SACRIFICE of Jesus – Isaiah 1:18
      • And the color PURPLE points to the fact Jesus is KING [color of kings]
    • Crown of thorns… vs. 29-30
      • When they had twisted a crown of thorns they put it on His head and a reed in His right hand.
      • And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him saying: Hail King of the Jews!
      • Then they spat on Him and took the reed and struck Him on the head!
      • The SOLDIERS made a CROWN of THORNS [ἄκανθα]
      • THORNS in Israel are between THREE and SIX centimeters long [and very sharp]
      • Having put a REED [scepter] in His hand – they BOWED before Him – Romans 14:11
      • And MOCKED [imperfect] Him saying – REJOICE [χαίρω] it is the King of the Jews…
      • Then they SPIT on Him – and BEAT [imperfect] the THORNS into His HEAD with the REED!
      • THORNS in the Bible are a PICTURE of the CURSE – Genesis 3:18
      • They represent the CARES of this world that keep us from being FRUITFUL – Matthew 13:22
      • Jesus was willing to take our CURSE – and our CARES…
      • He was BEATEN with them – so that we could be set FREE – John 8:36

• 2^nd – The crucifixion… vs. 31-38
  • 1^st – Via Dolorosa… vs. 31-32
    • Heavy burden… vs. 31
      • When they had mocked – Him they took the robe off Him – put His own clothes on Him.
      • And led Him away to be crucified!
      • After the SOLDIERS had their fun – they put His clothes back on…
      • Then they LED [ἀπάγω] Jesus to be CRUCIFIED [σταυρόω]
      • They placed a LARGE cross beam [30-50 kilograms] on His lacerated back…
      • It was the responsibility of the CONDEMNED to bear their own CROSS!
      • Luke 9:23 – “If anyone desires to come after Me let him deny himself – and take up his cross daily – and follow Me.”
      • The choice to follow Jesus – is NOT an easy one…
      • What we are saying is that we are willing to DIE to ourselves…
      • We CHOOSE to take up our CROSS daily – and follow Him!
    • Simon… vs. 32
      • Now as they came out they found a man of Cyrene – Simon by name. 
      • Him they compelled to bear His cross!
      • As they LED Jesus out of the CITY – His cross became too heavy to bear…
      • The SOLDIERS found a man from CYRENE [Libya] – called SIMON…
      • He was FORCED to pick up the CROSS and carry it for Jesus!
      • Although we do NOT know for sure what happened to SIMON after this…
      • His inclusion in all THREE synoptic gospels suggests he was well known in the early church…
      • Some think he was part of the REVIVAL in the city of Antioch – Acts 11:20
      • And that his son RUFUS [Mark 15:21] became a missionary to Rome – Romans 16:13
      • While it is NOT easy to take up our CROSS and follow Jesus…
      • The good news is we are NOT alone – we are surrounded by FAMILY…
      • Brothers and sisters who would LOVE to help us carry our BURDEN!
      • Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
  • 2^nd – Golgotha… vs. 33
    • The Skull…
      • When they had come to a place called Golgotha – that is to say: Place of a Skull!
      • Jesus was taken to a place called GOLGOTHA [גֻּלְגֹּלֶת] – in Latin it is called CALVARY…
      • It is a HILL on the NORTH side of the city of Jerusalem [looks like a skull]
      • Located next to the main road into the city – it was the common place for EXECUTIONS!
      • This is ALSO the HIGHEST point of Mount MORIAH…
      • The EXACT place where Abraham went to offer Isaac!
      • Genesis 22:14 – “Abraham called the name of the place: [יְהוָה יִרְאֶה]. As it is said to this day: In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided!”
    • Outside…
      • Hebrews 13:12 – “Jesus [to] sanctify the people with His blood – suffered outside the gate.”
      • Jesus had to LEAVE the TEMPLE – the presence of God…
      • He went OUTSIDE of the city to the place called – GOD will PROVIDE!
      • He had to go there – because we were also on the OUTSIDE …
      • Our sin had SEPARATED us from God – and Jesus came to PROVIDE a way BACK…
      • He did so through His BLOOD – so that He might SANCTIFY [ἁγιάζω] us!
  • 3^rd – The Cross… vs. 34-35
    • Vinegar… vs. 34
      • They gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. When He tasted it He would not drink!
      • The SOLDIERS gave Jesus VINEGAR mixed with a bitter herb [myrrh]
      • Likely an inexpensive cheap drink used by the SOLDIERS to get DRUNK…
      • It was MEANT to dull the PAIN for what was coming next…
      • Jesus tasted it – and refused [imperfect] – so He could take the FULL weight of our SIN!
    • Excruciating…
      • Then they crucified Him!
      • At 9am in the morning they CRUCIFIED [σταυρόω] Jesus – Mark 15:25
      • CRUCIFIXION is arguably the most PAINFUL form of death ever invented…
      • Created by the Persians around 300 B.C. [impalement]
      • It was modified by the Romans to prolong the death [could take days]!
      • Jesus was placed on His back and nailed between the bones of His forearm [20cm spike]
      • His knees were bent to 45° angle – the feet then nailed to the cross…
      • Placed upright – Jesus would have been UNABLE to bear His own weight…
      • His shoulders would pop out – followed by elbows – then wrist [all hyperextended]
      • Tired and oxygen deprived – it became harder and harder to breath…
      • Death came from slow asphyxiation – and finally death came from a BROKEN heart!
  • 4^th – The Prophecies… vs. 35/38
    • Gambling… vs. 35
      • [They] divided His garments casting lots – fulfilling that which was spoken by the prophet:
      • They divided My garments among them – and for My clothing they cast lots!
      • The SOLDIERS decided to cast LOTS for Jesus clothing…
      • The problem was Jesus had a nice COAT made of ONE piece of cloth – John 19:23
      • So rather than CUTTING it [ruining it] – they decided to GAMBLE for it…
      • This seemingly MINOR details – is included in all FOUR Gospels…
      • Because it points us back to the PSALM that predicted the death of the Messiah!
      • The Psalm opens with: My God – My God – why have you forsaken me – Psalm 22:1
      • It goes on to say they PIERCED His hands and feet – Psalm 22:15
      • And even had the DETAIL that they gambled for His CLOTHES – Psalm 22:18
      • A lot of people like to GAMBLE – we tend to think we can beat the odds…
      • But we do NOT just like to gamble with our money – we gamble with our ETERNITY…
      • Living for this world – thinking there is still time to get RIGHT with God
      • It is not worth the risk – do must play around with our salvation – choose Jesus NOW!
    • Thieves… vs. 38
      • Then two robbers were crucified with Him one on the right and another on the left!
      • There were TWO thieves crucified beside Jesus [one on each side]
      • This also fulfilled PROPHECY as we are told in the parallel account – Mark 15:28
      • Isaiah 53:9 – “He was buried like a criminal [but] was put in a rich mans grave.” [NLT]
      • NOTHING about CROSS was a surprise – God gave David the derails 1000 years earlier…
      • And told Isaiah who He would DIE with – and where He would be BURIED!
    • Forgive them…
      • Jesus had been MOCKED – BEATEN – and was being CRUCIFIED…
      • Yet as the SOLDIERS gambled for the last possessions He had on earth…
      • And He hung between two THIEVES – as if He were also a common CRIMINAL…
      • Rather than being BITTER – He simply showed GRACE!
      • Luke 22:34 – “Father forgive [imperative] them for they do not know [perfect] what they do.”
      • Like Jesus we know what is going to happen to us in life…
      • People are going to MOCK us – and they are going to HURT us…
      • But rather than getting BITTER at them – we need to remember…
      • They do NOT know [perfect] what they are doing – they are LOST…
      • Which is why we FORGIVE them – hoping to show them the LOVE of God!
  • 5^th – The accusation… vs. 36-37
    • Sitting down they kept watch over Him there.
    • And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:
    • THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS!
    • Having CRUCIFIED Jesus – the SOLDIERS sat down to wait for His death…
    • They placed a SIGN with His CRIME over His head: Jesus the King of the Jews!
    • It was written in THREE languages: Latin [INRI] – Greek – and Hebrew…
    • The Jewish priests objected – they wanted Pilate to CHANGE the wording…
    • The reason for the objection – the acronym in Hebrew was Yahweh [יְהוָה] 
    • John 19:22 – “Pilate answered: What I have written – I have written.”

• 3^rd – The Choice… vs. 39-44
  • 1^st – Save Yourself… vs. 39-43
    • The Crowd… vs. 39-40
      • Those who passed by blasphemed Him wagging their heads and saying:
      • You who destroy the temple and build it in three days – save Yourself! 
      • If You are the Son of God come down from the cross!
      • The CROWDS that passed by the ROAD – BLASPHEMED [imperfect] the Lord…
      • They TAUNTED Jesus – He said he could destroy the Temple and rebuild it in THREE days…
      • Anyone who could do that – must SAVE [imperative] themselves…
      • SINCE [indicative] He is the Son of God – He must [imperative] come down from the CROSS!
      • The people were BLIND – they did NOT see Jesus was DESTROYING the TEMPLE….
      • Not the BUILDING – but His BODY – and in THREE days He would RISE again!
      • John 2:21 – “[Jesus] was speaking of the temple of His body.”
    • The Leaders… vs. 41-42
      • Likewise the chief priests also mocking with the scribes and elders said:
      • He saved others. Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel:
      • Let Him now come down from the cross and we will believe Him!
      • The Religious leaders joined in on the MOCKING…
      • Jesus had SAVED others [indicative] – but lacked the POWER [δύναμαι] to save Himself…
      • SINCE [indicative] He is the King of Israel – He MUST [imperative] come down…
      • Then all of the leader would [future] put their FAITH [πιστεύω] in Him!
      • Jesus did NOT lack POWER – far from it – He is the ALMIGHTY – Revelation 1:8
      • ALMIGHTY [παντοκράτωρ] – ALL [πᾶς] POWERFUL [κράτος]
      • But He chose to use His power to SAVE rather than HIMSELF!
    • Trusting God… vs. 43
      • He trusted in God. Let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him.
      • For He said: I am the Son of God!
      • Jesus put His FAITH [πιστεύω] in God – let us see if THE God [ὸν θεόν] wants [θέλω] Him…
      • For Jesus said – He was [no article] a SON of [no article] a god…
      • But the WILL of THE God for Jesus – was for Him to NOT come down!
      • Luke 22:42 – “Not My will [θέλω] – but Yours be done.”
      • Jesus could have come down off the CROSS at any point…
      • He did NOT have to SUFFER – He did NOT deserve to DIE…
      • But He stayed – because it was the WILL of the FATHER…
      • He stayed – because it was the ONLY way for us to be FORGIVEN…
      • If He had SAVED Himself – then NONE of us could have been SAVED!
  • 2^nd – Repentance… vs. 44
    • Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing!
    • The THIEVES beside Jesus also joined in MOCKING Him…
    • Saying SINCE [indicative] You are the CHRIST save [imperative] Yourself and US – Luke 23:39
    • But perhaps seeing how Jesus RESPONDED to the mocking [said nothing]
    • Concluding that Jesus was an INNOCENT man – and had done NO wrong…
    • ONE of the THIEVES had a change of HEART – and said to Jesus…
    • Lord [κύριος] remember me when You come into Your kingdom…
    • Jesus – who had been SILENT up until this point – SPOKE!
    • Luke 23:43 – “[Ἀμήν] I say to you today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
    • Like those thieves – we have a choice – what do we do with Jesus…
    • He gave up everything – condemned to death for us – paying our penalty…
    • He suffered unimaginably – so that we might experience the Joy of heaven…
    • Do we believe – do we receive – His gift of forgiveness!