A Day of Surprisesleith andersonIf we turn to Christ, his death becomes our day of salvation. Accepting Christ; Christ, cross of; Christ, death of; Crucifixion; Easter; Jesus Christ; Irreverence; Mocking; Salvation; Salvation, need for; Savior, Christ ourText: Luke 23:26—49
Topic: What happened the day Jesus was crucified.
Introduction:
- Illustration: Certain deaths, like those of John Kennedy and Martin Luther King, are memorable because the reports are vivid.
- Luke reports the death of Jesus vividly, though he was not an eyewitness.
Jesus' death was a day of surprises.
- The task of carrying the cross surprised Simon of Cyrene.
- Jesus' expression of sympathy surprised the professional mourners.
- Jesus' words of forgiveness surprised the executioners.
- The noontime eclipse surprised the people.
- The ripped curtain surprised those in the temple.
Jesus' death was a day of stupidity.
- Despite the horror of crucifixion, some mocked and sneered.
- Illustration: A scene from Schindler's List shows a boy taunting condemned Jews.
- The soldiers delighted in teasing Jesus about his royalty.
- One criminal insulted him.
Jesus' death was a day of salvation.
- The other criminal believed and sought salvation.
- There is salvation for those who believe today.
Conclusion:
- Illustration: This year (1994) Good Friday is also April Fool's Day.
- Those who reject Jesus may be called fools, while those who accept him call the day Good.
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