Text: 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.