Text: Matthew 27:3261

Topic: How we view Jesus

You may see a random obligation.

·          Simon was afraid that the people would think he was a criminal or a Jesus sympathizer when he was forced to carry Jesus' cross.

               Matthew 27:32

·          If this is you, open your Jesus wants to show you who he is.

You may see a rewarding opportunity.

·          A gambler at the foot of the cross was concerned with what was in it for him, as he cast lots for Jesus' clothes.

               Matthew 27:35

·          Jesus wants to be followed for his own sake, not for what we can get out of him.

You may see a route out.

·          One of the robbers next to Jesus taunted Jesus to save them.

               Matthew 27:38, 44

·          Jesus can rescue us from trouble, but he sees through selfish motives.

You may see a religious outrage.

·          The chief priest didn't like Jesus because he had done something the priest thought he could do himself.

               Matthew 27:3943

·          We can't be good enough to save ourselves.

You may see the of God's omnipotence.

·          When Jesus gave up his spirit, the graves broke open and holy people who had died came to life.

               Matthew 27:5053

·          If we acknowledge God's miracles but do not trust Christ, they are worthless.

               Illustration: Nicodem once heard a man who does not follow Jesus wonder out loud how anyone could deny that there is a God.

You may see a revered .

·          Terrified by the events that followed Jesus' death, the centurion began praising God, hoping to appease God and save himself.

               Matthew 27:54

·          God isn't fooled by superficial faith.

You may see a redemptive offering.

·          Mary Magdalene was the last at the cross and the first at the tomb because Jesus had released her from evil and forgiven her sin.

               Matthew 27:55

·          Those that trust in Jesus are deeply grateful and committed to following him.

Have you gone public with your allegiance to Jesus?

·          In his first courageous step in following Christ, Joseph of Arimathea demanded the broken body of Jesus from Pilate and put it in the tomb.

               Matthew 27:5761