THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE CROSS

Luke 23:33-36

INTRODUCTION: The four accounts of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ are found in the four gospels of the Bible. The crucifixion of our Lord Jesus is so important that our Lord told His church to remember it on a regular basis: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. What is it that the church receives from our faithful observance of that ordinance given by our Lord? We observed the communion service twelve times every year. The symbols of the cross are very simple. Bread— the symbol of our Lord’s broken body. Grape juice—the symbol of Christ’s shed blood. Our Lord made seven statements from the cross telling us what to expect as we remember His death.

I. FORGIVENESS!

The first thing our Lord said from the cross as His life blood was oozing out was: Luke 23:34. By coming to the cross “whosoever will” shall have their sins forgiven: 1 Peter 2:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 1:3-10.

II. ASSURANCE!

The second thing Christ spoke on the cross brings us assurance: Luke 23:39-43. This thief who has no future except death hears His Lord say “today you will be with me in paradise!” 1 John 5:11-13.

III. THE MEETING OF EVERY EARTHLY NEED!

John 19:25-27: Jesus asked John to care for His elderly mother. Apparently Joseph must have died by this time. Jesus’ mother had needs and Jesus met those needs. We also have needs and Jesus will meet our needs also: John 14:1-3; Romans 8:32. Our God knows we have needs now and He has promised to meet those needs: Psalm 23:6

IV. THE ANSWERS TO LIFE’S DEEPEST QUESTIONS!

Matthew 27:46: The deepest questions of mankind are all “Why questions.” Why do things happen the way they happen? Why is there such horrible pain and suffering? Why is there crime and famine and war? Why do those terrible things happen in this world? Why do terrible things happens to us? Why do they happen to me? Why am I sick? Why must we all die?” Our Lord Jesus died for our sins for the greater good so the heavenly Father could forgive our sins. When we suffer we must believe it is for the greater good also: Romans 8:18-25; Philippians 1:29; Romans 8:28-29

V. JESUS IS WITH US IN OUR SUFFERING!

John 19:28: Our Lord Jesus was a human being just like you and I. He felt tired, hungry, thirsty, angry, and tempted just like we do. Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 11:28-30.

VI. DELIVERANCE!

John 19:30: What was finished? Our Lord had fulfilled all that His Father had sent him into the world to do. He had lived a perfect life. On the cross Jesus offered Himself as an atonement for the sins of all mankind. Hebrews 10:14.

VII. SECURITY!
Luke 23:46: because we are in Jesus Christ we also have security! John 10:27-29; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 John 5:11-13. It is in the cross of our Lord that we find our security. Have you come to the cross for forgiveness, assurance, having all your earthly needs met, for the answer to life’s “Why questions” , for fellowship in your times of suffering, for deliverance and for security?