These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Introduction

• Big Idea: The death of Jesus was unique in many ways, but none so profound as its purpose – to save sinners.
• A death so unusual that his moment is recorded by all four gospels without using the word died.
  • Matthew 27:50, “yielded up his spirit.”
  • Mark 15:37, “breathed his last.”
  • Luke 23:46, “breathed his last.”
  • John 19:30, “gave up his spirit.”
• But it countless other places, it uses the word died to describe what He did.

The darkness

The three hours of darkness shows clearly that it was the wrath of God that was the true source of Jesus’ agony.  See John 1:1-5, 29; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:3; Romans 8:18-24; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Habakkuk 1:13.

The curtain

The tearing of the curtain shows that the death of Jesus made possible our access to God.  See  Exodus 26:31–33; 2 Chronicles 3:14, Hebrews 10:19-22.

The loud voice

Jesus crying out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” shows us clearly that Jesus laid down his life deliberately to accomplish these things.  See Exodus 12:46; Psalm 22:17; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 10:11, 17-18; Psalm 31:5; Acts 7:59; Hebrews 2:9;

Responses

• Luke 23:48, the crowds.
• Luke 23:49, his acquaintances.
• Luke 23:47, the Centurion. See  Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39.
• What about you?

Since God put forth his only Son to bear the wrath of God against the sin of mankind, do you suppose you can get right with God in any other way?  Have you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ?

What will you do in today in response to God’s great gift of salvation?