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21 Thoughts For Meditation On The Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ
Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Jun 22, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: This sermon is about the nature of the sufferings of Jesus Christ and it often reflects the sufferings we face in our own life.
21 THOUGHTS FOR MEDITATION ON THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS CHRIST
1) JESUS SUFFERED FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS:
Often we are willing to suffer for our own benefit but let us learn to suffer for the benefit of others.
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Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
2) JESUS SUFFERED BECAUSE OF HIS OWN PEOPLE THE JEWS:
Often our suffering can be caused by our own people and not by strangers.Jesus was persecuted not by the Romans but by the Jews.
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"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"
3) JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY HIS OWN DISCIPLE:
Often we may be betrayed by those close to us and who have benefitted much from us .Jesus was betrayed by one whom He had trained.
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Matthew:26:21
And while they were eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me."
4) JESUS WAS PLOTTED AGAINST BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS:
Often we may face attacks from those who are supposed to lead people in the ways of God.It was the priests who wanted to kill Jesus.
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Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,
and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.
"But not during the festival," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
5) JESUS WAS HATED WITHOUT CAUSE:
Often we wonder what evil we have done to face so much hatred but let us remember that Jesus who did so much good was also hated thus.
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If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.
But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ’They hated me without reason.’
6) JESUS SUFFERED BECAUSE OF THE JEALOUSY OF PEOPLE:
Often we may face suffering purely because of the jealousy of people.Pilate discerned that the Jewish leaders were jealous of Jesus.
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For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
7) JESUS FACED INTENSE EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL AGONY:
Often we may face agonising periods of great suffering but no one has faced the agony of Jesus whose sweat came out as blood.
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And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
8) JESUS WAS DESERTED BY EVERYONE WHEN HE FACED DANGER:
Often we may feel left alone when we are in danger.Jesus was deserted by everyone when he was arrested and faced his enemies alone.
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Then everyone deserted him and fled.
9) JESUS SUFFERED EVEN THOUGH HE WAS RIGHTEOUS AND INNOCENT:
Often we complain that we face suffering unjustly even though we are faithful and godly but let us remember that Jesus also faced it.
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and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.
Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.
Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."
10) JESUS WAS TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL :
Often we may feel that we are treated like criminals and not like God’s children .Remember Jesus was crucified between thieves.
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In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.
But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left.
So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with the transgressors."
