How do you see the CROSS

How do you see the CROSS John 16:19-20

INTRODUCTION: When Pi!ate had given over to the crucifixion of Christ, they led Him away to a hill called Calvary and there they crucified Him.

There were many who surveyed the cross, but few were affected.

I. THE DISCIPLE SAW THE CROSS IN GRIEF
1. There was only one of the discip!es who stood by the cross. That was John. -

Joh 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Joh 20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

2. We that are saved survey the cross with deep appreciation for the precious blood that was shed for us, not with grief.

The cross may be repulsive to the world, but it is blessed to the believer. -

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

II. THE SPECTATORS SAW THE CROSS IN MOCKERY

1. The majority of the crowd that day were there to jeer and mock the blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

Mt 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

2. The only reason that God didn't consume this mocking crowd is because an eternal work was being accomplished. Just because the mocking crowd seemingly got away with it does not mean God did not observe them.

III. THE CENTURION SAW THE CROSS WITH REGRET

1. The soldiers around the cross were not conscious of whom they had nailed to the middle cross.

They gambled for His garment and offered Him vinegar to drink.

But when the darkness covered the earth and the earth began to quake, one soldier saw the cross in a different light.

Mt 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

2. The centurion regretted what he was guilty of, but it was too late.

When Paul preached to King Agrippa, his reply was, "Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."

IV. THE THIEF SAW THE CROSS AS DELIVERANCE
1. There were two thieves crucified at the same time as Jesus.

One joined the crowd and mocked Him

But the other realized his sinful state and who Jesus was Therefore, he cried out for deliverance. -

Lu 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

2. There are multitudes today, who like the thief, seeing their lost condition, have cried out, "Remember me Lord.'' They have experienced the same deliverance.

This is still the message to every lost soul.

If they are willing to call upon Him, they will receive the same deliverance. -

Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Ro 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.