The Magnetic Death of Jesus (Luke 23:26-49)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
Good Friday – 29 March 2024
Good Friday is about the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. His death had drawing power. It was magnetic.
A great multitude followed Jesus. The women who followed Jesus to the place of crucifixion were magnetically drawn to him. They were deeply mourning but did not leave him.
Jesus turned and told them not to weep for him but for themselves, that is, for their families and Israel. Judgement was about to come upon Israel. Rejecting the Messiah led to judgement. It still does today.
Jesus was nailed to a cross. This showed he identified with wrongdoers for there were two thieves nailed beside him. Jesus was not a wrongdoer but was still numbered with them. We are all sinners. Jesus stands alongside us, but without sin.
Jesus was mocked by both Jewish leaders and Gentiles. The unenlightened mock, particularly so when they appear to have the upper hand as was the case when Jesus was nailed to the cross.
In the midst of this Jesus prayed the Father to forgive the people. This is remarkable. Jesus, like a magnet, was drawing the Father to himself. The Father must respond. He cannot ignore his beloved Son, the one in whom he is well pleased. Forgiveness is available to sinners.
Jesus drew people to himself. He drew the thief on the cross who asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered his glory. Jesus assured the thief that he would be with Jesus in Paradise that day.
Jesus drew the Roman centurion for the centurion declared that Jesus was a righteous man. Significantly, at the death of Jesus one of the first persons to acknowledge him was a Gentile.
The death of Jesus indicated Jesus had accomplished what he came to do. He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Jesus' spirit returns to God the Father. His work is done. Nothing more for him to do on earth. He goes; the Holy Spirit comes.
There remained perplexity among the disciples. Earlier, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, they had expectations. Now they had disappointment and perplexity. But in a few days there would be great joy for the one who was crucified would rise from death. Death must make way for life. This is the victory of Jesus Christ.