The One On The Middle Cross

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, July 18, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 
THE ONE ON THE MIDDLE CROSS

By Michael D. O’Neal                    Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                    Albany, Georgia

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Scripture Reading: John 19:12-22

Text: John 19:18

John 19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

Introduction: Three men were nailed to crosses on that day, according to our text. All three were:
1. crucified
2. criticized
3. condemned

However, one was different. This was not known to everyone, but there were some that saw the difference:

Matthew 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.

I want to talk to you about the difference and ask you to consider with me the Unique Person who hung on the middle cross.

Which one is THE One?

I. HE WAS THE SINLESS ONE

Luke 23:40-41 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

A. His birth was unique

B. His boyhood was unusual

C. His behavior was unblemished

II. HE WAS THE SUBSTITUTED ONE
(For Barabbas)

Matthew 27:21-22 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

Neither of the other two who were crucified died in the place of another. Jesus did. However, He not only died for Barabbas, but for you and me, as well.

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

A. He lived for others

B. He lay down His life for others

C. He liberated others
     1. Barabbas was allowed to go free
     2. You and I are allowed to go free!

III. HE WAS THE SUCCESSFUL ONE
 – He rose again!!

Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

A. This distinguished Him from the founders of religions

B. This declared Him to be the Son of God

C. This defeated the enemy of our souls, the devil
     1. Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;  that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

IV. HE WAS THE SAVING ONE

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 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.

On the cross we see

A. His purchase of our redemption

B. His pardon for our iniquity

C. His preparation to return
     1. Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

D. His promise of Paradise
     1. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

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