The Passion of Christ

THEME: THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (ISAIAH 53:5-12)
Jesus Christ suffered in the hands of wicked men in order that he would redeem mankind.
Who killed Jesus?
1. Pontius Pilate the Roman governor had the power to enforce death penalty on Jesus. But he publicly declared “I
cannot find any reason to condemn him” (John 19:4, Luke 23:4) Yet Pilate bowed to pressure and condemned
an innocent man because of politics.
Proverbs 17:15 says “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an
abomination to the Lord”
2. The Roman soldiers crucified Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
3. The mob of people in the streets. They were the ones who put pressure on Pilate to have Barabbas released to
them, they said, “We have no king but Caesar” and again “Crucify him, Crucify him!” (John 19:15)
Exodus 23:2, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn many aside
to pervert justice”
4. Jewish religious leaders initiated the arrest and trial of Jesus. It was the religious leaders who incited the mob to
scream for Barabbas to be released and Jesus Christ crucified. (Luke 23:23-25)
5. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:4) for mere silver, Judas was greedy (Matthew 26:14-15) He was
treacherous (Luke 22:47-48) dishonest, thief and hypocritical (John 12:4-6)
It was God’s will that Jesus Christ suffer and die on the cross, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed: “Father, if
though be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
I do believe that it was my sin and your sin that was responsible for the suffering and atoning death of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Isaiah 53:5-12)
Jesus Christ of Nazareth is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:6-8); our sin offering (Romans 8:3); our atonement
(Romans 3:25). When Christ the perfect Son of God, a Lamb without sport or blemish (1 Peter3:18) shed his precious
blood on the cross, it was a substitutionary death. He died in our place.
I came across this short poem by Dr. Peter Hammond which blessed me and I believe these words will be of substance to
you.
 He became like us that we might become like him. He was rejected that we might be accepted.
 He was condemned that we might be forgiven. He was punished that we might be pardoned.
 He suffered that we might be strengthened. He was whipped that we might be healed.
 He was hated that we might be loved. He was crucified that we might be justified. He was tortured that we
might be comforted. He died that we might live…….adapted from Dr. Peter Hammond’s work.
God is a loving Father, Holy Father, and righteous Father. We are sinful and need to repent from our sins and place our
trust in God. Have you thanked him for dying on the cross for your sins?
Whoever wants to surrender h/her life to Jesus Christ now please pray with me this short prayer of faith: “Lord Jesus, I
need you to be Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins, I repent all my sins. Thank you
for forgiving me and making me a new creature” Amen.
Rev. Bonface Nyangolo: Centre Senior Pastor.