THE DEATH OF CHRIST AND IT’S PROPHECIES
JOHN 19:23-24, 28-42
Introduction:
There has been millions of sermons about the death of Jesus on the Cross. The Scripture has much to say about the subject. John looks at part of the story while the other Gospel writers complete the picture. This is a picture drawn by the Lord in eternity past and painted in brilliant colors in time.
The prophecies relating to the Lord’s death and their fulfillment helps us see what the God of Heaven has done for you and me.
I. THE DEATH OF CHRIST
A. They cast lots for his raiment according to the Scripture:
1. The prophecy, Psalm 22:18, “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
2. The fulfillment, John 19:23, 24, “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.”
a. That Jesus died naked was part of the shame which He bore for our sins, Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
b. At the same time He is the last Adam who provides clothes of righteousness for sinners, Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels”
B. Not one of His bones was broken according to Scripture:
1. The Prophecy, Psalm 34:20, “He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”
2. The fulfillment, John 19:36, “For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.”
C. It is notable that Christ did suffer further punishment on the cross:
1. The prophecy:
a. His hands were pierced, Psalm 22:16, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.”
b. His side was pierced, Zechariah 12:10, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son , and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”
2. The fulfillment, John 19:34, “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
D. They reviled the Lord according to Scripture:
1. The Prophecy, Psalm 109:25, “I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.” Psalm 22:6-7, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. 7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.”
2. The fulfillment, Matthew 27:39, “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,” Mark 15:29-32, “And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross. 31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. 32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.”
CONCLUSION:
Thank the Lord that Jesus did not come down off of that cross, for had He done so, we would be lost and bound for Hell today. He endure the suffering in order to fulfilled the Word of God, His Father.