Sermon Outline/Slides: What Should the Cross Mean to Me
Who Was Crucified?
- A perfectly innocent man who had done no wrong, admitted by the very one who ordered His death (Matthew 27:23-24).
- Not only legally innocent, but morally and spiritually pure (Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Peter 2:22).
- He went about doing good (Acts 10:38).
- The Son of God, the Creator killed by His creation (John 1:1-3, 14).
The Sufferings of Jesus
- Betrayed by a friend (Matthew 26:47-50).
- Deserted by other friends (Matthew 26:56).
- Arrested as a common criminal (Matthew 26:55).
- Subjected to degrading treatment (Matthew 26:67-68).
- A murderer was preferred over Him (Matthew 27:15-17, 20-23).
- Scourged with a Roman implement for severe punishment (Matthew 27:26).
- Crowned with thorns (Matthew 27:27-31).
- Carried His cross to the place of crucifixion.
What Does the Cross Mean?
- God’s immense love for the world (John 3:16).
- A sacrifice offered by the God who hated sin (Romans 3:23-26).
- Love for a rebellious world (Romans 5:8-10).
- The greatest love ever shown (John 15:12-13).
- The cross represents the sacrifice demanded by sin (Matthew 26:28; Revelation 1:5).
- Inspires us to love God in return (1 John 5:3).
How Does This Affect You?
- Will you let this love inspire you to become a Christian?
- If you are already a Christian, will you become more faithful and obedient? (Philippians 2:8).
Conclusion
- Don’t live in a way that makes His death meaningless (Hebrews 10:26-31).
- Will you come to that sacrificial death now? (1 John 1:7-9; Romans 6:3-4; Mark 16:15-16).
Let’s reflect on the depth of His sacrifice and let it transform our lives.