April 21, 2010
Be clean
Matthew 27:32-44
David Williams
Central Truth
Live such good lives among folks that, even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
Key Verse | Matthew 27:42–43
He saved others . . . . He trusts in God. (Matthew 27:42-43)
Matthew 27:32-44
The Crucifixion
32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 27:32-44
What really struck me in the gospel accounts of the crucifixion were seven words in two statements: "He saved others," and "He trusts in God." The really wild thing is that the folks responsible for Jesus' crucifixion spoke these words about Him when He was hanging on the cross.
Luke records that even the criminal being crucified with Jesus knew of His innocence. In Matthew 26:59-60, the chief priests "kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any . . . ." Matthew also notes that both Pilate and his wife spoke of His innocence. Jesus lived such an excellent life that His enemies couldn't find any wrongdoing.
Talk about a serious example of 1 Peter 2:12 (NIV): "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." Watermark pastor Todd Wagner mentioned this verse when addressing adoption. How cool would it be if we opened up our homes and hearts to this effort as a church in a serious way? Talk about having a positive impact on the world's view of the Church.
What actions should we be taking today to silence any slander of the larger Church in America? 1 Peter 2:15 (NIV) reminds us, "For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men." I hate it when I'm passive. I feel alive when I am following God's will to help others.
How many folks would be attracted to Christ if He were clearly visible in our actions? Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." If we follow God's direction, others can't help but be drawn to Christ through us.
I challenge us all to have the following offered at our funerals: "He helped others; He trusted in God." That’s a life well lived.
Discussion Questions
1. What action has God been directing you to take that you have been ignoring?
2. Quit thinking about yourself. How can you help others today?
3. Would your friends say that you trust in God?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Could Jesus have saved Himself (verse 42-43)? Why didn’t He save Himself?
2. Jesus did not ask God to save Him because He loves you. How does this make you feel about Jesus? Have you trusted in Him as your Savior?