THE DEATH OF CHRIST

ISAIAH 53

During the Civil War in the United States, a farmer named Blake was drafted as a soldier. He was deeply concerned about leaving his family, because his wife had died and there would be no one to support and take care of his children in his absence. The day before he was to leave for the army, his neighbor Charlie Durham came to visit him. "Blake," he said, "I've been thinking. You're needed here at home, so I've decided to go in your place." The farmer was so overwhelmed that a few moments he was speechless. The offer seemed too good to be true. He grasped the hand of the young man and praised God for this one who was willing to go as his substitute. Charlie went to the front-lines and performed his duties nobly. But sad to say, he was shot and killed in the first battle. When the farmer heard the news, he immediately saddled his horse and rode out to the battlefield. After searching for some time, he found the body of his friend. He arranged to have it buried in the churchyard near the spot where they had often stopped to talk after the services. On a piece of marble he carved an inscription with his own hands. It was roughly done, but with every blow of the hammer on the chisel tears fell from his eyes. He placed the marker on the grave of his devoted substitute. Many villagers wept as they read the brief but touching inscription: HE DIED FOR ME.

I.                  THE PASSION OF HIS DEATH. IS. 53.5,6

A.    Because of our sin, Christ would have to be bruised.

1.                  John 3.16

2.                  John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

B.     It started with Adam in the Garden of Eden.

1.                  Rom. 5.6-10

2.                  1 Peter 2:24  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

II.              THE PURPOSE OF HIS DEATH. IS. 53.10

A.    To make an offering for sin.

1.                  2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2.                  Ephesians 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3.                  Hebrews 7:27  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

4.                  Heb. 9.12, 14, 22, 24, 27, 28

5.                  Heb. 10.4, 6-12

6.                  Heb. 13.10-12

B.     The greatness of the price reveals the awfulness of the condition.

III.          THE PLACE OF HIS DEATH. CALVARY. LUKE 23.32-47

A.    A place of guilt. 32 & 33. He was crucified between two thieves as if he were the greater.

1.                  Isaiah 53:12  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

B.     A place of compassion. Luke 23.34

1.                  Ephesians 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

2.                  Seven statements from the cross

C.    A place of ridicule. 35-37

1.                  He could not save himself, He did not need the saving.

2.                  Matthew 18:11  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

D.    A place of testimony. V.38

E.     A place of salvation. V.40-43

1.                  Acts 4.12

2.                  John 14.6

3.                  Isaiah 45.22

4.                  All of Christ’s redemptive work is found in two words, “with me.”

F.     A place of miracle. V.44-45

1.                  The darkness declared the severity of the sin.

2.                  The torn veil indicates a God-made way through the suffering of Christ. Hebrews 10:20  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

G.    A place of death. V. 46

1.                  Heb. 9.15

2.                  Phil 2.8