John 19

I think it’s fair to say the Cross is probably the most recognisable symbol in our world today. Everywhere we look we can see the cross through our environment. People wear them around their necks, have them hanging in their cars, have them tattooed on their bodies. Flags around the world depict crosses – England, Brazil, Australia, Finland, Norway, Spain, New Zealand & literally loads more! The word ‘cross’ comes from the latin word crux, which was the torture device used to crucify people. The same device Jesus died on.

 

Today’s E100 is the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. A story which is known worldwide. A story which was foretold years and years before it even happened. Throughout the Old Testament there are many prophesies about Jesus’ coming and his death. Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted; yet He opened not His mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before its shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth”…Sounds like verse 8 of today’s reading doesn’t it?

 

It’s amazing how this was written down maybe 700+ years before it happened. Read Isaiah 53:4-6 & 10-11. Again it is another account of Jesus death….700+ years before it happened.

 

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

 

Why is it important that this was prophesied? Because this was God plan – It was his plan from the start, the plan where Jesus would die for us. For our sins he would take the punishment.

 

Not us, but him.

 

“When blood and water hit the ground, Walls we couldn’t move came crashing down, We were free and made alive- The day that true love died, The day that true love died.”