Have you ever wondered what put Jesus on the cross? Today, Pastor Ryan Rush looked at Matthew 27 and discussed what put Jesus on the cross.

Who is responsible for this? Who put Jesus on the cross?

After reading Matthew 27, the question should change to, how many people are responsible for putting Jesus on the cross?

Religious people put Him there: “Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed.” Matt. 27:1

Hypocrites put Him there:  “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.” Matt. 27:3

Ignorant people put Him there: “But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.” Matt. 27:20

Cowards put Him there:  “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’” Matt. 27:24

Prideful people put Him there: “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.” Matt. 27:28-29

Skeptics put Him there: “Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!’” Matt. 27: 39-40

Sin put Him there:  Sin makes us all these things—hypocrites, ignorant, cowards, etc

I put Him there:  My sin put Him there. Your sin put Him there.

Love put Him there:  “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. “ 1 John 3:16a  //  “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:17-18

Matthew 27:26 is a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. The middle cross was set up for Barabbas, but instead Jesus took his place on the cross. Just like He took Barabbas’ place, He took my place, and He took yours.  “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” Matthew 27: 26

Discussion:

1. What is one sin of yours that Jesus died for on the cross?
2. Have you taken time, recently, to thank Jesus for dying for that sin and all your others?
3. Is there anything that is keeping you from experiencing the true fulfillment and freedom of Jesus Christ?