Seven Sayings -- Suffering
John 19:28

Sermon Outline from the Morning Service - 9 April 2000

I. The humanity of Jesus is evident

A. The Son of God is also the Son of Man

1. Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. Phil 2:6-7. Nothing of His character or being changed in
becoming a man except that He had a new form, a physical form.
2. Being a man, He had the limitations of the physical body.

a. He got tired, hungry and thirsty -- John 4:6-8
b. He was troubled and wept at death -- John 11:33-35

B. We see the intensity of His suffering

1. Physical -- crucifixion was intended to be a tortuous death - This phrase, I thirst, is the only reference to the agonies He was enduring, and was probably the least of His ailments.
2. Spiritual -- His worst suffering was abandonment by God

a. Lam. 1:12-13. Internal trials of the soul do affect our bodies (Prov 17:22; Ps 32:3-4).
b. Remember that He suffered for our sins. Luke 16:24

II. The focus of Jesus is exemplary

A. The priority of Scripture

1. Jesus mentioned His thirst, not so that He could get some water to ease His discomfort but to fulfill Scripture.
2. Mt. 26:53-56. Jesus committed Himself that each prophecy be fulfilled:

a. Mt. 26:53-56 -- numbered with transgressors (Is. 53:12) and the disciples scattered (Zech 13:7; cf Mk 14:27, 50)
b. Judas' 30 silver pieces to buy a field (Mt. 27:3-10; Zech. 11:12-13)
c. casting lots for Jesus' garments (John 19:24; Ps. 22:18)
d. thirst (John 19:28; Ps. 69:21)
e. no broken bones (John 19:33-36; Ps. 34:20)
f. His side pierced (John 19:34-37; Zech 12:10)

B. His submission to the Father's will

1. He is in control of Himself and the whole situation.
2. The focus of this control was not to manipulate for His own purposes, but to fulfill the Father's will.

a. Mt. 4:4 -- Jesus lived by directing and regulating His life in accordance with what God had said. (John 4:34)
b. We can, like Christ, live in obedience to the Word.

Is it your desire to "fulfill" Scripture by being the obedient Christian you ought to be?