John 19:16-18

Three Crosses

Introduction:

When I think of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, I cannot help to think of the precision of Psalm 22, which is a Messianic prophecy describing the death of Christ and those who carried out the execution and all those surrounding Him in His suffering.

“I am a worm, and not a man, a reproach of men, and despised by the people. All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him because He delights in him.” (Psa. 22:6-8)

Like a bunch of wild dogs and barbarians carrying out the hideous tortures of nailing limbs to a post of wood. 

“For dogs have surrounded me; a band of evildoers has encompassed me; they pieced my hands and feet, I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me.” (Psa. 22:16-18)

The soldiers make sport of his garments; it becomes a form of entertainment.

“They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. Psa. 22:18)

I. CRUCIFIED AT GOLOGTHA

A. Where did the practice of crucifixion come from?

1. Persians, Carthaginians and Romans.

2. Roman citizens were exempt.

B. Method of Crucifixion

1. Sentence passed followed by the Scourging

2. Stripped of garments and nailed to a cross post.

3. Hoisted up on an upright post and feet nailed to it.

4. Death came as a lost of blood or suffocation.

II. CRUCIFIED WITH TWO THIEVES

A. Numbered with the Transgressors

1. Isaiah’s fulfilled prophecy – Isa. 53:12

2. Daniel’s fulfilled prophecy – Dan. 9:26

B. These Two Thieves were guilty as charged – v. 18 cf. John 18:40

C. These Two Thieves both cursed Christ – Matt. 27:44; Mk.15:32

D. One of the Thieves became converted – Turn To: Luke23:39-43; Rom. 5;8,9

E.   The Jews Jeered

            1.  They mocked Jesus – Matt. 27:40,41,43

            2.  “He saved others he cannot save Himself” – Luke 23:35; Mk.15:32

            3. Illustration: Donald Grey Barnhouse… “The Sea Captain”

      F.  When Jesus died:

            1.  Both Thieves had sin in them

            2.  One Thief refused to believe so his sin remained with him.

            3.  The Believing Thief had his removed and placed upon Christ

Conclusion:  Q. What did the believing thief do?

                             1.  He admitted his own need – Luke 23:40

                                         2.  He recognized that Jesus was the Savior – “Jesus” (Savior)

                                              Remember me when you come in your kingdom”

     3.  He committed himself to Him personally.

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

         207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

                      Web Site fultonrpc.org

                               11/25/2007