GUIILTY OF MURDER!
Isaiah 53
Text - Acts
Introduction: How many of us
assembled here would be comfortable knowing that we were responsible for
someone's death? Could you imagine
someone accusing you of murder and being put on trial? And what if you were found guilt, what would
you do then? Pretend, for a moment, that
I am a prosecuting attorney. I am trying
to build my case. All I know right now
is than an innocent man has been put to death and someone is guilty of murder.
(Use analogy of opening up King's murder again, to get to the truth)
A. Throughout
His life Jesus maintained his innocence
1.
John 10:32
2.
John 8:46
B. There
is the testimony of the Scriptures
1.
Isaiah 53:9
2.
2 Cor. 5:21
C. The
question before us is "Who killed Jesus?"
I. Jesus was innocent of all charges against him (Heb.
A. He was
betrayed (Luke 22:1-6, 47-48)
1.
The priests and the scribes sought to kill Jesus
2.
Judas delivered Jesus into their hands
a.
Jesus knew His betrayer (John
b.
Judas realized his error (Matt. 27:3-5)
B. During
Jesus' trial, Pilate declared Jesus not guilty of any crimes three times.
1.
Luke 23:3-4
2.
Luke 23:14-15
3.
Luke 23:22-25
C. Peter
indicted the Jews (Acts
D. Now, I
have some suspects (Judas-The Sanhedrin-The Jews)
II. So Who killed Jesus?
A. Read
Isaiah 53:4-6
1.
Isaiah includes himself
2.
Shouldn't we include ourselves? (Isa. 53:12, Heb
9:28)
B. What if
you were in the crowd at the time of Jesus execution and you were the only one who understood
why Jesus was dying? Ever wonder why the
disciples of Jesus did not understand Jesus death? (Read were "Were You There?" -- 609 HFW)
1.
See him smacked and punched
2.
See the whip laid across his back
3.
See the nails driven in his hands and feet
4.
See a crown of thorns pressed upon his head
5.
See the obvious humiliation he endured,
people spitting upon him, beaten beyond recognition and hanging naked upon the
cross. (Would you say "Enough! Enough!?")
A. You
should be ashamed that you are even a sinner.
1.
You killed a man - Jesus
2.
It is shameful for me to admit that my sin put
Jesus on the cross.
B. Suppose
while driving drunk you hit and killed an innocent child.
1.
Imagine the self-hate you would have – the guilt
alone would make you want to kill yourself
2.
Imagine the self-hate Judas had – the guild drove him to kill himself
3.
Though not literally, we can and should put to
death our old man. (
IV. Feeling
guilty? What should you do? (Acts
A. Acts
B. Acts 22:16 –
Why wait, wallowing in a sea of guilt?
Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins (Comment on Paul's guilt)
C. Read "I'm
The One" (549) then Invite to discipleship.