The Place Called Calvary
Matthew 27:26-36
Introduction
Calvary is a very popular name. Lots of Christian Churches include the word “Calvary” to really associate them to Christ. Calvary means “skull”. This was the place of the Lord’s crucifixion (Mt. 27:33, Mk. 15:22; Jn. 19:17). Golgotha is Greek, meaning skull. The Latin name for this hill is Calvary (Lk. 23:33). There are several possible explanations for the name. (1) The place had the appearance of a skull when viewed from a short distance. (2) As a reference merely to the rounded appearance of the human head and thus to the hill so named. Though the Bible does not expressly say that Golgotha was a hill, it does say that the place could be seen from far away (Mk. 15:40), so it must have been higher than much of the surrounding countryside. (3) The word skull may have been used symbolically to picture a place of execution. If we open our Bible, we find that there are many things to see, hear, and learn there, the place called Calvary.
I. When we look , what do we see?
A. The Crowd:
1. Who is present?
a. Political enemies
b. Religious enemies
c. Only a few family and friends
2. Who is not present?
a. the rest of the 12
b. the 70
c. the 10 lepers
d. the 5000, etc.
B. Three Crosses
1. Today we call this form of execution barbaric…and it was.
2. However, it was the common form of execution used throughout the Roman Empire.
C. Christ on the middle cross.
1. To the executioners, this was to be no different than any other execution day.
2. There were three men who were condemned to die by way of crucifixion.
3. But Jesus made a difference!
a. He always does!
b. He made a difference at the wedding in Cana.
c. He made a difference at the funeral in Nain.
d. He made a difference on this day as well.
II. When we listen, what do we hear?
A. The voices of those who were around the Cross that day.
1. The voice of the critics v. 39-40
2. The voice of the religious crowd v. 41-43
3. The voice of the criminals v. 44
4. The voice of the curious v. 48-49
5. The voice of the centurions v. 54
B. The voice of the Savior from the Cross.
1. The voice of forgiveness.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
2. The voice of salvation.
Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
3. The voice of care.
John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
4. The voice of anguish.
Mt. 27:46b My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
5. There was the voice of humanity.
John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
6. The voice of victory.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
7. The voice of completion.
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
III. When we learn, what do we comprehend?
A. This death is not like any other death it is Supernatural
John 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
1. The Supernatural Darkness v. 45
2. The Supernatural Death v. 50
3. The Supernatural Display v. 51
B. This death was Sacrificial.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
C. This death was Substitutional.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
1. He didn’t just die in place of Barabbas…
2. He died for me and for you.
Conclusion:
What does Calvary mean to you? Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? He died for each of us, to redeem us from sin. Why not come today and receive His forgiveness?
