Funeral [ ] 5/27/06 #666

CARPENTER’S GREATEST WORK

John 19:16-18

INTRODUCTION: Jesus was known as the carpenter’s son in Matthew 13:55 and as the carpenter in Mark 6:3. Jesus no doubt worked with Joseph in his wood working shop. Around the home town of Jesus, there must have been things He had made from wood. His greatest work while on earth was a work done on a piece of wood, the old rugged cross.

I. WOOD OF THE CROSS

A. ORDINARY TREE.

B. OFFENSIVE TREE.

“For it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.” (Gal. 3:13)

The law taught that when condemned criminals were hung on a tree, it was a sign of their being under the curse of God (Deut. 21:23).

II. WORK ON THE CROSS

A. WORK OF REDEMPTION.

“Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people of his own.” (Titus 2:14)

B. WORK OF RECONCILIATION.

“. . . God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself.” (2 Cor. 5:10)

And can it be that I should gain An interest

In the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing Love! How

Can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

III. WORTH OF THE CROSS

A. WORTHLESS TO THE LOST.

1. Worthless to the rich young ruler.

2. Worthless to one of the thieves on the cross.

3. Worthless to the religious crowd.

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18)

B. PRICELESS TO THE SAVED.

1. Priceless to the thief on the cross.

“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.”

(Luke 23:42-43)

2. Priceless to the apostle Paul.

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” (Phil. 3:7)

“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)

3. Priceless to all the redeemed.

“And thy sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy . . . for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev. 5:9)

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
Such a wonderful beauty I see;
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. The work of the cross is continuing today. All those who will look to the blood soaked cross in faith will find the Savior’s arms open wide.

2. All those who are saved by the blood of His cross are having a mansion built in glory for them.

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.”

(John 14:1-3)

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far way,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.