The End of The Begining - Preaching The Cross

Matthew 28:19-20

INTRO: Good morning church! As we continue our look at the cross today we will be starting with Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” [NKJV]

The empty tomb. There were angelic announcements. Appearances to the disciples. Forty days of appearances and teaching concerning the kingdom of God. All of these things brought from the disciples mixed reactions. We saw the enemies of Jesus had concocted a story about His body having been stolen by the disciples, in order to have some credible explanation on why the tomb was empty on that awesome first day of the week. That story, according to Matthew’s gospel, was commonly reported in certain quarters as late as the writing of his gospel. (Matthew 28:15). Interestingly even today some espouse the idea that His disciples stole the body.

Was this the end? Or, was this just the beginning? His enemies most assuredly wanted it to be the end. Even His closest associates, the apostles, had difficulty with the idea of the third-day-resurrection. They had to be reminded repeatedly that He had told them that He would rise from the dead on the third day. As I look at this brief period of time, from the resurrection to the ascension, I’ll prefer to refer to it as the end of the beginning.

I. CLEARLY, THE CROSS WAS NOT THE END SOME HAD HOPED

A. The cross was not the end many had hoped it would be. I invite you to turn in your bible to the gospel of John chapter 11. There starting at verse 47 I would like us to read. John 11:47-53 – “47. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48. "If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.'' 49. And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50. "nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.'' 51. Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52. and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53. Then from that day on they plotted to put Him to death.” [NKJV]  “...it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish....”

1. There was apparently a great deal of “hand wringing” among the Pharisees, the Sadducees… the priestly class.
2. They recognized that the popularity of Jesus had grown to the point that it was eclipsing their own influence.
3. It is of interest to me they even recognized that He performed many miracles, and signs as some translations say.
4. These religious leaders had a great fear, and fear causes people to do illogical and irrational things. Their fear was that if Jesus prevailed, the Romans would take away their position.

B. What to do? Instead of seeking a means of dealing with this question in a way that was lawful and right and moral, they chose expediency.

1. Their choice was; for Jesus to be killed. That, they believed, would make their position secure.
2. They sought then for a means to accomplish that. They believed that it was better for one man to die (innocent, or not) than for the Romans to take away the last vestiges of their power. They feared that Jesus’ claim of being a King would get to Roman ears and those authorities would come and bring an end to any power that remained.
3. A dead Jesus was their answer. It did not matter that He might be innocent of anything punishable by death. An idea of expediency was all they could conclude. If we just kill Him that would be the end of the matter.
4. There is something else about that passage… so interesting to me… here is this man Caiaphas, the high priest at that time, and John says: he prophesied concerning the death of Christ and that Jesus’ death would bring all of God’s children into one. Did Caiaphas prophesy knowingly? Or were the words of Caiaphas, words of the high priest’s own choosing, yet with God’s providence behind them?
5. Whatever the case, the death of Jesus was not the end His enemies sought. Not the end, but the end of the beginning.

II. BEFORE THE ASCENSION

A. If you would please turn in your bibles to John’s gospel, chapter 21. I’m going to spend a little bit of time in this chapter today because there are some things found here that are interesting to me…this time before the ascension. John 21:1f – The first of them is Peter’s “last” fishing trip. I’m going to read a fairly lengthy section of scripture beginning at verse 1. Please follow with me. “After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:” In other words, here is how it took place. “2. Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing.'' (pause) They said to him, "We are going with you also.'' They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5. Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?'' They answered Him, "No.'' 6. And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.'' So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!'' Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.'' 11. Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12. Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast.'' Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?'' knowing that it was the Lord. 13. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.”

1. What is going on here? “I am going fishing” I have thought about this little incident many times. “I am going fishing”. The cross is still vivid in memory. The death of his dear and beloved friend Jesus has occurred. There have been reports of Jesus being raised from the dead. And Peter says, “I am going fishing”. What is going on?
2. Was it just the need to fill some empty time? Or was this a manifestation, at least in part, of some doubt? Or a feeling that “it’s all over”? I don’t know. I just know Peter went fishing. They returned to their old tasks.
3. We also know this; the occasion provided Jesus an opportunity to “prove” it was indeed He. To prove His identity to these men who knew Him so intimately, so well.
4. Later the idea was spoken that the apostles had only seen “visions” - “spirits”. That idea did gain some credibility in that time and even now some would suggest such a thing.
5. It was therefore important that Jesus prove beyond a shadow of any reasonable doubt, to credible eye witnesses, that He had risen from the dead.
6. When the fishermen came to shore, they see Jesus, and they recognize Him! Jesus has made a fire and cooked a meal, they ate with Him. Ghosts do not build a fire, cook a meal, and eat bread and fish.
7. Later, much later, John would write this in: 1 John 1:1 – “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life” Now verse 3: “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” They saw Him! They touched Him, they ate with Him. There was no doubt Jesus has risen from the dead!
8. Yes, they had returned to their old tasks and did not catch anything. Jesus shows up, gives them instructions, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” … “So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish”.

B. Returning now to chapter 21 of John’s gospel and starting in verse 15. John 21:15f – we see Peter’s three affirmations of his love for Jesus. “15. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?'' He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.'' He said to him, "Feed My lambs.'' 16. He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?'' He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.'' He said to him, "Tend My sheep.'' 17. He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?'' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?'' And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.'' Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.”

1. I suspect this must have been an embarrassing time for Simon Peter. Why? Because of those three denials Peter made not very many days before and was still fresh in his memory.
2. “...do you love Me more than these...?” Jesus says. I don’t know what the “these” are. The text does not specifically tell us. Was he being asked - more than “things”? These nets, these boats? Was he being asked more than other apostles? I don’t know. Yet I feel certain that Peter must have felt the pain of the question repeated three times.
3. Something you do not see in English is the different words for love that are used. The first two times Jesus asks He is using a form of the word “agape”. When Peter says “you know I love you” he does not use that word. He uses a form of the word “philia”. They are different words. Philia is the love of a friend for friends, agape is that wonderful spiritual love which loves in a supreme way above everything else, seeking that which is best for everyone and for the Lord. A sacrificial love. Then the third time Jesus asks and He uses a form of the word “philia”, leaving the spiritual plane of the word agape and asks if Peter loves Him as a friend. Peter uses the same word to respond, “yes I do”.
4. Three times Peter is asked. How many times did Peter deny the Lord, three? In the gospel of Luke, chapter 22, would you turn there and read with me? Beginning in verse 31 I want you to listen again to what happens before the death of Christ, before the denials Luke 22:31-34 – “31. And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32. "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.'' 33. But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.'' 34. Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.''”
5. What is going on here? Peter, do you love me? I love you. Second time, Peter, do you love me? I love you. Third time, Peter, do you love me? Lord you know everything. Peter is grieved by his having to be asked the third time, but there were three denials and three questions. I wonder, is there perhaps, in the mind of Peter a relationship between the questions Jesus asks and those three denials?
6. I wonder too if what is going on here may not be a very integral part of what Jesus said; “…when you have returned to Me…” Another translation puts it this way; “…So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
7. I suggest that perhaps this exchange between Jesus and Peter becomes a vital part of that which Jesus spoke. Is this part of the process of that great change that has to take place in Peter? The change that must take place so that this man, who has failed miserably at the cross, would become an effective proclaimer of it!
8. We are not finished. Let’s return to John’s gospel chapter 21 again, and we read at v. 18: John 21:18-19 – “"Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.'' This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me.''” The Prophecy of Peter’s martyrdom.
9. Do you love me? Yes, Lord, you know I love you. Let me tell you something Peter, your love for me is going to result in your being killed someday. Your life will be taken from you. I know there are many different legends about how Peter was killed, martyred. The most well-known of these is that he was crucified and that he chose not to be crucified in the same fashion in which the Lord was, but he requested to be crucified upside down.
10. John’s gospel does not tell us the means by which Peter will be killed. Just that Peter’s life will be taken from him in his old age. Just as the cross was always in Jesus’ future, always looming as a reality, so martyrdom always loomed as a reality in Peter’s.
11. Peter says something in the second of his two letters to which I would like to make reference. 2 Peter 1:12-14 – “Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.”
12. I have work to do. I will work while it is yet “day” - but “night” is coming when I will not be able to work. During my life, he says, I am going to do whatever I can to help you remember what you need to remember about our Lord. Peter is now an old man, but notice he refers to the very words our Lord spoke to him so many years before. Peter says; “…just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me…” Years had passed, but Peter did not forget what Jesus had told him.

C. Let’s look now in the gospel of Luke chapter 24. Luke 24:43-45 – “And He took it and ate in their presence. Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.'' And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Here, and the successive verses, we have what we might call the dawning of the light.

1. Now they understand. Jesus’ death folks, was not an accident - it was not the result of some great conspiracy.
2. It is true, human agencies had been very much involved in the events. We have the advantage of seeing with the light of the scriptures.
3. We realize that all of these things that took place were just the serving of prophetic purpose! Jesus needed for these men to understand that He, His life, His death, were all a part of God’s great plan to redeem humanity from the curse of sin.
4. Jumping ahead to Acts 10, Acts 10:39-43 – Here Peter is the preacher and Cornelius and his family, are the audience. Peter says: “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.” There it is, the cross… “40. "Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41. "not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42. "And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43. "To Him to whom? To Jesus… all the prophets witness that through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.''”
5. Those words “To him all the prophets witness…” You see, what Jesus was doing in Luke 24:44-45 in referring to the Law of Moses and the prophets, Psalms, all of which have in them reference to the coming messiah; what He was doing was reinforcing that none of these things have happened just a quirk of circumstance. All these things that have happened were to fulfill the prophecies; and that which God prophesies, He brings to pass. Later in the preaching of the word of God the apostle can say; to this Man, with Whom we talked and walked and ate, to this Man, give all the prophets witness.

D. That brings me to Matthew 28:18-20 – “18. Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20. "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'' Amen.”

1. These are their “marching orders”. They have seen Him for 40 days. He has taught them of the kingdom of God. With those words ringing in their ears they watched Him ascend to the Father on high.
2. Mark 16:19-20 - what did they do? Mark’s gospel concludes with these two verses: “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they (the apostles) went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”
3. What did they do? They are no longer a dispirited band of men. “...they went forth and preached...” And they never forgot, folks, the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ in all that they taught.
4. There is a verse in the book of Galatians that helps us to understand in the successive years the depth of feeling these people had about the cross. Galatians 6:14 – “But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” As old as these men became they never forgot the cross.

CLOSE: From a trip to catch fish, the apostles went forth to fish for men. What was the drawing power of their preaching, their message? I’m sure their message included many things needful for that world and ours. Folks, the drawing power of their message; was the message of the cross. It is still the cross which draws people to Jesus. In John 12:32 – Jesus says; "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
It is Christ that draws all people unto Him. It is our privilege today to take the gospel of the cross to mankind just as the apostles took that message all those years ago. The message of the cross, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and His resurrection are just as important and compelling today. Every day more people come into the world, and even in a great land like ours, there is a very real possibility they will go through their lives without ever truly, having heard the gospel message.

When we are united in the death of Jesus Christ in baptism our burden of sin is lifted. We no longer live under its weight. In prayer, because of the cross, we have this marvelous advocate to the Father, Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you have not been baptized into the death of Christ, then friend, you still labor under the burden of sin. Jesus would lift that burden when you are baptized into His death, burial and resurrection. That burden of sin cannot be lifted in any other way.

We know from scripture that we must hear the word, believe in Christ, confess our faith in Jesus, repent of our sins and then be baptized.

There may be Christian people listening whose burdens need to be lifted, who need the advocacy of Jesus Christ with the Father. Remember; it is for us to take this message to others so they can take the first step and hear the word, and we cannot do so if we ourselves are not right with God. Come boldly to the throne of grace with your needs as we stand and sing.

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Adopted from Sermon by: Cecil A. Hutson