Someone has said that you are not really prepared to live unless you are prepared to die. Much of what goes on in this world is a battle against death. Death is going to come. It is an appointment, and only God know the hour. That is why it is so wonderful to be a Christian and to know Jesus as your Savior. You then have confidence and do not have to worry about death.
We have listened intently to each time that Jesus Christ spoke from the cross of Calvary. We heard the cry of forgiveness; the cry of salvation; the cry of provision; the cry of desertion; the cry of suffering; the cry of victory; and now we hear the cry of death. "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." How did Jesus die?
I. He Died Actually.
A. His death was not an allusion.
1. The Lord Jesus had a real human body.
2. He experienced all of the infirmities of that human nature.
3. He knew what it was to grow up, to eat, to drink, and to sleep.
4. Our Lord Jesus knew what it was to die; His death was a real death!
B. His death was confirmed by the Roman officials.
1. Note: John 19:32-34
2. The Roman soldiers were experts at crucifixion saw that He was already dead and did not break his legs.
3. This was done in order to speed the death of the ones being crucified by making it nearly impossible for them to breathe.
C. His death was confirmed by Pilate.
1. Mark 15:43-45
2. There are those who try to say that Jesus only fainted on the cross.
3. And that when He was laid in the tomb the coolness revived Him and He really never resurrected from the dead because He never died!
4. What foolishness! The soldiers knew He was dead, His disciples knew He was dead, and Pilate knew He was dead!
II. He Died Confidently.
A. In the Father's presence.
1. Three of the times that He spoke from the cross His words were directed to God the Father.
2. It is worth noting that "Father" was often on the lips of the Savior.
3. When He was 12 years old He spoke of being about His Father's business.
4. In the Sermon on the Mount He used the word "Father" more than 15 times.
5. He died confidently in the Father's presence.
B. He had the Father's promise.
1. Our Lord quoted a portion of Psalm 31:5, an Old Testament promise.
2. All three prayers of Jesus from the cross are tied to Scripture.
3. Our Lord Jesus lived by God's Word, and if you live by God's Word, you can die by God's Word.
4. He died confidently trusting and claiming the promise of the Father.
C. He had the Father's protection.
1. For many hours He had been in the hands of sinners.
2. They had taken Him, bound Him, stripped Him, and beat Him.
3. The hands of sinners forced the crown of thorns upon His brow and nailed Him to the rugged cross.
4. However, now His work was done; He had said, "It is finished!"
5. Now He placed Himself in the loving hands of His Father no greater place of safety can be found!
III. He Died Willingly.
A. Note: John 10:17-18
1. Jesus was willing to lay down His life for us!
2. No Old Testament sacrifice ever died willingly.
3. But Jesus, knowing full well what it would mean, willingly gave Himself for us.
4. The songwriter has written that He could have called 10,000 angels...but He chose to die for you and for me.
B. John 18:3-8
1. John records for us the power of the Word of Christ when He spoke.
2. There were not enough soldiers in all of the Roman Empire to take Him against His will.
3. Jesus placed Himself in the custody of the mob do accomplish God's purpose of redemption of mankind.
4. He died willingly for you and for me!
IV. He Died Victoriously.
A. Our Lord accomplished the work God gave Him to do.
1. He left nothing unfinished.
2. When He died He was victorious over all!
3. The vail in the temple was destroyed, there was an earthquake, many graves were opened and the dead restored to life.
4. All of this pointing to the victory Christ had won.
B. Because of His victory, we can know victory as well!
1. People normally die just the way that they lived.
2. Someday, should the Lord tarry His coming, everyone in this auditorium will face death.
3. We have no control over the fact that we will die, nor over when we die, or even the manner in which we will die
4. BUT...we can make preparations for that time.
Jesus died for our sins, He died confidently, willingly and victoriously. We can die with the same assurance. Trusting in the finished work of Christ and believing the promises of God's Word, we can face death with confidence rather than with fear! Do you know Christ as your Lord and Savior? Trust Him today!