Sermon: What Jesus Went Through

Sermon Date: 4/6//2025

Bible Verses: Isaiah 53:3-5, Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-44, John 1:11; Matthew 27:15-23

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

A Sermon on Christ’s Suffering and Sacrifice

Introduction:
It is easy to focus on the victory of the resurrection, but before the glory came the suffering. Jesus endured agony, rejection, betrayal, injustice, and brutality—all for our salvation. Isaiah 53:3-5 prophesies:

"He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

As we walk through what Jesus went through, may we be reminded of the depth of His love.

1. The Agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-44)

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced the weight of the cross before it even began.

• The weight of sin: "He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed" (Matt. 26:37).
• The struggle of the will: "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42).
• The intensity of His suffering: "His sweat became like great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44).

➡️ Jesus willingly took on our sin and sorrow. Are we willing to surrender our will to God as He did?

2. He Was Rejected by His Own People (John 1:11; Matthew 27:15-23)

Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, was rejected by those He came to save.

• John 1:11 – "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."
• The same people who praised Him on Palm Sunday shouted "Crucify Him!" days later.
• Pilate offered to release Him, but the crowd chose Barabbas instead (Matt. 27:21-23).

➡️ Jesus understands rejection. If you have ever felt abandoned or despised, Jesus has been there too.

3. He Was Betrayed by a Close Friend (Matthew 26:47-50)

Judas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, betrayed Him with a kiss for 30 pieces of silver.

• Psalm 41:9 (Prophecy) – "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."
• Instead of running, Jesus faced His betrayer and still called him “Friend” (Matt. 26:50).

➡️ Have you ever been betrayed? Jesus knows that pain. But even in betrayal, He loved and forgave.

4. He Was Denied by One of His Closest Disciples (Luke 22:54-62)

Peter, who vowed to die for Jesus, denied Him three times out of fear.

• Luke 22:61-62 – "The Lord turned and looked at Peter... So Peter went out and wept bitterly."
• Jesus knew Peter would fail, but He still loved him and later restored him (John 21:15-17).

➡️ Have you ever denied Jesus in your life—by words, actions, or silence? Peter failed, but Jesus still used him mightily.

5. His Unfair Trials (Matthew 26:57-68; Luke 23:1-25)

Jesus endured six trials—all illegal and unjust.

• Jewish Trials:

1. Before Annas (John 18:12-14) – An informal interrogation.
2. Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (Matt. 26:57-68) – False witnesses were brought against Him.
3. Before the full Sanhedrin (Matt. 27:1-2) – They condemned Him and sent Him to Pilate.

Roman Trials:
4. Before Pilate (Luke 23:1-5) – Pilate found no fault in Him.
5. Before Herod (Luke 23:6-12) – Herod mocked Him and sent Him back.
6. Before Pilate again (Luke 23:13-25) – Pilate, fearing the crowd, sentenced Him to death.

➡️ Jesus, the only truly innocent person, was condemned so that we, the guilty, might be set free.

6. His Brutal Death on the Cross (Matthew 27:27-50; Isaiah 53:4-7)

Jesus endured excruciating pain and humiliation for our salvation.

1. The Scourging

• He was whipped with a Roman scourge, tearing His flesh (Matt. 27:26).
• He was mocked, spat on, and crowned with thorns (Matt. 27:27-31).

1. The Crucifixion

• He was nailed to the cross, fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 22:16).
• He suffered for six hours, bearing our sin (2 Cor. 5:21).
• He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46), enduring separation from the Father.
• Finally, He declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), completing His mission.

➡️ Why did Jesus endure this? Because He loves us.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Conclusion: Why It Matters

Everything Jesus went through—His agony, rejection, betrayal, trials, and brutal death—was for our salvation.

✝️ Because He suffered, we can be forgiven. (Romans 5:8)
✝️ Because He was rejected, we can be accepted. (Ephesians 1:6)
✝️ Because He was forsaken, we can be brought near to God. (Hebrews 10:19-22)