“The Men at the Cross with Christ”
Sessions # 4
The Apostle John (or the Sold out Disciple)
Introduction:
I love this guy – he is sold out! No matter what happens, he is going to be with his Christ. He is kneeling in the front of the cross (front and center), holding the hands of Jesus’s mother (Mary), and listening to the very last saying of Christ.
I. John the Disciple (or Apostle)
A. He was one of Christ’s closest friends.
B. I’m sure he was looking for the other disciples, wondering where they were.
C. He spent all of his teen years with Christ.
D. He was a student of everything Christ taught (even until the end).
1) He heard the 7 sayings of Christ on the Cross!
E. He was trying to make sense of what was happening.
1) Why did people hate HIS Christ so much?
F. He filled a role that was neglected.
1) Where was Mary’s other son, Jesus’ half-brother by Joseph? No it was John (a friend of Jesus) that is taking Mary to his home.
G. He watched HIS friend die.
1) It was a cruel and humiliating death.
2) He saw the blood drip to the ground.
II. Comparison to us today!
A. We have the same choice -- are we going to be counted with Christ or not?
B. He was willing to suffer for Christ.
1) He was willing to be boiled in oil.
2) He was willing to be exiled to Prison Island.
3) He was willing be to be mocked by the authorities.
Questions for tonight!
What are we willing to suffer (if anything)?
What are we willing to give up (if anything)?
