“The Men at the Cross with Christ”
Sessions # 1
The Romans Soldiers & Barabbas
Introduction:
The following men remind me of many of the men and women in our community today that our un-churched, that don’t see the Christ as someone to worship, only mock.
I. The Soldiers:
A. They had no desire or need to know HIM (Christ)
B. They thought of HIM as just another person claiming to be God
1)They would have been taught about Roman and Greek Mythology, they believed in Polytheism (the worship of many Gods).
1. Similar religions today would include Hinduism, Buddhism, or Shintoism,
2) As Christians we believe in a Monotheism (the Worship of One God)
1. Similar religions today would be Judaism and Islam
C. They simply looked this as job to do.
1) Just another person to crucify under orders from the Roman Government.
D. They fulfilled prophecy of the Old Testament (and didn’t realize it) Psalms 22:18
1) They Gambled for his robe (Matthew 27:18)
2) They hung him with two thief’s
II. Barabbas (Matthew 2:7)
A. Was a thief and murder (out for self) …
B. Was charged with Treason
1) Was trying to over throw the Roman government in Judah
C. He saw Jesus take his place
D. Matthew refers to Barabbas only as a "notorious prisoner
E. A Passover custom was to pardon (release) one prisoner, during this time.
1) There is no indication in scripture or history that Barabbas made a decision for Christ.
III. Comparison to us today!
A. Many are not seeking a relationship with Christ.
B. Many are worshipping many God’s
1) Some today worship Gods such as Hinduism
2) Some today worship God (objects) such as homes, cars, sports, and even our family.
Statement of the Roman Centurion after the Crucifixion found in Luke 23:47
Questions for tonight!
What or who is your God?
How do you see Christ right now?
What would it take to get you look at Christ differently?
