Sermons
It Was Finished Upon That Cross
The Sovereign Love and Victory of Christ in His Perfect Hour
The Perfect Hour: Christ’s Obedience, Sacrifice, and Triumph
- 1. The Hour Appointed by the Father:
- Scriptures: John 2:4; John 7:6-8, 30; Matthew 26:17-18
- Theme: God’s sovereign timing in Christ's redemptive mission.
- 2. The Cross: Display of Divine Love and Justice:
- Scriptures: Romans 5:1-11; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 5:8
- Theme: Christ’s substitutionary death reveals God's justice and mercy.
- 3. Christ the Good Shepherd and Willing Savior:
- Scripture: John 10:7-18
- Theme: Jesus lays down His life voluntarily for His sheep.
- 4. Humiliation, Obedience, and Exaltation:
- Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11
- Theme: Christ’s humble obedience unto death leads to exaltation.
- 5. The Hour Has Come: Triumph in the Face of Betrayal:
- Scriptures: Mark 14:41; John 16:31-33; John 17:1
- Theme: Christ’s readiness to face the cross and secure victory.
The Cross and the Crown: Christ’s Love in Sovereign Victory
At the cross, time itself bowed to the will of God. Christ, ever obedient to the Father’s sovereign timetable, waited patiently as His hour approached—not one moment too early, nor a second too late (John 7:30; Matthew 26:18). Every act, every word, every betrayal had its place in the divine decree. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus willingly laid down His life for His sheep—not by force, but by divine appointment and loving resolve (John 10:18). This was not the tragic end of a revolutionary's dream, but the triumphant fulfillment of the Father's plan. As Philippians 2:8 (LSB) declares, "being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
In that willing death, we find a love vast as the ocean—sacrificial, sovereign, and sure. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 LSB). His blood speaks better things than judgment: it proclaims peace, reconciliation, and eternal hope for all who trust in Him (Romans 5:1-11). From the cries of betrayal in Gethsemane to the exaltation at the right hand of the Father, Jesus reigns victorious. Now, as we gather and sing—"It Was Finished Upon That Cross" and "Praise Him! Praise Him!"—we do so not merely in memory, but in hope. For the One who died has risen and lives to intercede for us. Hallelujah, what a Savior!