Big Idea - Jesus died on the cross in order to pay in full the penalty of our sin and guilt. The wages of sin is death, so Jesus experienced the full agony of death. But, sin has other consequences and the cross involved suffering and experiencing every consequence of sin. Sin is the ultimate cause of every sickness and physical suffering, so Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain and agony. But sin is also at the root of all shame and dishonor. Matthew focuses much more attention on this aspect of the cross than the physical suffering. What do the mocking cries tell us about Jesus and His great sacrifice on our behalf?

Jesus absorbed the full guilt and shame of our sin upon the cross. The cross was designed to inflict maximum physical torment, but also the greatest possible shame and humiliation. But for Jesus, the shame did not stop with the method of execution. He became the object of the most heartless and ruthless mocking. But in each mocking voice there is great truth. They meant to shame and humiliate Him even further, but in fact they declare the glory of the cross in the following ways: 1) Jesus really is a king that everyone wishes for, 2) in dying Jesus does become to the new and better temple, 3) it was a much greater display of His power remain and suffer 4) He is worthy of our faith because of the cross, 5) God so loved the world that He gave His only Son - It was His love that held Him there