The Irony of the Cross
Matthew 26:1-16
1. Jesus is Judge and Yet was Being Judged. (Matthew 26:1-5)
2. Jesus is Humble and Yet is Worthy of Extravagance. (Matthew 26:6-11, Philippians 2:7b-8, Revelation 5:13)
Philippians 2:7b-8, And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death-even to death on a cross.
Revelation 5:13, I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!
3. Jesus was Fully Human and Yet is Sovereign. (Matthew 26:12-13, Job 42:2, Psalm 135:6-7)
Job 42:2, [After Job is reminded of his place] I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted.
Psalm 135:6-7, The Lord does whatever he pleases in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all the depths. He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and brings the wind from his storehouses.
4. Jesus is Messiah and Yet was Betrayed and Belittled. (Matthew 26:14-16, Exodus 21:32, Philippians 2:9-11)
Exodus 21:32, If the ox gores a male or female slave, he must give thirty shekels of silver to the slave’s master, and the ox must be stoned.
Philippians 2:9-11, For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow-in heaven and on earth and under the earth-and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.