Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 27:27-44. The mockery that Jesus faced in the midst of His trial before Pilate teaches an important truth for our salvation. Precisely through His suffering and death, Jesus reigns as King. Though the soldiers did not realize the truth of their actions in crowning Jesus with thorns, this truly was Jesus’ coronation as the King who reigns with forgiveness. Contrary to the natural expectation of sinners, the cross is Jesus’ glory. Matthew records the actual crucifixion with such simplicity to highlight all the events around it that teach us the great importance of the cross. As those looking on mock Jesus on the cross, the irony is stark. If Jesus saves Himself, He cannot save anyone. If Jesus comes down from the cross, He’s not worthy of any faith. Here the grace and glory of God are truly seen. Jesus does not come down from the cross, nor does He save Himself, in order to save sinners through fa