SOAP >> Matthew 27:38-44

S.         Matthew 27:38-44   38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast  same in his teeth.

O.        As Jesus hung on the cross he was ask to show another miracle, “come down, they said and we will believe in you”. They were asking for proof of his deity. If he is God, he can stop the suffering and pain, change the course of events, and satisfy human demands and questions.

A.         People never change! Weak, sinful, self-satisfying people demanding “proof” from God are still erecting boundaries and limitations to define God. I hear: “God would never do...” or, “Why did God let this happen?" These ideas limit our relationship with God, close our mind to the true nature of God and are not born of faith. The cross was ugly, cruel and merciless and demanding but it provided the necessary payment for sin… my sin.

P.         Father; I accept your gift and even though I don’t understand how you could love me that much I will hold to the promise of salvation. Thank you God!