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In The Shadow of the Cross
About This Series:
In this powerful sermon series, In The Shadow of the Cross, we journey through Luke 22-23, examining the final hours of Jesus' life leading up to His crucifixion. These chapters reveal profound moments of betrayal, denial, suffering, and sacrifice, yet they also highlight Christ’s unwavering obedience to the Father’s will.
Each message in this series will dive deeply into the events that unfolded in the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the trials before Jewish and Roman authorities, and ultimately, the cross itself. Through detailed teaching, we’ll explore the spiritual and historical significance of these moments and discover the hope, forgiveness, and grace made available through Christ’s sacrifice.
Join us as we stand in the shadow of the cross and reflect on what it means for us as believers to follow Jesus, who gave everything for our salvation.
Sermons In This Series
1 - Judas and Us
The first scene in Luke 22 sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, detailing Judas's conspiracy to betray Jesus during the Passover. The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus, but feared the people's reaction. However, Jesus knew the details of His death, as foretold in the Old Testament. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, is portrayed as a thief with an unrestrained attraction to money and a nationalistic obsession for Israel. He betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, agreeing to become a witness against Christ in court. The story of Judas serves as a mirror to our own lives, reminding us that it's possible to appear to walk with Christ while concealing secret sin, to associate with Christians without accepting Christ, and to withdraw from fellowship with God because of what He's withholding. We have two options: follow Judas's path of betrayal, or trust in God's promises and seek forgiveness for our sins. The problem isn't just Judas; it's Judas and us.
2 - A Commencement Address for Anxious Disciples
In this message, Stephen Davey draws a powerful parallel between commencement exercises and the Last Supper, showing how Jesus’ words in Luke 22:7-14 were like a commencement address, preparing His disciples for their leadership roles in the early church. As Jesus orchestrates the final details of this significant meal, He delivers profound truths to calm their anxious hearts—truths about trusting in Him, the promise of our heavenly home, and the assurance of His guidance. These comforting and empowering principles remain relevant today, offering peace and direction in the face of life’s challenges and transitions.
3 - The Last Supper
How do you remember Jesus? There are lots of ways we remember meaningful and important figures in our lives and in history. Maybe we keep their photograph on our shelf or in a locket we wear as a necklace. Maybe our society names a school or road after a person, build a statue of them, or even a monument—like the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument. But how do you remember Jesus? He told His disciples—and us—exactly how He wanted to be remembered: through communion. Stephen Davey explains the significance of communion in this lesson.
4 - Surprised by True Greatness
Jesus’ disciples didn’t know it at the time, but their Last Supper Passover with Jesus was the last meal they would have with Him before His death on the cross. And how did they spend that precious time? By arguing amongst each other about which of them would be the viewed as the greatest when they went to heaven. We may look down on the disciples for their proud and petty conversation, but there are times when we are no better. And how did Jesus respond to their conversation? With a profound demonstration of selfless love. Let’s learn from His example today!
5 - Promises of Danger and Development
In this message, Stephen Davey unpacks Jesus’ profound conversation with Peter and the disciples in Luke 22:31-38, where Jesus prepares them for the trials ahead. Despite warning Peter of Satan's desire to sift him like wheat, Jesus offers reassurance by praying for Peter’s faith and promising that his failure would lead to spiritual growth. Through Peter's denial, we witness both the humanity of failure and the divine power of restoration. This message reminds us that, like Peter, we have an Advocate who intercedes for us, and that our failures are not the end, but part of our development. Join us as we explore how Jesus’ promises of danger, defense, and development remain relevant for believers today.
6 - How to Go Through Gethsemane
In this sermon, we explored the profound and agonizing moments Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane, as recorded in Luke 22:39-46. Through the lens of Jesus' struggle, we examined the depth of His love, His intimate relationship with the Father, and His ultimate surrender to God's will. The sermon highlighted the importance of prayer, the reality of human struggle, and the necessity of aligning our will with God's, even in the face of immense suffering. By reflecting on Jesus' example, we are encouraged to navigate our own "Gethsemane" moments with renewed faith and trust in God's plan.
7 - Control in the Midst of Chaos
In this sermon, we explored the chaotic scene in the Garden of Gethsemane as described in Luke 22:47-53. We began by discussing H.G. Wells' skeptical view of God, who he believed was powerless in the face of chaos. Contrasting this, we examined how Jesus, in the midst of betrayal and impending arrest, remained composed and in control. Despite the pandemonium, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority and compassion, even healing the ear of Malchus, one of His enemies. The sermon emphasized that global darkness and personal difficulties are on a divine timer, and that Jesus is in complete control, even in the most chaotic circumstances.
8 - When the Rooster Crowed Twice
In this sermon, we explored the story of Peter's denial of Jesus as recorded in Luke 22:54-62. The sermon began by setting the context of Peter's letter to believers who were under pressure to distance themselves from their faith. Peter's own experience of denying Jesus under pressure serves as a powerful lesson for us today. The sermon broke down the events of Peter's denial into four scenes, highlighting the gradual progression of his denials and the eventual realization of his failure when Jesus looked at him. The sermon emphasized the importance of staying true to our faith, even under pressure, and offered several key lessons drawn from Peter's experience.
9 - The Unlawful Trial of the Lamb
In this sermon, we explore the unlawful trials of Jesus Christ, highlighting the corruption and injustice that pervaded both the Jewish and Roman legal systems. The sermon draws parallels between the infamous Star Chamber of King Henry VII's time and the trials Jesus faced, emphasizing the betrayal of justice by religious and political leaders. Despite the blatant disregard for Hebrew and Roman laws, Jesus remained composed, fulfilling the divine plan foretold by God. The trials were marked by false witnesses, illegal proceedings, and a corrupt religious system that sought to silence Jesus. Yet, through it all, Jesus' identity as the Son of God was affirmed, and His sacrifice was underscored as the means by which believers are spared from divine judgment.
10 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
In this sermon, we explore the trial of Jesus Christ as He stands before Roman officials, Pilate and Herod, who ultimately condemn Him to death despite His innocence. The sermon delves into the political and personal motivations of Pilate and Herod, highlighting Pilate's precarious position as a governor under scrutiny and Herod's superficial curiosity about Jesus. Both men, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, choose to prioritize their political interests and personal biases over justice. The sermon challenges us to reflect on our own responses to Jesus, questioning whether we, like Pilate and Herod, are more concerned with societal approval and personal gain than with the truth and identity of Christ.