The Irony of the Cross John 11:46–57

IRONY IS A LITERARY TECHNIQUE BY WHICH THE FULL SIGNIFICANCE OF A CHARACTER’S WORDS OR ACTIONS ARE CLEAR TO THE AUDIENCE ALTHOUGH UNKNOWN TO THE CHARACTER.

Irony of Salvation

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” - Matthew 15:24 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” - John 10:14–15 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and and have it abundantly.” - John 10:10

THE IRONY OF SALVATION IS THAT JESUS IS VIEWED AS A THREAT TO YOUR LIFE WHEN HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Irony of Substitution

THE IRONY OF SUBSTITUTION IS THAT MURDERING JESUS AS A SUBSTITUTE FULFILLS GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION.

Substitutionary Atonement

JESUS BECAME OUR SIN OFFERING SO THAT THROUGH HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS IT IS NOW POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS BY HIS SUBSTITUTION.

FOR OUR SAKE HE MADE HIM TO BE SIN WHO KNEW NO SIN, SO THAT IN HIM WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21

THIS JESUS, DELIVERED UP ACCORDING TO the DEFINITE PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD, YOU CRUCIFIED AND KILLED BY THE HANDS OF LAWLESS MEN. ACTS 2:23

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. - Isaiah 53:4 All we like sheep have gone astray:—every one— to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:6 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; - Isaiah 53:10

“WORTHY ARE YOU TO TAKE THE SCROLL AND TO OPEN ITS SEAL, FOR YOU WERE SLAIN, AND BY YOUR BLOOD YOU RANSOMED PEOPLE FOR GOD FROM EVERY TRIBE AND LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE AND NATION, AND YOU HAVE MADE THEM A KINGDOM AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD, AND THEY SHALL REIGN THE EARTH. REVELATION 5:9–10

Trust in God’s sovereign plan for your life.

Trust in God’s substitute for your salvation.