[Scripture Reading: Luke 22:39-46]

Introduction

A. The accounts of the crucifixion abound with paradox and irony that create contrast surpassing anything in uninspired literature.

B. These remarkable contrasts help bring into sharp relief the love, humility, and holiness of the One Who died for our redemption.

I. On Calvary we see tremendous contrasts.

A. We see purity contrasted with iniquity (Isaiah 53:9-12).

B. We see humility contrasted with vanity (John 19:10; Isaiah 53:7; Philippians 2:8).

C. We see truth at war with deceit (John 18:38; 14:6).

II. On Calvary we see great paradoxes.

A. We see the unlikely unions of shame and glory (Hebrews 6:6; Galatians 6:14), of suffering and joy (Hebrews 12:2), and of surrender and victory (John 10:17; 1 Corinthians 15:57).

B. We find Jesus denying Himself as He confesses Himself (Mark 14:61-64; Luke 9:23).

C. Men who desperately needed Christ’s sacrifice did all they could to keep Him from offering it (Hebrews 10:4-7; Matthew 27:40-42).

D. The Man on trial will someday be the Judge of the whole world (John 5:22).

III. There is also some great irony in this scene.

A. There was considerable irony in the statements made by Jesus’ assailants (Matthew 27:25; Mark 15:31-32; John 19:7).

B. There is also rich irony in the way Jesus was mocked as “the king of the Jews” (John 19:19; Matthew 27:27-30).

Conclusion

As we behold Jesus who “endured such contradiction of sinners” (Hebrews 12:1-4, KJV), may we be more resolved to endure the contradictions we face.