Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 1072A recorded on March 28, 1986 teaching from Mark 14:32-15:47 – The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ – Good Friday.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens profoundly reflects upon the Passion of Jesus Christ, drawing primarily from the Gospel of Mark. The core of the message traces Christ’s path from His agony in Gethsemane, where He struggles with the imminent “hour” of His sacrifice, through His betrayal by Judas, and the unjust trial before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, where He is condemned to “be guilty of death.” A central theme is the theological significance of Jesus’ seamless garment, which soldiers gamble for, fulfilling Scripture, and symbolizing the “garments of salvation” and “robe of righteousness” freely offered to those who come to the cross, contrasting humanity’s hopeless, sinful state with God’s “amazing, so divine” love. Stevens concludes on a note of hopeful anticipation, reminding the congregation that despite the somber contemplation of Christ’s death on “Friday,” “Sunday is coming,” celebrating His imminent resurrection.