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MATTHEW 27:22

"THE VERDICT"

Intro: Those who read this story superficially say that Christ was on
trial before Pilate,  true in a sense but in ultimate things Pilate was on
trial. Matthew shows us  Christ as King, His birth fulfilling ancient
prophesies. His herald - prophetic. His  manifesto. Sermon on Mount; His
program, healing of sick. restoration to divine  order and intent. His
conflict with false rulers. His method -  the Cross. His  Triumph on first
day of the week. His commission.

I. THE QUESTION "WHAT SHALL I DO WITH THIS MAN JESUS WHO IS CALLED THE
   CHRIST?"
        A. It is a personal question, you must give the verdict.
        B. What can you do?
                1. Crucify Him or Crown Him nothing else.
                        a. No middle course for His claims supreme.
                        b. He is all He claimed to be or greatest fraud.
                        c. Have you ever considered Words of Jesus as He
                           stood in midst of blighted and broken humanity? 
                                1. "Come unto Me all ye that labor"
                                   frustrations of life.
                                2. "If any man thirst let him come to Me,"
                                   face of death.
                                3. "I am the resurrection and the life."
                        d. If His Words are true there is hope.
                                1. If His Words are false then He ought to
                                   be crucified.
        C. What does it matter what you do?
                1. Many who have not crowned Him seem to be doing very
                   well. Prosperous, successful. What does it matter?
                2. It matters in your character influence,  destiny.
                        a. Character.
                                1. You cannot deny Christ without
                                   suffering in your character.
                                2. You can not crown Him without enriching
                                   your life.
                                        a. Scores her today who could now
                                           stand and tell you the hell
                                           they lived in before coming to
                                           Christ and the change it has
                                           made in their lives.
                                        b. When you crown Him your life
                                           becomes marked by purity and
                                           love (Not in a moment the full
                                           fruit).
                                3. Crucify Him and gradually your standard
                                   of morality is lowered. 
                                        a. You gradually descend so that
                                           the things you once hated you
                                           now accept and are doing.
                                        b. Look at alcoholic. did He
                                           intend to become one?  Of
                                           course not. he descended.
                                        c. That man gripped in devilish,
                                           hellish habit first felt shame
                                           of it, now no blush.
                        b. Influence.
                                1. Crown Him "Ye are the salt of the
                                   earth."
                                        "Ye are the light of the world."
                                2. Crucify Him and your character will
                                   degenerate and very stories you tell
                            will help damn men.
                        c. Destiny -  this life is not all. 
                                1. This life is just a probation and God
                                   will respect your decisions.
        D. Who can decide for me?
                1. No one can decide for you, you must decide for
                   yourself.
        E. When must I answer this? 
                1. You are answering now. As you walk out the front door
                   you will be crowning Him or crucifying Him.
        F. The time has now come for the verdict you are the judge, some
           day as the Supreme Judge will ratify your decision.