They Took Jesus, and Led Him Away
C.H. Spurgeon's sermon reflects on the suffering of Christ as our scapegoat, emphasizing the transfer of sin and the assurance of redemption through faith.
C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the agony and suffering of Jesus as He is led away to be crucified, emphasizing the weight of our sins that He bears on the cross. He draws a parallel between Jesus and the scapegoat from the Old Testament, illustrating how Jesus, like the scapegoat, carries away the sins of the people. Spurgeon urges believers to recognize that their sins have been imputed to Christ, and encourages them to confess their sins and trust in Him for their salvation. He calls for a deep emotional response, urging the congregation to weep for their Savior and rejoice in the deliverance He provides. The sermon highlights the profound love of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins.
Text
He had been all night in agony, He had spent the early morning at the hall of Caiaphas, He had been hurried from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to Herod, and from Herod back again to Pilate; He had, therefore, but little strength left, and yet neither refreshment nor rest were permitted Him. They were eager for His blood, and therefore led Him out to die, loaded with the cross. O dolorous procession! Well may Salem's daughters weep. My soul, do thou weep also.
What learn we here as we see our blessed Lord led forth? Do we not perceive that truth which was set forth in shadow by the scapegoat? Did not the high-priest bring the scapegoat, and put both his hands upon its head, confessing the sins of the people, that thus those sins might be laid upon the goat, and cease from the people? Then the goat was led away by a fit man into the wilderness, and it carried away the sins of the people, so that if they were sought for they could not be found. Now we see Jesus brought before the priests and rulers, who pronounce Him guilty; God Himself imputes our sins to Him, "the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all;" "He was made sin for us;" and, as the substitute for our guilt, bearing our sin upon His shoulders, represented by the cross; we see the great Scapegoat led away by the appointed officers of justice. Beloved, can you feel assured that He carried your sin? As you look at the cross upon His shoulders, does it represent your sin? There is one way by which you can tell whether He carried your sin or not. Have you laid your hand upon His head, confessed your sin, and trusted in Him? Then your sin lies not on you; it has all been transferred by blessed imputation to Christ, and He bears it on His shoulder as a load heavier than the cross.
Let not the picture vanish till you have rejoiced in your own deliverance, and adored the loving Redeemer upon whom your iniquities were laid.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The agony of Christ before His crucifixion
- The unjust trials He faced
- The physical burden of the cross
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II
- The symbolism of the scapegoat
- Confession of sins and their transfer to Christ
- Jesus as our substitute
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III
- The significance of the cross
- Personal reflection on sin and redemption
- The assurance of salvation through faith
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IV
- The emotional response to Christ's suffering
- The call to rejoice in deliverance
- Adoration of the Redeemer
Key Quotes
“He was made sin for us;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let not the picture vanish till you have rejoiced in your own deliverance.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Reflect on the weight of your sins and the significance of Christ's sacrifice.
- Confess your sins to Jesus and trust in His ability to bear them.
- Rejoice in the deliverance that comes from faith in Christ as your Redeemer.