The Cross

This Palm Sunday sermon explores the profound meaning of Jesus' crucifixion, moving beyond the historical facts to understand the spiritual significance of the cross. Pastor Tom Messer emphasizes that Jesus died in supernatural darkness to bring humanity out of spiritual darkness and into God's light. He traces how humanity was created to live in God's presence but was exiled into darkness through sin, experiencing disorientation, loss of purpose, and spiritual death. Jesus' cry "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" reveals that He experienced complete separation from the Father, bearing the penalty for human sin and the cosmic judgment we deserved. The darkness covering the earth during the crucifixion symbolizes the domain of Satan and evil that Jesus entered so believers could walk in the light. Through His death, Jesus opened access to God's presence (symbolized by the temple veil tearing) and proved He is the Son of God. Pastor Tom Messer challenges listeners to recognize their spiritual darkness and accept Christ's sacrifice as the only way to bring coherence, purpose, and eternal life to their fragmented existence.