The Crucifixion of Jesus: Why the Cross Matters at Christmas

Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they turn their attention from the birth of Jesus to the profound significance of the Cross, even during the Christmas season. Discover why Jesus's entire life, from the Incarnation to the Ascension, must be kept in mind to see the fullness of the gospel.

In this powerful episode, we delve into the three parts of the crucifixion narrative:

1. The Humiliation of the Son of God (Matthew 27:27-31)

Reflect on the shocking restraint of Jesus—the "infinite, raw, consuming holiness and omnipotent universe creating power"—as He was mocked, stripped, beaten, and crowned with thorns by Roman soldiers.

Understand the massive significance of the Incarnation: Jesus took on human flesh specifically to give His flesh in our place on the cross.

2. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:17-22)

Explore the setting of Golgotha, the "place of a skull," where Jesus was crucified outside the city walls between two criminals.

Discuss the political tension surrounding Pilate's inscription: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," which fulfilled the prophecy that He is the promised Messiah.

Realize that Jesus's life was not taken from Him; He willfully laid it down, humbling himself to die a sinner's death for the forgiveness of sins.

3. The Death of the Messiah (Matthew 27:45-54)

Unpack the theological mystery of Jesus crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". The divine communion was temporarily severed because Christ had become sin for sinners, but He did not cease to be God.

Learn the meaning of the darkness and earthquake, which were emblematic of God's wrath and fulfilled the prophetic "day of the Lord".

Examine the significance of the temple curtain being torn in two, representing that access into the Holy of Holies and to the throne of grace is now freely available through Christ's work.

See the resurrection of the saints after Christ's death as a prophetic "teaser" that resurrection will come through Christ for all who are in favor with God.

Why is the Cross essential for Christians today? Because it is at the cross that the wrath of God is satisfied, and believers receive His righteousness and reconciliation with God.

Next Week: We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus to propel us into 2026 with a great deal of hope.

Find clips and more at focusedonchrist.com.

🤖 Ep 147 AI and the Christian | Focused on Christ Podcast

Welcome to Focused on Christ, where we are passionate about exalting Christ and equipping the church.

In this episode, host Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive into a critical, timely discussion: AI and how it relates to the Christian. Is this new technology a good thing, bad, or indifferent? They conclude that it "really depends on how it's used".

The discussion covers:

• Personal Use of AI: Mike and Nathan share their current approaches to AI, from creating videos and pictures to using it for quick information gathering.

  
  

• Defining AI: The hosts clarify that current AI is more like ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence)—machine-based systems that simulate specific human-like cognitive functions and are fundamentally mathematical equations—rather than the theoretical, apocalyptic AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) often portrayed in media.

  
  

• AI as a Powerful Tool: Nathan draws an illustration, comparing AI to a "technological Ferrari." It's a tool, but its increasing "horsepower" means the potential for destruction and trouble is exponentially greater than older technologies like books or the early internet.

  
  

• The Demonic and AI: They address concerns about AI being demonic, arguing that while AI is built on God's mathematical laws, the demonic can undoubtedly utilize AI for evil purposes. Furthermore, because AI learns from a "broken and sinful human," it will pick up sinful patterns of behavior and thought.

  
  

• The Church's Opportunity: The hosts express hope that in a world where AI-generated content makes it hard to discern truth, the church can stand as an unmoving "beacon of truth" grounded on an eternal, historic faith.

  
  

• AI in Spiritual Ministry: They tackle questions generated by AI itself, debating whether AI-generated sermons, music, or prayer content can be considered genuine spiritual ministry. They emphasize that Christian ministry is inherently people-on-people service that cannot be replaced by technology, though content can sometimes help.

  
  

• Studying the Bible: The episode concludes with a warning against using AI to "shortcut the research process" for theological content, as theological truth often "hangs on a few words" and accuracy must be verified against scripture to avoid heretical positions.

  
  

Final Encouragement: Regardless of how society shifts with technology, the believer is admonished to remember that Jesus wins the day and his Word and Church will stand.

Next Week: We will discuss the crucifixion of Jesus and its implications for us today.

Betrayal and Denial: Judas and Peter | Focused on Christ Ep 146

Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they "rewind" the trial of Jesus to focus on two key figures: Judas and Peter.

The discussion explores the similarities and critical differences between these two disciples, both called specifically by Christ. While both were disciples who had their own concepts of the Messiah , Judas was driven by earthly means like money and power, whereas Peter's mindset was more focused on seeing Israel restored.

• Betrayal vs. Denial: The episode compares Judas's premeditated act of betrayal for personal benefit—an exchange of value—to Peter's denial, which was a response of fear, not an active, premeditated evil.

  
  

• The Price of Betrayal: Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver , displaying a horrific lack of value for Christ, and his failure to negotiate suggested his view of Christ was "debased".

  
  

• The Kiss in Gethsemane: The act of betrayal was compounded by Judas using a kiss—a symbol of affection and close relationship—to identify Jesus, doubling down on the heinousness of the act.

  
  

• The Role of Satan: The discussion highlights that Satan explicitly entered Judas, who opened his heart to the demonic and acted as a vessel for Satan's will, yet was still totally complicit and responsible.

  
  

• Remorse and Repentance: A crucial distinction is made between Judas's worldly grief which led to self-destruction and death, and Peter's godly grief which produced brokenness and repentance. Judas never confessed his sin to God, but Peter "wept bitterly," broken over his sin.

  
  

• Christ's Intercession: The hosts reflect on the powerful moment when the Lord turned and looked at Peter after his third denial, suggesting that Christ was interceding for Peter in that moment, demonstrating affection and conviction while holding onto him.

The lives of Peter and Judas illustrate that perseverance shows who a person truly is—their "end" is indicative of who they really were. The great hope is that if we respond to Christ's conviction with repentance, it doesn't matter where we began; it matters where we finish.

Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church.

• Connect with us on social media and find more at focusedonchrist.com.

• Next week: Opening the mailbag and answering your questions!