What Cross Do You Carry? | Matthew 27: 27-44 | Oshkosh | June 14, 2026

This sermon on Matthew 27 focuses on the ridicule, rejection, and suffering Jesus endured on His way to the cross, emphasizing that Scripture often highlights the emotional and spiritual persecution surrounding the crucifixion more than the physical suffering itself. Jesus was mocked by religious leaders, political authorities, soldiers, passersby, and even fellow criminals, revealing the tragedy of humanity’s rejection of its Creator. The message connects Christ’s experience to the lives of believers, reminding Christians that persecution, ridicule, false accusations, and hardship are often part of faithfully following Jesus, just as He warned in Matthew 5 and John 15. A central theme is the call to “take up your cross daily,” recognizing that God can use trials, suffering, and opposition to accomplish His purposes and advance His kingdom. The sermon highlights Simon of Cyrene, who was unexpectedly compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, as an example of how God works through seemingly random and difficult circumstances to fulfill a greater plan. By tracing evidence that Simon and his family likely became influential members of the early church, the message demonstrates that God uses even unwanted burdens to shape lives and impact generations. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to trust God through whatever cross they are carrying, confident that He has a purpose for every trial and that His plans extend far beyond what can be seen in the moment.