The Darkness at the Cross | Matthew 27:45

When the sky went dark at noon, it wasn't just a weather event—it was God marking the moment His wrath fell on Jesus for our sin.

In this episode, we explore the darkness that covered the land during Jesus's final three hours on the cross. We dive into what darkness meant in the Old Testament, why God dwells in "unapproachable light," and how the fear of the Lord is actually the beginning of knowing Him.

Jesus entered the impenetrable darkness of God's wrath so we could walk in His light. This changes everything.

AFTER THE AMEN QUESTION: What is a small view of God that you have that needs to change?

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Jesus Was Mocked on the Cross—And So Will You | Matthew 27:33-44

The world mocked Jesus as He hung on the cross. "If you're God's son, come down!" they shouted. But here's what they didn't understand: God's vindication doesn't look like the world's vindication. Jesus didn't come down from the cross to prove Himself—He stayed on it. And three days later, the empty tomb said everything.

If you're facing mockery for your faith, if you're waiting for God to defend you, or if you're wondering why He isn't showing up the way you expected—this message is for you.

In this sermon, we walk through Matthew 27:33-44 and uncover four powerful truths about Christ's crucifixion:

TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Intro - The Most Evil Day in History [02:04] The Crucifixion Begins [06:08] Golgotha: The Place of the Skull [08:19] Jesus Takes Our Place [16:26] Penal Substitutionary Atonement Explained [19:07] Prophecy Fulfilled: Psalm 22 [24:02] The Religious Leaders Mock Jesus [29:18] Moses, Miriam, and God's Vindication [33:42] Worship That Goes Deeper Than "He Loves Me" [35:34] How Jesus Responded to Mockery [36:25] Christianity Isn't About Being Understood [39:06] After the Amen Q&A

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Let it humble you - You're the soldier, the mocker, the one who deserved the cross. Yet Jesus died instead of you.
2. Let it fuel authentic worship - When you see Jesus didn't just die for you but instead of you, worship goes infinitely deeper.
3. Respond with steadfast obedience - Like Jesus, you don't need the final word. God will vindicate you.
4. Stop trying to be understood - Christianity isn't about being understood. It's about where you stand in Christ.

The resurrection proves God will vindicate His children. You may face mockery now, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

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NOTE: House Church is currently closed to visitors as we focus on shepherding our local community. We're prayerfully considering future meetup options for when you visit Kauai. Thank you for understanding! 🤙

Amen Podcast exists to create biblical content for 18-30 year old Christians who feel overlooked by traditional church. We're 100% listener-supported - no ads, no sponsors, just the Word.

What happens when the King of Kings gets publicly humiliated — and says nothing?

In Matthew 27:27-30, Jesus is stripped, mocked, crowned with thorns, and beaten by Roman soldiers. It's brutal. It's degrading. And it's the scene most of us want to skip over.

But this is where we see something we desperately need — the most powerful Being in the universe choosing silence over revenge. He could have destroyed every soldier in that room. He didn't. Not because He was weak. Because He trusted the Father's plan more than His own flesh wanted to fight back.

In this episode, Alex and Lokelani walk through what Jesus' response in that moment teaches us about suffering, pride, and what it actually looks like to have real hope — not the kind the world sells you, but the kind that quiets your soul even when everything around you is falling apart.

We also dig into Psalm 131 and 1 Peter 2:18-24 to unpack why staying in your lane isn't giving up — it's trusting God with the parts of life you can't control.

If you've ever been mocked for your faith, overlooked for doing the right thing, or just felt like the good you're doing isn't being seen — this one is for you.

📖 Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30 | Psalm 131 | 1 Peter 2:18-24

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Pilate, Cancel Culture, and the Blood of Jesus | Matthew 27:19-26

They wanted Jesus DEAD. But why?

In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most intense moments in Scripture—Jesus standing trial before Pilate. You'll see how cancel culture isn't new (it's been around for 2,000+ years), how fear makes us follow the crowd instead of God, and why Pilate's attempt to "wash his hands" of Jesus reveals something dark about all of us.

We also dive into: ✓ Why the crowd chose a murderer over the Messiah ✓ How you become what you consume (and why that matters) ✓ What it means that Jesus took Barabbas's cross (and yours) ✓ The only thing that can truly wash away our sins

KEY TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 2:33 - Street League & Pilate's Impossible Position 5:55 - Pilate's Wife's Warning Dream 7:14 - The Enemy Influencing the Crowd 10:10 - Calling for Barabbas Instead of Jesus 11:10 - You Are Barabbas 13:54 - Cancel Culture 2,000 Years Ago 16:08 - Different Crowd or Same Crowd? 17:57 - Jesus Doesn't Trust His Heart to Men 21:59 - You Become What You Consume 24:11 - "His Blood Be On Us and Our Children" 27:55 - Jesus Never Changed His Mind 32:34 - After the Amen Q&A

AFTER THE AMEN QUESTION: In what ways do you need to follow God instead of following the crowd?

ABOUT AMEN PODCAST: We're Alex and Lokelani, pastors of House Church in Kauai, Hawaii. We create biblical content for young Christians (18-30) who want theology that's deep but accessible. We preach verse-by-verse through Scripture because faithfulness > fame.

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Mahalo for watching! Until next time, go out and be the church.

There were two men named Jesus at the trial. One was a murderer and rebel. The other was the Messiah. The crowd chose the criminal over the Savior.

But here's the real question: Which Jesus would YOU choose today?

In this message, we break down the shocking differences between Jesus Barabbas and Jesus Christ—and why we're still tempted to follow the wrong one. From making a name for ourselves to shaking peace instead of making it, this is a challenge every Christian needs to hear.

🔑 KEY POINTS: • The choice between two different Jesus's • Barabbas: notorious, proud, violent, self-promoting
• Christ: gentle, lowly, peaceful, self-sacrificing • Why we still choose the wrong Jesus today • How Jesus switched places with Barabbas (and us) • Which Jesus does YOUR life show?

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro: The Choice 2:33 - Would We Still Choose Wrong? 6:11 - Barabbas the Murderer 11:19 - Peacemakers vs Peace Shakers 14:20 - Making a Name vs Lifting His Name 20:14 - Jesus Died FOR You, Not WITH You 23:21 - After the Amen Q&A

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💬 AFTER THE AMEN QUESTION: By examining your life, which Jesus does your life show?

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If this challenged you, leave a comment and let us know which Jesus you're choosing today. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this!

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Why did Jesus stay completely silent when falsely accused? And what does that mean for you when people come after you?

In Matthew 27:12-14, Jesus stands before Pilate while the religious leaders hurl accusations at Him—and He doesn’t say a single word. Pilate is shocked. But Jesus’s silence wasn’t weakness—it was sovereign obedience.

In this episode, we break down: ✓ Why Jesus chose silence over self-defense ✓ The prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 53 ✓ How Christ’s silence gives us a defense before God ✓ When YOU need to stop defending yourself ✓ Trusting God’s sovereignty when falsely accused ✓ Real-life examples of choosing silence over conflict

The hard truth: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is shut up and trust God. Not every attack needs a response. Not every accusation deserves your energy.

Jesus didn’t defend Himself so that WE would have a defense on Judgment Day. That changes everything.

Question for you: Where in your life do you need to stand silent before your accusers?

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"Your Life Is Either a LIE or the TRUTH About Jesus"

What does your life say about Jesus?

The religious leaders had to LIE about who Jesus was to manipulate Pilate into killing Him. They twisted the truth to get what they wanted. But here's the thing – our lives are constantly telling a story about Christ too.

Whether through our words, actions, priorities, or choices, we're either bearing witness to the truth of who He is, or we're distorting His character to a watching world.

In this episode, we break down Matthew 27:11 where Jesus stands before Pilate and ask the hard question: What lie or truth is YOUR life teaching about Jesus?

From worry and compromise to how we treat others and handle sin – every part of our lives communicates something about the King we claim to serve.

This isn't about condemnation. Jesus greets us with love, not shame. But if He's that good, isn't He worthy of us telling the truth about Him with how we live?

Let's dive in.

TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro: What Story Is Your Life Telling? 2:19 - Jesus Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11) 6:01 - The Religious Leaders Had to LIE 9:00 - Every Religion Lies About Jesus 12:36 - What Are YOU Saying About Christ? 18:22 - Jesus Was Forsaken So You Could Be Forgiven 21:03 - After the Amen Q&A 28:29 - Final Thoughts & Application

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God Is Doing Something NEW in Your Life (Isaiah 43:19)

What if the "new thing" God wants to do in your life isn't actually new to Him at all? In this New Year message from Isaiah 43:19, we explore how God's salvation isn't just a past event - it's springing forth right now in your life. Just like He delivered Israel from Babylon, He's delivering you from your own captivity today.

We break down what it means that God is a river in your wasteland and a roadway through your wilderness. If you're facing chaos or lifelessness in any area of your life, this message will give you courage to embrace the change that comes with God's new work in you.

The resurrection proves God will never change how He feels about you - which means you can face anything new with confidence. Whether it's a new job, relationship, or season of life, you can step into it knowing the same living water that raised Christ from the dead is flowing through you right now.

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