Mariners Church Weekend Message Podcast – March 29: "Death of Death: The King Who Forgives and Absorbs Our Sin"
Speaker: Senior Pastor Eric Geiger
Date: March 30, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode continues Mariners’ Passion Week series, “The Week that Changed the World,” focusing on the crucifixion of Jesus. Senior Pastor Eric Geiger teaches from the Gospels of Luke and John, examining why Christians call the day of Jesus’ death “Good Friday” and celebrating the victory Jesus accomplished on the cross. The message explores the humiliation Jesus endured, His absorption of humanity’s sin and shame, and the three fundamental human responses to Jesus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context & Setting

• The church celebrates Rooted Celebration Weekend, sharing testimonies and preparing for the upcoming Easter services.
• The main passages are Luke 23 and John 19—the narratives of Jesus’ crucifixion.

2. Historical Reality of Crucifixion

• [06:34] Eric explains the brutality and humiliation built into crucifixion, specifically reserved for the worst criminals and never for Roman citizens.

  • “If you were there 2,000 years ago and you saw the event happening, you would not have thought at all that this was victorious or that this was beautiful. You would have only seen the humiliation in the moment.” [08:50]

• Jesus’ experience included:

  • Carrying His own cross, making Him a public spectacle.
  • Severe scourging, leading to physical weakness.
  • Crucifixion between criminals (heightening perceived shame and aligning with being “cursed” in Jewish eyes).
  • Public mockery, a sign reading “King of the Jews”, soldiers gambling for His clothes, and being stripped naked—all elements of utter humiliation.

3. Theological Significance: From Horror to Hope

• [13:35] Eric contrasts the public shame with the spiritual reality:

  • Jesus carried our shame and sin; His sacrifice removes them “as far as the east is from the west.”
  • Quoting 2 Corinthians 5:21, Geiger explains Jesus “became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
  • The cross, though dark and humiliating, is genuinely victorious.
  • “Jesus willingly lost so he could win you to Himself.” [14:18]
  • Jesus’ last words—“It is finished”—signal that the debt of sin is paid, not that His story is over. [16:10]

• The “trade” at the cross:

  • Jesus takes our sin and shame; we receive His righteousness and forgiveness.

4. Three Responses to Jesus (Then and Now)

Eric highlights the reactions of those present at the crucifixion and draws parallels to modern listeners:

a. Ridicule [21:07]

• Many mocked Jesus (e.g., the “King of the Jews” sign, the crown of thorns).
• Eric references contemporary ridicule (e.g., Jesse Ventura: “Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak minded people….” [22:47]).
• “Those of us who are Christians, we say… it’s for those of us who’ve quit pretending we have it all together.” [23:56]

b. Rejection [25:54]

• Some, like one of the criminals crucified next to Jesus, rejected Him, dying for their own sins, blind to the grace available in Jesus.
• Eric warns, “It’s possible that some of you are close, but you’re far…You may know a lot about Jesus, but that’s different than actually knowing Jesus.” [26:50]

c. Reception [28:15]

• The other criminal recognized his need, Jesus’ innocence, and asked to be remembered in Jesus’ kingdom.
• “Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” [29:51]
• Notable retelling of Alistair Begg’s “man on the middle cross” illustration to emphasize that it’s Jesus’ work, not our own, that secures our redemption:
  • “The man on the middle cross said, I can come. And that’s the only reason any of us get in.” [31:53]

5. Jesus' Tender Provision

• Even while dying, Jesus ensured the care of His mother by entrusting her to the disciple John.
• Assurance that Jesus provides both eternal and present abundance and care.

6. Why Surrender to Jesus?

• Geiger shares a personal story about wrestling with surrender as a teenager, recognizing that following Jesus meant “losing” some things in this world.
• “…everything we think is everything is really nothing compared to how awesome and amazing Jesus is.” [36:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Cross’ Apparent Defeat:
  “It appears as if He’s losing, but He’s really winning you.” [17:09]

• On Weakness & Grace:
  “It’s for those of us who’ve quit pretending we have it all together.” [23:56]

• On Assurance of Salvation:
  “The only reason that we have everlasting life is because Jesus died in our place for our sin and yelled out, ‘It is finished,’ and gave us all of His mercy and all of His forgiveness.” [32:10]

• Alistair Begg story (paradise and the man on the middle cross):
  “And he says, ‘The man on the middle cross said, I can come.’ And that’s the only reason any of us get in.” [31:53]

• On Real Life in Christ:
  “When you become his, it may feel like you’re losing, but you’re really winning. You’re getting real life. Real life.” [37:18]

Important Timestamps

• [06:08] Introduction to Passion Week series and the crucifixion narrative
• [08:50] The historical and physical realities of crucifixion
• [13:35] The reversal: humiliation turned to victory
• [21:07] The response of ridicule
• [25:54] The response of rejection
• [28:15] The response of reception and forgiveness
• [31:53] Alistair Begg’s “man on the middle cross” illustration
• [33:05] Jesus’ provision for His mother
• [35:22] Personal story about surrender and losing to Jesus
• [37:18] The call to “lose” that is really to win real life
• [38:13] Invitation for listeners to stand and confess faith—altar call
• [39:10] Prayer of blessing and benediction

Final Call and Blessing

The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to stand and declare “I believe,” paralleling the public nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. Eric affirms that becoming a Christian means surrendering and dying to your old life but promises both eternal and abundant life in Christ.

“Jesus, I pray you’d bless your sons and daughters this week, that you would remind them that you are gentle and approachable and that you love them… Cause your face to shine on them.” [39:10]

Summary

Pastor Eric Geiger’s message centers on the true meaning behind the crucifixion—what seemed shameful and humiliating was, in God’s plan, ultimate victory over sin and death. The sermon examines the powerful theological exchange on the cross and challenges every listener to reflect: Will you ridicule, reject, or receive Jesus? The only pathway to new life is not by achievement, but by surrender—trusting fully in what the King on the middle cross has done.