http://bible.com/events/49060668
Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
Tough Sayings of Jesus – Thief On The Cross
Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.
Powerful stories don’t just inspire you, or captivate you. Inspiring stories invite you into the story.
Throughout our new series, “The Stories of Your Life”, we are looking at the pages of Holy Week. But instead of simply reading the story, we are entering into the greatest story in human history. This is your story. This is my story.
Each week we will look at a glimpse through the eyes of one character along the journey.
What can we learn?
What can we apply to our lives right now?
How is this story from thousands of years ago still alive today?
Today we consider the thief on the cross.
Luke 23:32-43
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
-We don’t really know his crimes, except to know that they were considered worthy of the death penalty.
-But what we do know is remarkable: it’s quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much. Can it be that a simple gesture of belief after a lifetime of sin can result in immediate salvation? The short answer to that question is, yes.“ Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”
-Jesus is pointing to something that’s coming and not just what’s happening here on the cross. Jesus is pointing to resurrection.
-The resurrection of Easter marked such a victory that it overcame the power of all sin.
These criminals represent us.
-Jesus was the only innocent one on the hill that day. More than that, He’s the only truly innocent one who ever lived.-We were all born as sinners, and sin in our lives leads to death (Romans 6:23).
-The criminals were similar in many ways: they deserved what they were getting, they both acknowledge who Jesus is. It is how they respond that makes the difference.
Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.
“It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather what God has done for us. Ask people what they must do to get to heaven and most reply, ‘Be good.’ Jesus’ stories contradict that answer. All we must do is cry, ‘HELP!’
God welcomes home anyone who will have him and, in fact, has made the first move already.”
-Phillip Yancey
It’s quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much.
I’m not talking about the thief on the cross, I’m talking about me.
Verses for further study/reflection:
Matthew 27:38-44
Romans 10:8-10
Isaiah 64:6
Ephesians 2:8
Matthew 20:1-16
Giving at COTN
If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:
finance@cotnaz.org
Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!
Giving