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A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Luke 23:32-43

Isaiah 53:9 & 12 prophesied that the Messiah would be numbered among transgressors. This was literally true as Jesus was crucified between two criminals. The two very different responses from these criminals well reflect the two paths Jesus mentions in Matthew 7:14. The wide and easy path leads to destruction, but the narrow and hard path leads to life. Despite being shamefully crucified, Jesus retained full power to save. 

Jesus has authority to grant salvation to those who repent and trust in him.

However, not everyone repents. The first criminal exemplifies the wide path by copying the world and caring mostly for himself. He mocks Jesus just like everybody else. This criminal tests Jesus by asking him to prove he is the Christ by coming down and saving all three of them. He remains in his sin.

The second criminal repents of his own sinfulness and rebukes the other criminal. He does the hard thing and publicly admits he is getting what he deserves. Rather than asking for Jesus to save him from his cross, he asked for a place with Jesus after death. In response, Jesus gracefully goes above and beyond. Not only will he be remembered, he will also be with Jesus personally in paradise that very day.

Jesus was quick to accept his repentance. This shows that it’s never too late in this life, nor is any sin too far for Christ to forgive. In short, Jesus saves!  

Taking It Home: Discuss with someone else the ways in which you are like these two criminals. What about Jesus’ response is appealing to you? If you have never done so, pray by admitting your sin to Jesus and asking for his forgiveness and new life.