Luke 23:32-43
Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
These two men who were crucified on the outer crosses differed on one main point: how they viewed the man in the middle
I. An Amazing Faith
This man is as close to death as you can be and still be alive
Somehow this man saw Jesus bleeding and naked, and yet he believed that he would someday come into his kingdom
II. An Amazing Grace
Wherever Jesus was going, this thief would be right by his side
The dying thief didn’t know all the right words to say, but what he said was good enough because he said it to the right person
III. Lessons of Hope and Encouragement
1. It is never too late to turn to Christ.
2. Even the very worst sinners can be saved at the very last moment.
3. God has made salvation simple so every person can be saved.
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