2019-04-14
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Key Verse: Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
Today, we're going to walk through all four Gospels as we examine the great gift that is Jesus. And, how His words through this day make all the difference.
1. Silenced
Mt 27:27–31 (NLT) Some of the governor's soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, "Hail! King of the Jews!" 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
His silence had far greater impact in this moment than any words He could have spoken.
His silence indicated His desire to do whatever was necessary to bring redemption to us all.
2. Shunned
Mk 15:33–34 (NLT) At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. 34 Then at three o'clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
In payment for our sins, God turned His back on His own son
How is this even possible?
Because God transferred the sins of man to the Son of God. Sin cannot exist in the presence of God so this represents the separation from God we all deserve.
3. Secure
Lk 23:40–43 (NLT) But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." 43 And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
As a man who deserved death hung next to Him, He extended grace and mercy.
Grace and mercy, when accepted, will always bring security.
4. Salvation
John 19:30 (NLT) It is finished!"
When Jesus breathed His last, the payment was made, our sins were forgiven.
The words Jesus spoke were not referring to His own life being finished, but rather referring to our condemnation.
Our sin debt was paid in full.
All of these moments lead us to a profound truth which is summed up in one word….LOVE!
So what should our response be to this kind of love?