Good Friday

Good Friday

April 9, 2004

Luke 23:39-43

Three Crosses Speak

INTRODUCTION: When He was crucified on that Friday there were two others who were crucified along with Him. There was one man on the right and another on the left.  Each man was condemned, and yes, each man died. Let us examine each man on the cross to see what he would say to us this night.

I.        The first cross - v.39  “And one of the criminals who were hanged {there} was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" (NAS)

Who is hanging here?

1.      He’s none other then a common thief. The Romans have seen to it that he was brought to justice – He will die. Justice will be paid.

2.      As he hangs there he is punished for his crimes. - 41a  - "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds” (NAS) The words of this condemned man explain to us the circumstances of this condemned man; convicted and suffering death for his crimes.

What are his words?

1.      He mocks the Lord of life – Possibly a man of crime – possibly one who was rejected by society – we know not of his history but his words are telling. He mocks Jesus not realizing, none the less, refusing to trust in Him.

2.      He curses God – He has lost hope – He has no regard for man or his Creator. Such an attitude has gotten him to this place; a sentence of death by cruel torture.

What does this reveal?

1.      He has an evil heart – Crucifixion is reserved only for felons. He has no regard for the rule of law or the things of God.

2.      Sadly, he cannot see that Jesus is the Son of God – To him Jesus is nothing more then another petty and common thief sentenced to die like the rest.

3.      Tragically, he will die in unbelief – as will any and all who fail to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. He comes so close. He is confronted by His sin but the hardness of his heart is a refusal to yield to Christ. He has sealed his fate for time and eternity!

II.     The second cross - vv.40-42 “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 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!" (NAS)

Who is hanging here?

1.      Another criminal – another bad boy on the wrong side of the law – another lost soul – one who went his own way – refusing to listen to anyone.

2.      Like the first, he too is punished for his crimes – The evidence was gathered – testimony was presented and offered – a verdict was rendered – Guilty! – A death sentence was handed down – now he hangs.

What are his words? 40-41

1.      First he speaks to the other thief –

a.       He offers first a Rebuke - But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

b.      He offers also a Testimony for the world to hear - "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." Jesus the innocent one suffers for the guilty – this is the message of the cross.

2.      He also speaks to Jesus -   "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"

a.       He offers a cry for mercy – this is our cry too for we are in the same circumstances as this one thief – Jesus remember me!

b.      At the same time he offers a cry of faith – He recognizes Jesus as more then simply an innocent man – He sees Jesus as the Son of God – the Savior of the world.

What do these words of a condemned man reveal?

1.      First, they reveal repentance – There has been a change in his life – a change brought about by the Holy Spirit.

2.      His words also convey faith, which is nothing more then trust in Christ – He takes Jesus at His Word and trusts in Him.

III.   A third cross - v.43  “And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." (NAS)

Who is hanging here?

1.      The One who has committed no sin – He is completely and totally innocent.

2.      Most know Him that day as a carpenter, the mere son of a carpenter allegedly – You and I know Him as the one known as the Son of God – We know Him differently - for the Scriptures have revealed Him to be the one we know as the very Savior of the world.

What does He say?

1.      He offers hope “Today you will be with Me in paradise!”

2.      He grants more then the thief requests – The thief had only requested that Jesus remember him and possibly mention some sort of favor – But He will grant more then a mere favor – He offers forgiveness, salvation and life.

What does this reveal?

1.      The nature of His work – To receive sinners – to welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve.

2.      This also reveals the destiny of all who come in faith – Jesus sinners doth receive

CONCLUSION: Jesus, because Thy promise I believe! O Lamb of God I come, I come!