By the tree we were enslaved,

by the tree we are set free

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" (40) But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? (41) "And we indeed are sufferingjustly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." (42) And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" (43) And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Luke 23:39-43 NASB

• Jesus has already undergone hours of imprisonment, torture, rejection, anxiety for His coming death.

• Friends and family had fled, John and His mother would return.

• He was dying in pain.

• Jesus was between two thieves, being numbered with them.

• Jesus was being treated as a transgressor

• The conversion of the thief illustrates how Christ trumpets over powers and principalities even when it appears he is powerless and defeated.

Setting

Rebellion

•Anger, hurt, revenge, resentment

Repentance

• I’m guilty, remember me, I failed

Redemption

• Sacrifice

Three Crosses

• The pain and hurt of our life can go so deep, we miss mercy

• Our minds can become closed, seeing only our own situation

• Our heart can become hard, believing we deserve better, more

• A evil transformation of

• Cynical

• Scoffing

• Rejection

• Anger

Rebellion

• Knowing that I am sinful, I turn away from that mindset to go another way

• Stopping the hardening of the heart by looking for mercy

• Seeing in others what I do not have in myself and honoring them

• Looking for justice in the world but beyond this world

• Justice that forgives the guilty

• Justice that offers hope even in the face of punishment and death

• Courage enough to trust someone other than yourself.

Repentance

• “to tear loose”

• “to rescue”

• “ to purchase”

• “a ransom”

Redemption

Rebellion Redemption Repentance

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" (40) But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? (41) "And we indeed are sufferingjustly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." (42) And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" (43) And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

How it happened

• 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!"

Repentance

And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Redemption

• When you see a cross, think about the choices you have, rebellion or repentance. Consider what you should do, not just what Jesus did for us.

• Speak out for the Lord. Tell of His goodness, His love, His caring for others. Even if you are alone, say out loud a praise of thanks to God.

• When you are in pain and suffering, remember that God cares for you. Even if you have brought the trouble on yourself, He is your hope and joy, both in this life and the next.

• Be at peace with yourself and your condition. God has prepared a place for us and we will be with Him one day forever. Our significance and value are in His love for us and not in our earthly production or value.

Spiritual Disciplines