CALVARY'S CROSS

LUKE 23 v 32-43

Three men were crucified, One died in sin, One died to sin and Christ died for sin. The Cross Of Jesus Christ When Adam and Eve sinned against God He cast them out of the garden of Eden and punished them, Then came the promise that he would send a Saviour in due time to save the world from their sin. This was confirmed in the prophecy of ISAIAH in chapter 7 v 14 ; Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign, Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his name Immanuel. Jewish genealogy goes down the line through the male and not the woman. So when God spoke of the seed of the woman He was referring to His sending the Saviour of the world in due time. .So in LUKE I v 30-31 ; Came a confirmation of the prophecy in Isaiah. And the angel said to her, Fear not Mary, for you have found favour with-God, And behold, you shall conceive in your womb and bring forth a son and shall call his name Jesus. Finally in LUKE 2 v 10-11 ; And the angel said to them , fear not for I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. The Scriptures cover the life and ministry of Jesus thoroughly and in His three years of ministry He performed all kinds of miracles and preached the need of forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. However a multitude of the Jewish people would not accept Him as the promised Messiah and finally Jesus was brought before the authorities of the day and condemned to die. Let us take up the story of the three crosses from LUKE 23 v 32-43 ; V 32 ; HUMILIATION ; The Son of God, flogged, spat upon, a crown of thorns jammed on His head and made to carry His Cross until an onlooker was ordered to carry it the rest of the way. Jesus had to die as the price of our forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God. He was a sinless person. Jesus was nailed to His Cross with a criminal nailed on a cross on either side of Him. ISAIAH 53 v 4-5 ; Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. and with His stripes we are healed. May we be ever grateful that Jesus was willing to go to Calvary on our behalf. .V 33. DEGRADATION ; The promised Messiah nailed to a Cross and suffering great pain and anguish while the watching crowd mocked Him and did not fully understand why all this was happening. Yet there is coming a day of change. PHILIPPIANS 2 v 9-10 ; Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Your sins and my sins helped to put Jesus on the Cross. May we be ever grateful for His love, mercy and willingness to forgive us our transgressions. Yet for all His royalty, holiness and being the Son of God , Jesus was subjected to the most degrading experience one could imagine. Isaiah 53 gives us a fuller account of His suffering for sinful humanity. Yet in all this Jesus taught us a great lesson.. v 34. ; Then said Jesus, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. V 34 ; They parted His raiment among them. The Roman soldiers regarded this crucifiction as just another man ordered to be crucified and the sharing of the person's clothes a normal thing. They were loyal to the emperor. The Jews were in the main, rejecting Jesus as the promised Messiah

coming to rid the Jews of the tyranny of Rome. The high priest persuaded the people that Jesus must die. Even today people still reject the Son of God and go their own way not caring about the day of judgement for them. MATTHEW 11 v 28-29 ; Come unto Me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest . Take My yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly of heart and you shall find rest unto your souls. How can we show such apathy towards our Redeemer ? Let us not take Jesus for granted but be ever mindful of the degradation that He went through to reconcile us to God. 35 ; DERISION ; So the onlookers were hoping for another miracle. They had seen many miracles earlier performed by Jesus and were still not convinced that He was the Son of God. Right down the centuries people have rejected the way of life offered them by Jesus and have engaged in the worst of immorality and sin. So the onlookers at the Cross were also scornful and left Jesus nailed to His Cross. ROMANS 1 v 32 ; Who knowing the judgement of God that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them. GALATIANS 6 v 7-8 ; Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the spirit reap life-everlasting. V 36 . SUBJECTION ; The soldiers were loyal to the emperor and had little interest in the troublesome Jewish nation. But there is an interesting point her. The Roman soldier offered Jesus a drink of vinegar and spices. to deaden the pain. A Christian act by an unsaved person. We see many an unsaved person doing-,acts of generosity and kindness which we would expect to see the Christians doing, but often do not. The soldiers were subject to the Roman way of life and had their own Gods, It would seem that man has implanted in him the desire to do good and help others in distress. The problem is that they worship the wrong gods, satan and his way of life. They will have no rewards from heaven but only punishment from God unless they repent of their sin and worship Him. V 37 ; DEMONSTRATION. Save Yourself, Jesus had demonstrated miracles on many occasions and still the Jews in general were not satisfied that He was the Son of God. But here Jesus was demonstrating the greatest miracle of all, dying on Calvary's Cross to be raised from the dead that man could be offered the opportunity of reconciliation with God . At the time of His crucifiction few people understood what was happening. I wonder how Many of His mockers became His followers when they saw Him alive afterwards with His disciples. JOHN 3 v 17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Unfortunately satan's allies are hard at work to stop people becoming Christians and the Christians to be come backsliders. V 38. SUPERSCRIPTION. Latin, Greek and Hebrew, the three main languages used around Israel and the surrounding countries. Was it by chance or the hand of the Lord that as many people as possible should read the notice The Son of God, the coming King of the Jews was about to die for the sins of the world and the Jewish nation in particular, How much more would the people have to remember Jesus when Jesus rose from the dead and was seen by many witnesses. JOHN 3 v 16 ; For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

V 39 . CONFRONTATION. If You are the Christ then save Yourself and us. This man wanted Jesus to save him that he might be free from punishment and live a little longer. He was not interested in everlasting life with Jesus. No repentance here but anger that he had been arrested and was about to die for His crimes. He came face to face with the Son of God and had time to seek forgiveness. He died in pain and sorrow and will face eternity in the lake of fire and brimstone, following judgement day. The man did not confess his sin but perhaps he thought that Jesus did not know about his background. PSALM 139 v 7-12 ; Whither shall I go from Your Spirit, or whither shall I flee from Your presence ? If I ascend up to heaven You are there, If I make my bed in hell, behold You are there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost part of the sea, even ' there shall Your hand lead me. If I say surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me. Yes the darkness hides not from You , but the night shines as the day, the darkness and the light are both alike to You. V 40. CONDEMNATION. The second criminal turns upon his companion. Do you not fear, fear God seeing that you are also condemned to die ? We are justly condemned but this man is not guilty of any crime. If you are honest with yourself you will agree that the penalty imposed upon us was just. JOHN 5 v 28 ; Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the grave shall hear His voice, And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. Make sure that your unsaved friends know this. V 41. REMONSTRATION. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our sins. We all know that there are consequences of our actions and penalties if we sin against God and do not seek forgiveness. ROMANS I v 18 ; For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven again against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness So the first criminal did not recognise Jesus as the promised Messiah and paid the penalty of the wrath of God. RECOGNITION. The second criminal acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God. He spoke up on behalf of Christ when he said that Jesus was not guilty of the sin He was charged with. When we can recognise Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died on Calvary's Cross to redeem us from the bondage of satan then the sooner we will be reconciled to God. ROMANS 8 v I There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. ROMANS 2 v 9 Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Gentile. V 42 . MOTIVATION. The repentant sinner. ( For he was such now Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom. This was truly a last minute salvation, and this man was not able to take an offering to the priests in the temple. But he spoke to the great High Priest who was Himself the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, and thus reconcile us to God.

JOHN 3 v 36 ; He that believes on the Son has everlasting life, and he that believes not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. Why was he motivated ? Because he recognised that Jesus was the promised Messiah the Son of God. He certainly knew he had sins that had to be forgiven so he did the best he could to make his salvation certain. Remember me. And this man received the reply that must have thrilled his heart. Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. V 43 DEMONSTRATION> Jesus accepted the request as it was put to Him. Today shall you be with Me in paradise. What a glorious promise and coming from Jesus Himself. God will respond to any repentant sinner who seeks forgiveness of sins through Jesus and wishes to be reconciled to God. Make sure of your salvation. Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you. So when this man and Jesus.-,died-their bodies were laid in the grave and their souls went to the paradise section of Hell. Ephesians 4 v 8-10 ; Wherefore He says, when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. Now He that ascended what is it but,-that He-also descended first into the lower parts of the earth .. He that descended is the same that ascended up far above all heavens that He mighht fill all things . The man may not have known anything about Acts 4 v 12 but he certainly went to the right person. He could havebeen crucified on any other day , but God plated him there at that time for man to ponder over . ACTS 4 v 12. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. SAVED AT THE LAST MOMENT ;What did thid man do to be saved ? I He recognised his sinfulness and the just penalty he was receiving. ROMANS 6 v 23 ; For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 2. He acknowledged the sinlessness of Jesus Christ. The spotless Lamb of God being then offered up for the sins of the world. Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. 3. He acknowledged Jesus as Lord. ACTS 2 v 21 ; And is shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved. 4. He acknowledged faith in the kingdom of God. " Remember me when you come into Your kingdom." JOHN 14 v 1 ; Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. 5. To make this request he would have had to have a repentant heart and Jesus would have known the state of his heart. PSALM 51 v I ; Have mercy upon me 0 God, according to Your lovingkindness, according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. And the outcome of it all, he died that day and went to paradise with Jesus, where Jesus released all the old testament saints and took them up to heaven . EPHESIANS 4 v 8-10 ; Wherefore He says, when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now He that ascended what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things. JOHN 14 v 2-3 ; In My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you 1, will come again and receive you unto Myself that where I am there you may be also. The criminal on the Cross received His promise and so will the Christians who die in Jesus. The rapture of Christ's church and our being taken to Heaven to be presented to His heavenly

Father. 1 THESSALONIANS 4 v 13-18 ; But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as other who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of God that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them that are asleep. For the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God, and the dead in Christ sha ' 11 rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to met the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Just what does-happen to the unrepentant sinner ? JOHN 3 v 36---,.He that believes on the Son has everlasting life and he that believes not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. JOHN 5 v 28-29 ; Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice. And shall come forth they which have done good to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. So what is the wrath of God ? LUKE 16 v 22-24,26 ; And it came to pass that the beggar died and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue. v 26 ; And besides all this there is a PAGE 6between us and you there is a great gulf fixed. So that they which would pass from hence to you cannot, neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. PSALM 9 v 17 ; The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations which forget God. MATTHEW 13 v 41-42 ; The Son of man shall send forth His angels and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire, there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. MATTHEW 25 v 41 ; Then shall He say also to them on the left hand, Depart from Me you cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. REVELATION 14 v 9-11 ; And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand. the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. REVELATION 20 v 15 ; And whosoever was not found in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. REVELATION 21 v 8 ; But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable ands murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death. REVELATION 22 v 11 ; He that is unjust let him be unjust still and he that is filthy let him be filthy still. and he that is righteous let him be righteous still and he that is holy let him be holy still. ISAIAH 66 v 23-24 ; And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me. says the Lord. And they shall; go forth and look upon the carcases of them that have transgressed against.Me for their worm shall not die neither shall their fire be quenched, and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. The second criminal was in the-presence of Jesus, spoke to Him and died. but after that he was

separated from Jesus for ever. He was cast into hell as was the rich man of LUKE 16 v 19-31. and in due time he will be cast into the lake of fire and,brimstone for.-ever, The first criminal died on the Cross of despair. missing his salvation. The other criminal was crucified on the Cross of forgiveness and mercy. He spoke to Jesus of the coming kingdom and Jesus knowing what was in this man's heart, assured him that he would continue to be with Jesus. The Cross of Jesus Christ is the Cross of salvation, reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins and a new life in Jesus. 2 CORINTHIANS 5 v 17 ; Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away , behold all things are become new . But there is still hope for the sinner who will acknowledge his sin and repent and turn to God for forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. ACTS 6 v 23 ; For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. HEBREWS 2 v 3 ; How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken of by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. ACTS 4 v 12 ; Neither is there salvation in any other , for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. How thankful we should be that Jesus went to that Cross on Calvary's hill to redeem us from bondage to satan. When we accept Jesus as our Redeemer and Lord we are born into or adopted into the family of God. Our sins are not only forgiven but are also forgotten. So we should be happy to forgiven others and to forgive ourselves. Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus who has risen from the dead and become our one and only sacrifice to come into the presence of our holy God. Pass me not 0 gentle Saviour, hear my humble cry. While on other You are calling, do not pass me by. Let me at Your throne of mercy find a sweet relief Kneeling there in deep contrition, help my unbelief. Trusting only in Your merits would I seek Your face . Heal my wounded broken spirit, save me by Your grace. Thou the spring of all my comfort more than life to me, Whom Have I on earth beside You whom In heaven but Thee. Saviour, Saviour, hear my humble cry While on others You are calling, do not pass me by.