Holy Week: His Death

                                           Holy Week: His Death on the Cross

                                                           Luke 23:32-43

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus today? 

    If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”  Matthew 16:24  

Sunday – a day of celebration                       

Monday – a day of strong emotions

Tuesday – a day of teaching

Wednesday – a day of preparation

Thursday – a day of fellowship & remembering

Friday – a day of treachery & injustice   

Later that Friday Jesus was crucified and died on the cross 

1.   The Roman cross was an instrument of torturous death

These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” John 19:36-37 (NIV)  

2.   Jesus’ crucifixion between two criminals was God’s indictment on humanity

    Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. Luke 23:32 (NIV) 

3.   One of the criminals railed at Jesus

    One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:39 (NIV) 

4.   The other man admitted his sin and acknowledged Jesus’ innocence

    But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? [41] We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:40-41 (NIV) 

5. The man expressed faith and asked Jesus for mercy

    Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 (NIV) 

6.  Even during his death on the cross Jesus extended forgiveness

    Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 (NIV) 

    “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NIV) 

          In the ugliness & brutality of that cross we see a stunning expression of God’s love