#87 Evangelism: Christ’s Cross
Introduction
Perhaps the most beautiful example of someone being saved is that of the man on the cross next to Jesus. His story can be found in Luke 23:32-33 and 39-43.
Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. … One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 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!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
While Jesus hung on the cross He continued to share His message of Salvation. At the end of His conversation with the other man on a cross Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). This means that this sinner was saved while in the process of being executed! This should provide us with much hope in our own salvation and wonder at the glory of God.
The criminal that pleaded with Jesus had a fear of God, acknowledged his sin, Christ’s righteousness, and asked Jesus to save him. That is the gospel message here. That whoever will acknowledge his place and God’s place and ask Jesus to save him will be saved!
Outline
Fear of God, “do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?” (Luke 23:40)
We are sinners “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds” (Luke 23:41A)
Jesus is perfect “but this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41B)
Jesus remember me “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42)
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to know Jesus for a long time. And you certainly don’t need to know everything. Yet even so God makes a way.
