On which Side of the Cross are YOU? – Luke 23:32-43

Baptism service Gospel sermon on the repentant thief.

The Scene

• Christ is crucified the 3rd hour (about 9am) between two criminals
• The events in our text unfold during the three hour period up to the sixth hour (12pm) (Vs. 44)

The prophetic background: Isaiah 53:12 “…he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

The attitude of these two men described

• Matthew 27:38-44 “Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.”
• Mark 15:32 “…And they that were crucified with him reviled him.”

His Repentance (Vs. 40-41)

He acknowledged and recognized three vital truths:

God’s Holiness (Vs. 40)

1. “fear God” = A correct attitude towards God (fear) translates into a right mindset towards sin. It appears this man is conscious that he will soon face death and stand before a holy God.
2. “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)

His Sinfulness (Vs. 41a)

1. These men are described as:
   1. ‘malefactors’ = a criminal, one who commits an offense against the law; evil workers/evil doers. We have all law-breakers and therefore sinners (1 John 3:4)
   2. ‘thieves’ = robbers or plunderers (Matthew & Mark use this word).
2. ‘justly’ = righteously
3. “due reward” = worthy (i.e. that which we are worth to receive)
4. ‘deeds’ = practices, that which is practiced habitually. He is saying, “we are receiving the just reward for the things which we have practiced.”

Christ’s Sinlessness (Vs. 41b)

1. ‘amiss’ = nothing out of place, nothing unbecoming & improper. Speaks of perfection.
2. Christ is sinless!
   1. I. John 3:5 – “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.”
   2. Heb 4:15 – “…in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
   3. Heb 7:26 – “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.”
   4. I. Peter 1:19 – “…a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
   5. Christ could boldly challenge them (the religious leaders) with the question, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” John 8:46.
   6. Pilate, a man skilled in the art of Roman interrogation had to admit, “…I find in him no fault at all.” Jn. 18:38
3. To be saved, one must accept Christ’s Person as well as His Work. John 8:24 “…for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

His Request (Vs. 42)

A Prayer to the Saviour (Vs. 42a)

1. 1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
2. No prayers to Mary (Jn 19:25), no prayers to the Apostles, no acts of penance etc…

A Prayer of Submission (Vs. 42b)

1. “Lord…thy kingdom” = this man had tremendous insight into who Christ was. He recognizes His exalted position as ‘Lord’ and acknowledges that there is a coming kingdom of which He will be King!
2. Romans 14:9 “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”
3. 1 Corinthians 12:3 “…no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”
4. Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…”

A Prayer of Simplicity (Vs. 42c)

1. A prayer from his heart – lit. “he was saying” (Rom. 10:9-10)
2. A prayer of simple faith and trust, a plea for mercy
3. Note: He was totally helpless to save himself. His hands and feet were nailed fast. He could not work for his salvation (Eph. 2:8-9); he could not get baptised, but he could cast himself upon the mercy of the Son of God.
4. Illustration: The prayer of the repentant publican (Luke 18:9-14)

His Remission (Vs. 43)

It was Sure (certainty) (Vs. 43a)

1. Note the words ‘verily’, ‘today’ & ‘shalt’
2. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2)
3. Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

It was Sublime (Vs. 43b)

1. With Christ
   1. Paul desired to depart and be with Christ (Phil 1:23)
   2. The greatest treasure in heaven is not the golden streets or the glimmering mansions but it is Christ, the Son of God.
   3. Christ is the focal point of heaven. Refer Rev 21:22-23 – the Lamb is the temple and the light of heaven.
2. In Paradise
   1. ‘paradise’ = A word borrowed from the Persians, among whom it signified a garden, park or enclosure, full of all the valuable products of the earth (Ryle).
   2. A place of audience with the King!

Conclusion

• John 19:32 – the thieves ushered into eternity.
• On which side of the cross are you? Christ is the Great Divider of men. Both of these thieves had access to the same opportunity yet one chose the Saviour and the other rejected Him.

One man refused Christ; one received Christ
One rebelled; one repented
One rejected Christ; one believed on Christ
One man was lost; one was saved
One went to hell; one went to heaven

• You cannot remain neutral in your decision. Will you accept Christ as Lord & Saviour?

Sermon Audio Id: 98181735223