39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40 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." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43 (NIV)
Introduction
This is the third message in a series I have been teaching called “Famous Last Words”. In the final moments of his human existence, he used the last of his ebbing strength to speak some of his most profound words. Life-changing words… So far, we have discussed:
Today, I want to continue by focusing on these words, found in Luke 23:42 – “Today, you will be with me...”
In last week’s message, we talked about those troubling times in our life when God seems distant. We all experience difficult times. Jesus didn’t deserve what was happening to him – but he endured the suffering and humiliation with great grace.
Tough times always reveal who we really are
We’ve been talking about Jesus, but for a moment I want us to look at the two men that were crucified with him. Because each of them was experiencing a pretty rough time in his life, as well… (understatement)
It appears that these men were actually criminals, and deserved punishment. (but crucifixion…?)
As I read this story, I was reminded of how tough times bring out the best (or the worst) in us. Here, two men, in very similar circumstances, react quite differently.
(v 39) The bitter man
- He hurled insults (try to bring others lower than us)
- He made demands, as if to convince himself and others that he deserved better
Bitterness is a terrible thing. It destroys us, and others around us.
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Heb 12:15 (KJV)
Bitterness finds its root in pride.
(v 40-41) The humble man.
Let’s take a look, for a moment, at this man. Because it was to this man that Jesus spoke words of hope.
What kind of approach will result in our salvation?
Come humbly
- He was not demanding
- He was aware of his own failures and showed remorse (repentant)
Come in faith
- He believed that Jesus was who he said he was
- He sensed it was not over for Jesus
- He somehow sensed that because of Jesus – it didn’t have to be over for him, either
Where did this man get such faith? Even Jesus' disciples didn't have that confidence... But this man, out of whatever he had heard and seen, came up with the (correct) idea that there was a future for Jesus, and that future could involve him as well!
Call upon his name
Now, let’s focus on Jesus’ response to this man
It was based in truth, not fact (“I tell you the truth…”)
The facts say – I’m a sinner. I’m dying. It’s all over. But this man’s faith had caught on to something beyond the facts. And it was something that Jesus confirmed in his response. The truth is not always what it seems.
Facts don’t set you free – but truth does.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free John 8:32 (NIV)
The facts are:
- The creditors are calling…
- The doctors have shaken their heads…
What is interesting to me – Jesus didn’t attempt to change the facts, in this case. Because in this case, the truth was a direct result of the facts… The truth was, in a few minutes he was going to be in paradise. Why would he even want to change the facts? Just a little while…
It was instantly effective
Notice that this man did not have time to fulfill the obligations of either the Old Covenant or the New Covenant. And yet Jesus accepted him. In doing so, Jesus revealed that the true reason for his acceptance of any man is based not on anything that we do – but on our faith in him.
We talk a lot about what it takes to get to heaven. The man in our story didn’t have time to follow Christ. Most of us will have time to follow him. And that will require some commitment. It will require some obedience.
But may I present to you that you do not have to wait until you have followed him to experience his salvation?
Some of you have been putting off getting started, because you’re not sure if you can follow through.
- Perhaps you’re not sure what is required
- Perhaps you don’t know if you have what it takes
But see – you’re focusing on facts. Take a moment, right now, and focus on the truth. The truth is – Jesus loves you. And the truth is – Today.
Perhaps this is the worst day of your life. But in a moment, it can become the best. If your faith will reach up to him today, his response will be instantly effective.
He is a TODAY God.
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. 15 As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." Heb 3:12-15 (NIV)
He promised ongoing relationship
Today – you will be with me…
I’m reminded of Jesus’ promise to his disciples. He told them there was coming a day when they would be disappointed. They would be frightened. The facts would not be pleasant. But the truth was…
18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. John 14:18-19 (NIV)
As he gave his final instructions to his disciples, he left them with this promise:
…lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matt 28:20 (KJV)
(one brother told me this was the reason he would not fly in airplanes.. “low, I am with you…”)
Have everyone stand…
He gives hope
There is life beyond the struggle you are facing today. Because he lives…
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
On this Easter Sunday – we are rejoicing because He Lives!
And because He lives – you can live too! Not just in eternity… Not just in the sweet by-and-by… But Today, you can be with him.
That life, that relationship – can start in just a moment.
How? You need to approach Jesus in the same way that thief on the cross approached him.
- Recognize that you are a sinner
- Recognize that He is indeed who He says He is (Lord)
- Believe that who He is will actually make a difference for you!
- Call on his name
Pray with me… |
