JESUS SPEAKS FROM THE CROSS…

…Of Forgiveness and Paradise

Luke 23:33-34, 39-43

SEVEN MESSAGES FROM THE CROSS…
1.  “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.”  (Luke 23:33-34).
2.  “Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
3.  “Woman, behold thy son… Behold thy mother” (John 19:26-27).
4.  “My God, My God; why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46;  Mark15:34).
5.  “I thirst” (John 19:28).
6.  “It is finished” (John 19:30).
7.  “Into Thy hands I commend My spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Looking at only two of the messages of Christ from the cross in this message;

I.  JESUS PRAYS FOR FORGIVENESS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE CRUCIFIXION (Luke 23:33-34;  Matthew 6:14-15; 27:44).

II.  THE PEOPLE JESUS PRAYED FOR ARE NOT WORTHY OF FORGIVENESS (Romans 3:23; Jeremiah 17:9).

III.  THE PRAYER OF JESUS WAS ANSWERED THAT DAY (Luke 23:43;  John 17:24).

IV.  JESUS SPEAKS WORDS OF ASSURANCE AND PEACE TO A DYING THEIF (Luke 23:39-43).

Application –
i.  Without the cross of Jesus Christ there would be no forgiveness for sin;
ii.  We must all realize that without Christ within us we are wretched, miserable, poor and blind; full of evil;
iii.  We can rest assured that the Father heard the prayer of Jesus that day; that all the sin debt of humanity was paid in full;
iv.  To those who know they are condemned and dying Jesus gives eternal life for those who see who He is;
v.  In Jesus Christ alone is there paradise.

-Tim A. Blankenship