Luke 23:33-43_Sermon_Christ the King

{ILS} The Garden and The Desert

• Amazing times - placed stress on human decision making

• Adam and Eve

• King David

• Bleak times - placed stress on human decision making

• Wandering, waiting, losing hope

{SCR} Luke 23:33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing. 35 The people were standing around watching, but the leaders sneered at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one.”

{MPT} Who Wants To Be On His Right and On His Left?

• Disciples have been curious who will have the 

• Followers have tracked every step

• The sick and the hungry have begged Jesus to draw closer

{MPT} Who Says Jesus Christ is Lord?

• Jesus - a human born from Mary, from Nazareth

• Christ - the Messiah, chosen to redeem the world

• Lord - the one to which I will follow in word and deed

{SCR} Luke 23:36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came up to him, offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 Above his head was a notice of the formal charge against him. It read “This is the king of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

{MPT} Who knows about the Desert?

• 40 days and 40 nights fasting with no community

• The expectation is that a king would spare himself this fate

{MPT} Who knows about the Garden?

• Disciples are falling asleep or plotting his capture

• Being placed into the hands of the Roman judicial system

• The expectation is that a king would spare himself this fate

{SCR} Luke 23:40 Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, “Don’t you fear God, seeing that you’ve also been sentenced to die? 41 We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.”

{MPT} Which criminal represents us best?

• This may be the first time you have ever considered this question

• It is designed to remind us of our challenged state

• Of our equal ability to praise or blame

• Of Jesus’ pursuit of us until his dying moments

• Jesus’ sacrifice and pursuit are why he is our King