We are continuing the series “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”, which is a series of biographical sermons where we look at the faces of the people who were present when Jesus was dying on the cross.
Luke 23:26-43 NIV [26] As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. [27] A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. [28] Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. [29] For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ [30] Then “ ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ [31] For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” [32] Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. [33] When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. [34] Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [35] The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” [36] The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar [37] and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” [38] There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. [39] One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? 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, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Introduction
Holidays are traditions that are sometimes joyous, sometimes painful, and sometimes confusing. Father’s Day can sometimes be all three at once. Here are five ways that might cause us to think a bit differently about Fathers and our Father in Heaven.
Though the Bible doesn’t speak of “Father’s Day”, God emphasizes the importance of fathers (and mothers). “Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Fathers might include anyone serving in that role, including by means of adoption, blended family, extended family care, foster care, and more.
As Fathers, we sometimes strive for our children’s earthly success and happiness, but our focus should be far more on their eternal home. One main way to help accomplish that is by modeling it, another is through prayer. It’s never too late (until it is), so we can start today even if our children are old enough to receive social security.
Some of us struggle with shame for not doing a good job as a Father. But the Bible also teaches that when we become a child of God, we want to obey him. We learn more about what that means and how to accomplish it through His Word.
We sometimes might be inclined to think of God as distant and disinterested. But the very first words that Jesus taught us to pray were “Our Father”. It is humbling to realize that we are invited by the one true God to call him Abba, an Aramaic word that was common, and one that conveyed personal affection and trust, it’s a word that describes a healthy relationship where a young child puts trust in his or her daddy, who is there to protect and provide. Some of us didn’t have a good relationship with our own fathers, making this imagery more challenging. But as born-again Christians, we are blessed to have a Father who wants us to deepen our relationship with him, is steadfast, keeps his promises, protects us, and provides for us. We are even encouraged to approach Him with “boldness” and in “full assurance of faith' ' And what about that inheritance!
Romans 8:17 NLT [17] And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
Today, we are continuing the series “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”, which is a series of biographical sermons where we look at the faces of the people who were present when Jesus was dying on the cross. We have two more faces to look into after today.
Our first face was of Barabas, the face of fortune. Barabbas deserved to die. But in the providence of God, Jesus took the place of Barabbas so this great truth of the gospel might be revealed.
Romans 5:8 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Then we looked into the face favor, the face of Simon of Cyrene
Simon may have felt that being forced to carry Jesus’ cross was the worst thing that could happen to him, but it soon became his greatest blessing. It changed his life and the life of his family.
Then we looked into the face of failure…the face of Simon Peter.
Jesus knew that Peter would fail. Peter’s failure came as no shock to Jesus. He didn’t just see him for what he was; He saw him for what he would be and the same is true even when we fail.
Two weeks ago we looked into the face of faithfulness, the face of John. As with John the reward of our faithfulness to Jesus is His approval and His trust.
Last week we looked into Judas’ face, the face of folly. We talked about his decision, his actions and his destiny. It's important for us to see Judas in the proper light so that if any of his behaviors reside in us, then we will be compelled to do something about them. We want to address sin when it starts, not wait for it to grow and become out of control. We want to have right reactions to our sin. We want to react like Peter did, not Judas.
Today as we gather under the shadow of the cross. Which is a beacon of hope despite it being a place of suffering, and a symbol of death, I don’t want us to focus on the immense sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and it was immense, but I want us to focus today on a seemingly insignificant figure hanging beside him – the thief on the cross.
The Gospels tell us little about this man. We don't know his name, his crimes, or his past. We only know he was a thief, condemned to a brutal death. Yet, in his final moments, something extraordinary happens.
Today let’s look into the face of forgiveness, into the face of the thief who became the unexpected saint.
Text:
Luke 23:39-43 NIV [39] One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? 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, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Everything about Jesus’ death was designed to bring him suffering and shame. His enemies crucified him between two thieves for the purpose of humiliating him. They wanted to present him as a common criminal dying with other common criminals.
As usual, Jesus turned the evil plans of his enemies into something good. The presence of these condemned men provided him with an opportunity to demonstrate his grace and forgiveness.
Though the two thieves came to the cross from a common background and had perhaps been companions in sin, they responded to their situation differently. While at first both of them may have joined the crowd in ridiculing Jesus, one of them soon made a dramatic change in his attitude toward Jesus.
The way that Jesus responded to the abuse being heaped upon him convicted the thief. It convicted him of his own guilt and of Jesus’ innocence. The thief knew that he and his companion deserved death because of their guilt. He also knew that Jesus was innocent of the charges brought against him. He could see that Jesus was different. He should not have been hanging on that cross.
The way that Jesus was praying probably made an impression too. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
How could a mere man have such confidence in God in these circumstances? There was just something about the way he said the word Father. And surely he must be different to have such an attitude of forgiveness toward those who were crucifying him. All of these impressions led to the thief’s appeal.
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42 NIV).
It was not a very strong appeal, but it was directed to the right person. Beneath this simple request was an unspoken plea for forgiveness. In mercy and love, Jesus answered, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43 NIV).
Jesus assumed responsibility for all of the thief’s sins and granted him full, free and complete forgiveness. The thief would be more than just remembered. He would be with Jesus in paradise.
What can we learn from this encounter?
We learn that It's Never Too Late: The thief's redemption happened at the very precipice of death. It reminds us that God's grace knows no bounds. No matter how deep our sins, no matter how far we've strayed, the door to forgiveness is always open.
We learn Faith Over Works: The thief offered no grand gestures, no years of piety. He simply acknowledged his sin and placed his faith in Jesus. Salvation comes not through our good deeds, but through our belief in Christ's sacrifice.
And we learn Hope in the Face of Despair: Hanging on a cross, facing a gruesome death, the thief found hope. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God's light can shine through.
This incident is a beautiful example of divine forgiveness.
Divine Forgiveness is the removal of our sins so they are no longer a factor in God’s dealings with us. We have the full assurance of God’s forgiveness.
Micah 7:19 NIV says You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
This is one of the passages from which we get the phrase that God has cast our sins into “ the sea of forgetfulness”. The phrase sea of forgetfulness is not actually in Scripture. But this phrase is all about God’s forgiveness, and how when we are justified in Christ, God forgets our sins so completely that they might as well be buried at the bottom of an ocean.
The idea that our sins are lost in a sea of forgetfulness is a comfort. We are no longer judged by our sins , and that fact frees us to live life in a way that pleases God.
Romans 8:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
A. God’s forgiveness is full and complete in that he forgives all kinds of sins.
Because of this man’s reputation as a thief, he was sentenced to death on a cross. He was probably guilty of many other kinds of sins as well. He may have broken all of the Ten Commandments along the way!
I am constantly surprised by the things that people feel God cannot forgive: for one person adultery seems unforgivable, for another homosexuality for another divorce, for another murder, and I could go on and on. The account of Jesus' forgiveness of the thief shows us that God forgives all kinds of sins.
B. God’s forgiveness is full in that he forgives all sins, regardless of their number.
Can we accumulate so many sins that God cannot forgive them all? Is there a certain number of sins that mark the limit of divine forgiveness? The story of the thief is a witness to the fullness of God’s forgiveness. God can forgive a multitude of sins just as easily as he can forgive one sin.
Before we could have this forgiveness, however, God had to send his Son as a sacrificial lamb. When Jesus died on the cross, he died for all. His death covered all our transgressions.
Look at Isaiah 1:18 NIV [18] “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
And John offered this assurance:
1 John 1:9 NIV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The phrase “all unrighteousness” reminds us of the fullness of divine forgiveness. All mean all. Not some, all is all.
II. Jesus’ forgiveness of the thief exposes more erroneous thinking about how we receive forgiveness than any other incident in the Bible. God forgives people freely.
There was no other way this condemned man could have known forgiveness.
This man had no opportunity to do any good works. He. was being executed. Again and again I encounter people who feel that if they just do enough good works, God will forgive their transgressions. When they feel pangs of guilt because of past sins, they redouble their efforts to cover their sins with a multitude of good works.
The thief received the forgiveness of his sins from Jesus as a free gift.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.
This passage underlines that salvation, which includes forgiveness, is a gift, not a reward for our actions.
Romans 3:23-24 NIV] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
This verse emphasizes that justification (being declared righteous before God), which includes forgiveness, comes through God's grace, not our merit.
B. Divine forgiveness is extended apart from religious affiliation or ordinances.
This man had no opportunity to be baptized, so baptism is not necessary to wash away our sins. He had no opportunity to receive Communion, so such an ordinance is not necessary to receive God’s forgiveness. This man had no opportunity to join a religious group or institution, so such affiliation is not necessary to enter heaven. Forgiveness is a free gift apart from religious trappings.
Romans 10:9-10, 13 NIV [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
[13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
This man openly confessed his guilt and his worthiness of the death sentence.
Luke 23:41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Acknowledgement of and confession of sin is extremely difficult for many people. It means to reach the point where we can sincerely admit, “I have sinned. I am a sinner.”
C. Divine forgiveness comes by faith.
After we acknowledge our sin, we must turn to Jesus for forgiveness. We must do what the thief did. We must ask Jesus for forgiveness. Though he did not say it in exact words, Jesus knew what the man meant and what he wanted. The thief exercised faith!
Freeness of forgiveness makes it possible for all people to be forgiven at any place and any time in life.It is never too late to turn to Christ, while you are alive. God forgives freely and fully.
Conclusion
So, let’s move forward, inspired by the thief's transformation. Let us share the message of God's forgiveness, and let us live in the hope that, like the thief, we too will find paradise with Christ
The story of the thief on the cross is a powerful example of God's forgiveness for several reasons:
There’s the Universality of Forgiveness: While Jesus died for the sins of all humanity, the thief's story personalizes it. He wasn't a saint or a religious leader, but a common criminal facing punishment. This shows God's forgiveness extends to everyone, regardless of background or actions.
Immediate Acceptance: The thief's plea for remembrance was simple and heartfelt. Jesus' response, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43), shows God's forgiveness is immediate and complete. There's no waiting period or penance required, just sincere repentance and faith.
Focus on Faith: The thief's good deeds weren't mentioned. He wasn't saved because of a perfect life, but because he recognized his need for forgiveness and placed his faith in Jesus. This emphasizes that salvation comes through grace, not through our own efforts.
The story of the thief on the cross is a powerful example of God's forgiveness in the Face of Injustice: Jesus, the embodiment of innocence, forgave those who condemned him, including the thief. This highlights God's capacity to forgive even the most egregious offenses.
The thief on the cross serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that no matter how far we feel from God's grace, true repentance and faith can lead to immediate forgiveness and eternal life.
The story of the thief on the cross isn't just about him. It's about each of us. We all stand at the foot of the cross, burdened by our own failings. But just as the thief found redemption in his final moments, so too can we find forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I stand before you today humbled, much like the thief on the cross. His story reminds me that forgiveness is always within reach, no matter how deep my sins or how lost I may feel.
Just as the thief recognized his wrongdoing and placed his faith in you, I too acknowledge my mistakes and shortcomings. Open my heart to your love and grace.
Grant me the strength to turn away from sin and walk a path closer to your will. Fill me with the hope that, like the thief, I too may find redemption and a place in your paradise.
Thank you for your boundless love and mercy.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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