INTRODUCTION:

A. The cross is where the greatest love and the greatest power met and changed the world.

B. There were two at the cross who witnessed Christ’s suffering from a unique perspective (Mt. 27:38; Mk. 15:27; Lk. 23:32-33).

C. Text: Luke 23:39-43 cf. Mk. 4:35-39

D. His suffering was no surprise (Acts 4:25-26; Is. 53:3-5).

I. WHO WERE THESE WHO RAGED AGAINST THE LORD?

A. Pilate (Jn. 19:19-21; Mk. 15:27-28 cf. Is. 53:12; Lk. 23:4, 14, 22, 15, 41, 47)

B. Officers/Soldiers (Jn. 18:22; Lk 22:63-65; 23:11; Jn. 19:1; Mt. 27:28-31; Lk. 23:36-37; Judges 16:25)

C. His own people (Jn. 1:11)
1. Rulers (Lk. 23:35)
2. Passers By (Mt. 27:39-40)
3. Religious Leaders (Mt. 27:41-43 cf. Ps. 22:6-8)
4. Robbers (Mt. 27:44)

D. Why so much detail? (Hb. 12:3; 1 Pet. 2:21).

II. WHAT DID JESUS SAY?

A. Two choices: (Eddie Cloer)
1. Impenitent Thief
2. Penitent Thief

B. What did Jesus say? (Lk. 23:43).
1. Truly
2. Today
3. With Me in Paradise

III. HOW CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE?

A. Jesus had the power on earth to forgive sins (Mk. 2:5-12; Lk. 7:48-50; 19:9-10).

B. The New Testament of Jesus Christ did not come into force until after His death (Hb. 9:16-17; Col. 2:14; Hb. 7:12-13; 8:6).

C. Today, we are responsible to live under the covenant that is presently in force and abide by its conditions (Acts 2:37-38; 8:12-13, 35-39; 22:16; 16:14, 33; 18:8).

CONCLUSION:

A. How will you handle the death of Jesus?

B. Crucifying Jesus or crucifying Him again? (Acts 2:23, 36; Hb. 6:6; 1 Jn. 1:9).