Go to Paradise with Jesus (Luke 23:39-43)
Gary McManus, 03/26/2017Part of the Life With Jesus is Better series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
March 26, 2017 Luke 23:39-43 (p. 1046 / p. 1059)
. . .words from Jesus’ lips.
Words to live by from a dying man.
Jesus wasn’t the only one crucified.
There was talk between the condemned men.
So notice
1) Jesus was considered a criminal.
2) Jesus was being TREATED like a criminal
(See Philipians 2:8)
(What happened to Jesus was known by Jesus
and predicted by Jesus.)
The mocking criminal is rebuked by his fellow
criminal asking: “ Do YOU not even FEAR God?”
Jesus said to fear God. (Luke 12:4-5)
Is the rebuking criminal suggesting faith that
Jesus is God?
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when
you come into your kingdom.”
There are variations.
All variations emphasize that the power,
etc. belongs to Jesus.
Jesus responds famously:
Today, you shall be with me in Paradise
Paradise? Heaven? (See (2 Corinthians 12:3-4)
A confirmed criminal gets Paradise?
Is the criminal a person of faith?
God knows.
Jesus knows the human heart.
Do you want better life now, heaven, or both?
Paradise demonstrates
a) God’s graciousness
Proof of Romans 5:8
b) Jesus saves
Start a better life now.
Jesus is the ONLY way to Paradise. Amen.
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