Two thousand years ago, an angry mob persuaded Pilate to release Barabbas and to deliver Jesus to be crucified. He and two others were led out of the city of Jerusalem and to the hill called Calvary. There, upon three crosses, these three were put to death. We usually fix our attention upon Christ's cross, but on that day people who passed by saw three crosses.
In some respects, the three crosses are alike. All three men suffered agonizing pain, raging thirst, nakedness, and shame. On one cross we see a man dying in his sin, another dying to his sin, and Christ dying for our sin. Let us consider each of these three crosses by looking at the men who died upon them.
I. The Dying Sinner. v39
A. His Rebellion.
1. Rebellion has been an arch enemy of man ever since Eden.
2. This man is dying because of rebellion.
3. How did he arrive at his cross?
a. Perhaps he started rebelling against his parents, against his teachers, against all authority.
b. That will lead to a life as an outcast: rejecting society and civil law.
c. Beneath it all is rebellion against God and His Word.
3. The world is full of those who say, "I will live my own life ... my own way."
4. I spent some time with that kind of attitude.
B. His Railing.
1. He railed on Jesus calling him an impostor and a fake.
2. Why do men still rail on Jesus?
3. Men continue to mock Jesus Christ and His Word.
a. They scoff at the Virgin Birth.
b. They try to explain away the miracles.
c. They try to take the gold out of heaven and the fire out of hell.
4. This man said, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us."
5. He wanted to be saved from suffering, but not from sin.
a. He was like so many today.
b. Live life selfishly and without thought for God until some tragedy comes into the picture.
c. Then they cry out to God for mercy and curse God when they receive no relief.
C. His Retribution.
1. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." cf Gal. 6:7
2. As we look upon him we see a man who has been steeped in sin and hardened by hatred.
3. He is suffering the penalty for his crime.
4. "Be sure your sin will find you out" if not in this life, then surely in death.
5. As a thief he lived, and as a thief he died on the cross of rejection.
II. The Dying Savior.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)
A. Who was He talking about?
1. Those who had nailed Him to the cross.
2. Those who had mocked Him.
3. Those who stood by, indifferent to what was happening.
4. Those who denied and rejected Him.
B. What did He pray?
1. For forgiveness.
2. He made intercession for those who had crucified Him.
3. Jesus looked beyond their outward actions and saw their desperate need within.
C. Why did He pray?
1. God so loved the world...
2. He is not willing that any should perish...
3. We see the love and compassion of Jesus Christ so vividly expressed as He prays for you and for me.
III. The Dying Saint.
A. The plea of the sinner.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. (Luke 23:42)
1. He saw himself for what he was.
a. He remembered the people he had robbed and killed.
b. He realized what a mess he had made out of his life.
c. He, no doubt, saw his hopeless condition being totally unprepared to go out into eternity.
2. He saw the Savior.
a. He acknowledged his own sin ... true repentance is evidenced when we quit blaming others for our sin!
b. He acknowledged that Jesus was Lord.
c. He asked Jesus to remember him ... he had nothing to offer Jesus Christ but his faith, and that was enough.
B. The Promise of the Savior. v43
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43 KJV)
1. Salvation is of the heart.
a. Ro. 10:10. "'For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. "'
b. Both thieves spoke to Jesus about salvation.
c. One spoke in mockery from his head, but the other spoke in sincerity and faith from his heart.
2. Salvation is all of grace.
a. The thief had nothing to the Lord, either before or after this hour.
b. He came to Jesus, just as he was.
c. That was all that he could do: turn in faith and trust Christ.
d. But that was all that was necessary.
3. Salvation carries with it a promise.
a. "'Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."
b. Instantaneous salvation: not progressive!
c. Companionship with God ... If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. cf Ro. 8:9b
d. This man was to go to be with Jesus! There were three crosses on Calvary. Can you see them today?
On one was a dying sinner who rejected Jesus and went out into a Christ less eternity; on the other cross was a dying sinner who became a dying saint because of God's wonderful grace; and on the cross in the middle was a dying Savior who died for both of these men and for the whole world! Can you see it today?
On which side of Christ's cross are you? Are you on the side that rejects Him or are you on the side that receives Him? If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior all it takes is repentance and faith.
Will you come this morning? If you are a Christian today then your life ought to be characterized by love. Does it?
You ought to:
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain,, He washed it white as snow. Will you come?