45 – 24 Hours That Changed The World
Instructions that will help us
Jesus being in the garden
God’s will must be done
Jesus had a tough week
Gethsemane means pressed; He was pressed in the garden
He was arrested at night and in Jewish law you weren’t supposed to be tried at night; but they kept taking Him from court to court during the night to get what they want.
He was found guilty.
He had torn up the temple on Monday
They began yo conspire against Him on Tuesday
Judas conspired against Him on Wednesday…..for money. 30 pieces of silver was used to establish a pauper’s grave.
Thursday He had a celebration with the disciples. He taught them the meaning of the Elements. Told Judas, “That that you do, go do it quickly.” Judas left before the actual communion took place. Started day with disciples and ended on the cross.
The Gift of Grace
How can He teach us from the cross?
Luke 23:32-43
True repentance is never late and late repentance is never true
How could He upset the balance from the cross? Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Not even Him being on the cross.
You can learn about Jesus without formally studying theology.
Can’t nobody do me like Jesus
He’s a doctor
He’s a lawyer
He can be a fried to the friendless
We can know Him in these ways without studying theology
You can learn theology from a thief because if you’re around Jesus and you pay attention, you’ll learn.
Crucifixion was a horrible death. Usually takes 3-6 days but only took Jesus 6 hours. Designed to let others know not to mess with Romans.
Jesus was placed there in place of Barabas. Chose to save him so they could crucify an innocent man.
The two thieves were bad. One was picking at Jesus though he’s there too. If you’re so bad, get yourself down and me too. The other one sees the same but doesn’t react the same.
What do we learn from the thief?
1. Challenged His Friend
This man challenged his friend. First sign that we see this criminal is different. He had literally found The Lord. Tells his friend to leave Jesus alone. Says you and me are where we’re supposed to be. Why did he notice? Jesus never said a word. He prayed for His persecutors.
2. Considered His Sins
He sees he deserved his consequence. He could see Jesus hadn’t lived like him. He studied Gods son and because an instant believer.
3. He Confessed to His Savior.
The cross becomes an altar. He didn’t ask for help…he didn’t ask to be picked, preferred, or rescued. He just said Lord, remember me. vs. 42 Remember that I believed in you before I died when you get to your kingdom.
He has the privilege of dying next to Jesus instead of his friend. Lord put me in a place with someone who can remind me of God’s goodness. He was able to claim his salvation.
We are just as much a sinner as that thief. You can hear what this thief did….This day you will be with Me because of your faith. vs. 43
Because He lives…my account has been settled.
Jesus gave a thief the grace he needed. Grace can make it better.
Death thought he would win that day. Had never lost on Golgotha’s hill. Death thought this was an ordinary man. He had never met the Son of God. His old tricks didn’t work. Gave the devil Death but Jesus rose Sunday morning with the final play.
Do you have faith that you can be saved in the same manner?
Tamala R. Maddox, Ph. D.
Principal
R. F. Bumpus Middle School