3. Luke 23:13-43 (New Living Translation) Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, [14] and he announced his verdict. "You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. [15] Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. [16] So I will have him flogged, but then I will release him."
4. Luke 23:13-43 (continued) [18] Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, "Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!" [19] (Barabbas was in prison for murder and for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government.) [20] Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. [21] But they shouted, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" [22] For the third time he demanded, "Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. I will therefore flog him and let him go."
5. Luke 23:13-43 (continued) [23] But the crowd shouted louder and louder for Jesus' death, and their voices prevailed. [24] So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. [25] As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he delivered Jesus over to them to do as they wished. [26] As they led Jesus away, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country just then, was forced to follow Jesus and carry his cross.
6. Luke 23:13-43 (continued) [27] Great crowds trailed along behind, including many grief-stricken women. [28] But Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. [29] For the days are coming when they will say, 'Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.' [30] People will beg the mountains to fall on them and the hills to bury them. [31] For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
7. Luke 23:13-43 (continued) [32] Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. [33] Finally, they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there—Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side. [34] Jesus said, "Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. [35] The crowd watched, and the leaders laughed and scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let him save himself if he is really God's Chosen One, the Messiah."
8. Luke 23:13-43 (continued) [36] The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. [37] They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" [38] A signboard was nailed to the cross above him with these words: "This is the King of the Jews." [39] One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you're at it!"
9. Luke 23:13-43 (continued) [40] But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you are dying? [41] We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." [42] Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." [43] And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
10. TAKE HOME • My eternity depends on how I view Jesus, there on the cross. • The crowd and one of the thieves heckled, railed, mocked and scorned Him. What do I have to say? • Only a dying thief seemed to get it right. Will I get it right?
11. Dear Jesus, I deserve the cross. Please remember me in your Kingdom. Let me live with you there, please. Decision
17. THE TRUE STORY OF TWO THIEVES ALSO SERVES AS A PARABLE OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. Thief # 1: You, the Son of God? Prove it! Thief #2: (A rebuke that is filled with faith!) Don't you fear God, even when you are condemned to die? Solomon: said it long ago: The Fear of The Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.
18. A clear picture of who is who! Thief #2: We deserve to die for our crimes but this man hasn't done anything wrong. Judas: I have sinned. I have betrayed an innocent man! Pilate: I find no fault in him! Pilate's Wife: Leave this innocent man alone!
20. Confession: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord and Savoir.
21. A PROFOUND PRAYER OF FAITH AND VISION A Confession of Christ's True Identity: "Lord, Jesus…" The brutal treatment of Jesus, the consensus of the crowd, even his own anguish could not conceal the divinity of Jesus from this dying thief.
22. A PROFOUND PRAYER OF FAITH AND VISION His Confidence in the Resurrection: "Remember me" He dared to include himself in God's embrace.
23. A PROFOUND PRAYER OF FAITH AND VISION A Clear View of Christ's Royalty: "When you come into your Kingdom" The disciples saw a dark hollow tomb. The thief envisioned a coming Kingdom!
31. TAKE HOME • My eternity depends on how I view Jesus, there on the cross. • The crowd and one of the thieves heckled, railed, mocked and scorned Him. What do I have to say? • Only a dying thief seemed to get it right. Will I get it right?
32. Dear Jesus, I deserve the cross. Please remember me in your Kingdom. Let me live with you there, please. Decision
