Watch the video above and talk about it with your group or mentor. Learn more.
This is a standalone sermon for Easter. Download the sermon slides or view the sermon manuscript. See the digging deeper notes and the handout.
Download the Spanish sermon slides or view the Spanish sermon manuscript. See or print the Spanish handout.
The two criminals who were crucified next to Jesus offer us two different responses we can make toward God.
- Jesus was unjustly condemned to death.
- Jesus rescues people who are ready to receive help.
- Jesus offers you salvation today too.
Luke 23:39-43 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!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
See Also: Holiday Sermons, Sermon Series
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Give an example of injustice that bothers you. Why do stories of injustice bother us so much?
- Why is it important to realize that Jesus was an innocent man who was condemned to die?
- Read Acts 2:23. How was the crucifixion of Jesus the result of both human choice and the plan of God?
- Read Luke 23:42. What is the criminal on the cross asking Jesus to do? What was the typical response to Jesus at the crucifixion?
- How do these two criminals represent two ways we can respond to God? How have you been like the first criminal, pushing God away and living life on your own terms?
- Read Luke 23:43. What does Jesus mean by “paradise” and “today”? What does this teach us about the experience of Christians immediately after death?
- How does this story teach us that salvation is by grace and not our works (Ephesians 2:8-10)?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
Worship Service Response Song