His Forgiveness Leads to Paradise

Via Dolorosa- The way of suffering

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34

“Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43

“Woman, behold thy Son.” — John 19:26

“My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” — Mark 15:34

“I thirst.” — John 19:28

“It is finished.” — John 19:30

“Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” — Luke 23:46

Luke 23:34 “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” Luke 23:43 “And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””

John 19:26 “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” John 19:27 “Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

Mark 15:34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?””

John 19:28 “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.””

John 19:30 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Luke 23:46 “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”

Scripture

Luke 23:34 “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

Luke 23:43 “And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Observation

Jesus is on a Cross between 2 Sinners

His first proclamation is to the Father for forgiveness for those crucifying Him.

Gambling is taking place at His feet

His second proclamation is directly to the sinner hanging beside Him.

Jesus promises paradise that day for repentance.

Application

Our sin is as equal as the sin of the sinners on the crosses next to Christ

Christ’s capacity for forgiveness is staggering

Sometimes we lose sight of the sacrifice made and revert to worldly tendencies

Christ has always been direct to those who repent and seek forgiveness

Heaven and Hell are for real

Prayer

Forgiveness for the sins we commit

Mercy in times we lose our way

Thankfulness for the “Free gift” of Salvation

A new zeal to share Christ’s story with the lost