Three Crosses on Calvary’s Hill

A. This morning we’re going to look at three great incentives to life for Christ.

1. The Holiness of our God ()

2. The return of Christ ()

3. The cross: The greatest demonstration of His holiness and love.

B. Let us look to calvary

1. Jesus dying there with two thieves: One on either side.

2. One dying for sin. One dying in sin. One dying to sin.

3. Two were completely guilty. One completely innocent.

4. Two paying their debt to society. One paying OUR debt of sin.

Look to Calvary and See Two Men in the Same Condemnation (vv. 39-40)

Luke 23:33–43 NKJV

33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

A. We see the mockery of the first thief.

B. The other thief and his remarkable observations:

1. He states a spiritual truth: “We’re dying for our own sin, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

2. He recognizes his own guilt. (v. 41) “We’re receiving the due rewards of our own deeds)

C. This may be the most difficult truth on earth to accept:

1. That all people are equally guilty before God.

2. We sometimes divide humanity: RACE… FACE… PLACE… But with God… just GRACE.

D. There is no difference.

1. The mayor and the meter maid.

2. The star and the street walker.

3. The doctor and the patient.

4. The warden and the criminal.

E. It’s hard for many to realize that we are all lost.

1. Many consider themselves to be good people and not in need of salvation.

2. But we know the Bible says “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

3. Jesus is the “friend of sinners”

Look to Calvary and See Two Men Who Both Ask Jesus for Salvation (vv. 39, 42)

Luke 23:39 NKJV

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

lk 23.39

lk 23

Luke 23:42 NKJV

42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

A. Both thieves asked Jesus to save them.

1. “If… save Yourself and us.”

2. “Lord, remember me...”

B. The first asked to be saved from the situation.

C. Many pray when in trouble, but this kind of prayer does not save.

D. THE DIFFERENCE: The other asked to be saved from his SIN.

1. Here is genuine conviction.

2. Conviction precedes conversion. ALL GUILTY BEFORE GOD.

3. This thief faces the real issues of life:

a. He admits his sin and accepts Christ as his Lord.

b. He anticipates the resurrection of Christ.

c. He anticipates his own resurrection.

d. He looks at Jesus in His humiliation and sees a King.

Look to Calvary and See Jesus, Whose Purpose is Salvation

A. AMEN. The thief prayed and Jesus said AMEN to his prayer.

B. Jesus had time to win one more soul.

C. Questions answered that day:

1. Can one be saved in his dying hour?

2. Can one be saved after a life of wickedness?

3. Can one be saved without baptism or communion?

4. Can one be sure of heaven after death?

Conclusion:

A. All of humanity is seen at the cross.

B. Two ways! Which will you take?