Good Friday (Finally Free Friday)

Luke 23:34-43

The soldiers threw lots to decide who would get his clothes. 35 The people stood there watching. And the leaders made fun of Jesus, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he is God’s Chosen One, the Christ.”

36 The soldiers also made fun of him, coming to Jesus and offering him some vinegar. 37 They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 At the top of the cross these words were written: this is the king of the jews.

39 One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.”

40 But the other criminal stopped him and said, “You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. 41 We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” n

[1]

What can we learn from these three men, each one crucified?

Let’s take a closer look. We have three men; two of these men are thieves being punished for what they deserve. We picture these men in the prime of their lives, waiting for the moment when the life giving breath is snatched away from them. One man still lives within himself, insulting and throwing jeers at Jesus. Knowing he is about to take his last breath. Like some of us, he is self-centered, even when he knows he has no chance. Spiritual blindness keeps us from achieving true freedom.

His questions are not unlike our own. We ask, Jesus, if you are real why don’t you heal me, bless me, make my life easier? Jesus, if you can really take my sins away then make me stop smoking, lusting, cheating, and stealing. Our unbelief is justified by making mockery of Jesus.

Let’s look at Jesus hanging on the cross, bleeding and gasping for life.

Is He Son of God or an ordinary kook?

Prior to His crucifixion He made some remarkable statements, could a mere man be so bold as to make claims of deity?

Some of His remarks will make you question your belief if you follow the popular thinking today or of His own time.

Can a man be God, let’s look at some of His own statements such as John 14:1-4 (NCV)

Jesus Comforts His Followers

John 14:6 (NCV)

John 14:15-21 (NCV)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

John 15:1-2 (NCV)

Pretty remarkable statements made by a man, these men did not have the luxury of the written New Testament Word as we do now. Yet the second thieve could still recognize the TRUTH!

The second thieve recognized that this Jesus was innocent of wrong, that in fact He was who He said. He recognized He was the Christ. He had enough faith to believe this man hanging with him had the power to save him, to overcome the bondage of that cross.

He asked for mercy, Jesus in His most trying time, as close to death as any man could be, still breathing, recognized true faith when He heard it. His focus was on saving this one man more than on His own fate.

This man surrendered it all to our Lord. He knew his time was short yet he was willing to except and expect mercy from Jesus Christ. He knew where Jesus was going and he desired to be with Him always.

His situation was no different than the other thief, he just had faith to believe the things he heard, or the things the Holy Spirit revealed to him.

Since God is no respecter of persons I believe the other man must have been given that same revelation. His belief system was distorted by all the things of this world. self-preservation, greed, lust, anger, hatred, insecurities, weakness, fear, addictions and much more.

Is it possible, that even though we think we are alright, we could still be having doubts and unbelief?

Are we insulting Jesus due to our unbelief, our lack of faith?

My friends let me encourage you today and inform you that we can walk from this cross that binds us up. We could go from bondage to paradise today. In fact, just the mention and belief in this Jesus, the anointed Son of God, the one capable to save us and take us with Him to His Father’s house, will set us FREE today.

John 8:36 (NCV)

36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be truly free. [5]

FINALLY FREE!

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n paradise Another word for heaven.

[1] The Everyday Bible : New Century Version. Nashville, TN. : Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005, S. Lk 23:34-43

n You … going.” Some Greek copies read “You know where I am going and the way to the place I am going.”

[2] The Everyday Bible : New Century Version. Nashville, TN. : Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005

n Helper “Counselor” or “Comforter.” Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit.

[3] The Everyday Bible : New Century Version. Nashville, TN. : Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005

[4] The Everyday Bible : New Century Version. Nashville, TN. : Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005

[5] The Everyday Bible : New Century Version. Nashville, TN. : Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005