Two Conversations (Luke 23:32,34,39-43)

Introduction

Conversations during crisis situations can produce lessons for life.

The two conversations that we will look at today contrast the only two responses to the gospel. Spurn and scorn, or repentance and acceptance.

Every day we come in contact with only two types of people. Those who have rejected Christ and those who have embraced Him. In today’s society, the lines are becoming more evident.

Look at the present Marxist movement that has taken a grip upon our nation. Look at the sheer rejection of anything Christian in favor of all things secular. We are living in a time of well drawn lines, either for or against Christ. Nevertheless, we were warned that this time was coming.

““If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18–19, ESV)

Let’s look at the two conversations in Luke 23 and glean what we can from the text in regards to this line of division.

Read Luke 23:32,34,39-43

The Gospels Warning: We all deserve death. (32)

Two, who were criminals.

These two were worthy of their punishment, unlike Christ.

Their crimes deserved death.

Our sins have put a death sentence upon us.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, ESV)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)

The Good News of the Gospel: The Father has provided a way of forgiveness. (34)

Jesus made this wonderful declaration while dying on the cross.

This is the most wonderful statement ever uttered.

Without God we are ignorant of spiritual matters.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7, ESV)

Jesus understood this when He uttered, “for they know not what they do.”

This simple truth is why we must have compassion for the lost, no matter how bad they act.

A Response of Rejection: The first criminals words. (39)

The first criminal responded with anger.

This is a typical response of the lost toward the gospel’s truth.

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”” (Psalm 2:1–3, ESV)

His words

Questioned Christ’s kingship

Mocked Him.

Expected something without commitment.

Typical response of the world to Christ.

A Response of Reception: The second criminals words. (40-42)

He understood the justice of God.

He knew what he deserved, death.

He understood the contrast between he and Christ.

He repented.

He understood his need for salvation.

Cried out to Christ to remember Him.

Showed his faith in the power of Christ to save.

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:13, ESV)

He was rewarded for his faith. (43)

““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

Conclusion

Today’s world is a contrast between hostility and acceptance of Christ.

True acceptance must include belief and repentance.

We must see those around us who need to hear the truth of life and death, and tell them about Christ.