Paradise--Death, Hope, and Grace

Last week Logan mentioned movies...

See if you can identify some of these famous last words from movies:

Here’s the quote: “Ah, you cursed brat! Look what you’ve done! I’m melting! Melting! Oh… What a world, what a world! Who ever thought a little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness! Ah, I’m going! Ahh!” – The Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz)

“I have been… and always shall be… your friend. Live long… and prosper.” -Spock (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan) (Spock said this to Captain Kirk)

“You were right about me. Tell your sister… you were right.” -Anakin Skywalker (Return of the Jedi) (aka Darth Vader to his son Luke)

Last words are important…we often cherish some of the last words our loved ones said before they died, or perhaps we wish we could have some last words with our loved ones.

but last words matter.

similarly, Jesus Christ, as he is hanging on the cross—if you put all the Gospel accounts together—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, they record 7 statements that Jesus said.

Last week, Logan looked at the one on forgivness—Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.

This week, let’s look at the next one.

btw—remember—the cross and the story of Jesus dying—occupies a lot of place in these 4 Gospels.

and sometimes, we can get numb or used to this story.

but crucifixion—dying on a cross, was a horrible way to die.

physical pain — naked and bleeding.

incredibly painful—as they nailed him to the cross through some of the most sensitive parts of his body—hands and feet.

he had already been whipped at this point—beaten...

crown of thorns on his head...

people cursing and mocking you. suffocation—the way they died was a long process of bleeding, starvation, and ultimately struggling to bleed—you had to push yourself up on the cross.

and this was all public—it was the Roman Empire’s way of reminding you— Who is really in charge. These were public deaths—it would be like going to your local Wal-mart and seeing people on crosses.

shameful

people cursing and mocking you.

only the lowest of the low in society deserved this

Turn to Luke 23:32-43

Luke 23:32–43 (NIV)

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.

33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (we looked at this statement last week)

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar

37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The 2nd statement in our series—is verse 43.

Luke 23:43 NIV

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

remarkable statement.

and not only do we see some of Jesus’ last words—we see the 2 criminals—on his right and left—their last words.

in vs. 39—one mocks him.

and on in vs. 40-41—believe in Jesus.

last words matter.

zeroing in on vs. 43---what do these last words show us about Jesus...

Though everything seems out of control, Jesus Christ is in complete control of these events.

Isn’t he hanging on the cross? weak, naked and bleeding? how can Jesus be in control. Well, remember, this is God’s plan A—to send Jesus Christ, His Son. How do we know.

Is. 53, in the OT, written 750 years before this prophecies this—Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

​this is what Jesus was doing for us—prophesied several hundred years earlier. even the way Jesus died—with other criminals…was prophecied.

Isaiah 53:12 NIV

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

this is a reminder that Jesus is in control of the most horrible event of human history, and it is a strange encouragement that even the valley you are going through, Jesus is there and He is still king and in charge. look to Him.

another way Jesus is in control—is that even as He is dying—He is declaring to this criminal—today, when you die, you will be with me in paradise.

paradise—what is Jesus talking about?

before I answer—what does paradise look like for you? If you could go on vacation—I saw some vacation photos these past couple of weeks—involving mountains, beaches and crystal clear water, warm weather—what location or place is your paradise---turn to your neighbor?

what is paradise? the NT uses that term 2 other places:

2 Corinthians 12:4—the Apostle Paul has a vision from God—and says:

2 Corinthians 12:4 NIV

4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

2 verses earlier—he describes that as the third heaven.

another place it shows up is Revelation

Revelation 2:7 NIV

7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

so what is paradise? it is a beautiful reference to dwelling with God forever—now, and ultimately when we die.

paradise—reminds us of the Garden of Eden where God made this lucious beautiful garden and dwelled perfectly with Adam and Eve—his people.

it is better than anything we can imagine...

Jesus is telling this criminal—that He will join Jesus in paradise—today.

another sign of his control!

everything seems to be out of control—the Messiah, the Savior Jesus who did incredible miracles, is now hanging to die on the cross, shameful…and yet—says…thought it seems out of control…I am so much in control—that I guarantee you a spot in paradise now and when you die.

i hold the keys of death and hades...

reminder for us suffering—Jesus is in control.

reminder for you facing death—death does not have the last word—it is a horrible enemy—but Jesus has faced it, conquered it, and for you in Jesus, you will be with Jesus in paradise.

Revelation 1:17-18, Jesus says this:

Revelation 1:17–18 NIV

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

death is an enemy that all of us have faced or will face…and if you are facing that—remember—that though everything seems out of control—Jesus is perfectly in control, and if you are in Him—you will be with Him in paradise.

the 2nd truth we learn about Jesus--

Though Jesus is incredibly holy and perfect, His grace is on perfect display. (in other words) You can live completely against God your entire life, but in your last moments submit to Him, and that’s enough.

If the first point looked at the power and control of Jesus, this looks at the holiness and grace of God...

the cross of Jesus Christ reminds us that God can’t just wave His hand and forgive sin. it reminds us that God is absolutely holy—He is in another category—and He is perfect, without any sin.

why can’t God just forgive sin—why does He need the cross? one theologian says, “We need to understand what forgiveness really involves. When you forgive someone, you aren’t just shrugging your shoulders at them (that’s not forgiveness, that’s denial!) Your forgiveness is actually judging their actions as wrong. b/c when you forgive you are actually bearing the consequences for their actions on yourself, rather than seeking vengeance or punishment from the person who wronged you.”

He goes on to say “That’s what happens between God and human beings. we sin. we deserve punishment. But on the cross, the Son of God took the punishment we deserve, and in doing so made it possible for God’s wrath against sinners to be turned aside.” (that’s propitiation)

“This means that God’s forgiveness is REAL forgiveness, not some clever trick.”

so we see that sin matters…sin has horrific consequences—that cross is proof of that! the cross is necessary to deal with our sin—which is an incredible offense against our Creator.

but we also see that God’s grace is available b/c of the cross.

what is the grace of God—let me give you a simple definition: undeserved favor...

it is the undeserved favor of God...

and the bigger the being, the more important and higher we perceive the being giving us favor the better...

let me give you an example…one of my 3rd grade son’s favorite basketball players on the planet is Steph Curry. Steph Curry is known for his 3 point shooting—about 10 feet beyond the line. In some ways, his shooting has inspired another generation of 3 point shooters, and has maybe ruined basketball as everyone wants to shoot 3’s now!

If there is one player my son could meet, it would probably be him, and I recently saw a highlight video online where Steph took time during his warm-up routine to go over to a 10 year old girl, talk to her, give her his autograph and she just melted b/c her favorite player gave gave her favor.

what would you do if you could meet one person in the world right now—someone that you really look up to...there is someone bigger than Steph Curry or whoever you idolize showing you favor. the Creator of the Universe has poured out his favor on the cross, and it’s available for you.

The forgiveness of God for your sins is available for you. the offer of new life, a fresh start in christ is available for you. the offer of a relationship with the one who knows you better than anyone else is available for you—the offer of incredible purpose, meaning, and hope..

no matter what…and this is where the criminal comes in...

remember crucifixion was the most shameful, humiliating way to die. it was reserved for criminals and enemies of the empire. the lowest of the low.

and yet this criminal—is responding to the grace of Jesus. this criminal is offered the chance to spend eternity in the kingdom of God in paradise with Jesus.

this is good news! some of you here may have a criminal record, or know someone who does. if you do, btw—we are so glad you are here! and you know if you have a record, it is not easy to move beyond. it may be difficult to have a fresh start, find a job, for a company to take a chance on you. everyone views you differently—you may feel like that criminal record stains you—it may even be more mental than official--but the good news of God is that even the worst of criminals—even if you have committed the most horrible things in society, against others, and against God—you can experience the divine favor of God because of what Jesus did on the cross.

you can have your record not just expunged, but removed as far as the east is from the west.

you may be here today and think “God could never love me or forgive me.” “Pastor Rick, if you knew what I thought or did or still do, there is no way.” but that’s not true—this story reminds THERE IS A WAY to being a new creation.

and not only are you offered a fresh start—because of what Jesus did—when you place your trust in Jesus—you are given Jesus’ perfect record in your place. so it’s not just a fresh start—it’s as if you have done everything Jesus did!

one writer says “that it’s as if we were on death row before God, and He turns and give us the congressional medal of honor.”

that’s grace---that’s undeserved favor!

now, this passage is hopeful and challenging to some of us in other ways too.

it is hopeful—b/c you may have a loved one who you hoped would receive Christ, but to your knowledge never did, it is possible if they knew Christ and submitted to him in their last hour, with their last breath—that they are in the kingdom of God—paradise, heaven with Jesus.

but it is also challenging—grace is challenging, especially if you are here and have lived a “squeaky clean life.” maybe you have never messed up your life big time like a criminal might—you may not think you really need God’s grace, or you may struggle with the idea that God can forgive people, even the worst.

Think of Putin right now. because of the grace of God, if He surrenders his life to Christ, even at the last hour—Jesus’ promise--”today you will be with me in paradise”—stands for him.”

think of that person who has really hurt you or an enemy—Jesus’ offer of grace is good for them, too. if they surrender to Jesus.

if you have never done anything ‘BAD’ in society—in some ways you are at a disadvantage—you don’t really understand God’s grace.

but this criminal’s story is your story—it’s my story too. we are just as much in need of God’s grace at this criminal!

i grew up in this church as a pastor’s kid. i went to children’s ministry, sunday school, bible quizzing; had entire books of the Bible memorized....the temptation for someone like me is to think I was born into the faith. that I am not as bad as others. to be like that elder brother in Jesus’ famous prodigal son story (Luke 15). and think “I am not bad as some...”

but there was a moment when I had to come to grips with the depth of my sin and pride (this was jr. high and high school)…that the song— ”Amazing Grace How sweet the sound…that saved a wretch like me...”

God forgives me not because I am a pastor’s kid, or a pastor now and serve in a church. it is completely by the grace of God not works.

and this takes me to the 3rd point.

Though we operate in life out of works, God’s grace is available only through personal trust in Jesus.

the way our economy works today—is that you work, and you get paid.

you go to a job, you put in the time, you work hard and please your employer, and you get a paycheck.

when you get a paycheck—you check it and make sure that you are getting paid what you earned. and if it’s off—what do you do—you let your boss know— “Hey—you didn’t give me enough!”

most of our world operates in this way—we hear things of this works economy all the time:

“There is no such thing as a free lunch.”

“money doesn’t grow on trees.”

“the world doesn’t owe you anything.”

“you can achieve your dreams as long as you work hard and achieve...”

“This is the world of ungrace—where you get what you deserve. in which you look with pride on your achievements and hide your failures in shame, in which you are constantly judged, marked, critiqued, fed back to and evaluted…only the fittest, smartest, or prettiest survive.” that is ungrace...

but the cross and the criminal is grace...

and the only thing you need to get God’s grace—is need. you need need.

the criminal couldn’t offer anything to Jesus. He didn’t have time to work for it, to take a theology class…no, he put his trust, his personal trust in the one in Jesus.

look at what this criminal’s last words were again

Luke 23:40–42 NIV

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

His response is the kind of response we all need. what was his response:

#1 He realized he was a wretch—we are getting what we deserve. Before a holy God, do you believe that you are getting what you deserve?

#2 He realized Jesus was the one who can truly save Him. there is no one like Jesus--”this man has done nothing wrong.”

#3 He placed his personal trust in Jesus Christ.”

no works—purely belief, and that was enough—more than enough..

God’s kingdom is not for everyone who has it altogether; no, it’s for those who humble themselves, and cast themselves at the feet of Jesus Christ.

i remember hearing Alistair Begg—Scottish preacher preach on this—he said, “Imagine this thief as he died, and he is at the gates of heaven...” and before he is let in, he is talking to the person on duty who lets people in to heaven.

and the person on duty at heaven’s gate—is checking his list—and says “did you get baptized?”

the criminal says “no”

membership class “no”

theology class “no”

“let me get my supervisor...”

and eventually the criminal says “I don’t know how—but the man on the middle cross said I can come.” “I can come...” and that’s enough!

now, 2 responses:

if you are struggling to receive God’s grace, I want you to pray something like this:

Repeat after me.

“God I am not worthy of you. I have messed up. I am wretch. Please forgive me. Thank you that because of Jesus, I am forgiven. I trust in you.”

If you prayed that for the first time…let me know.

2nd prayer—we constantly need grace---the criminals’ story is our story—no matter how long you have believed. b/c if you don’t believe that, your life will be marked by insecurity, pride, constant comparison, Pharisee-ism—constantly judging and looking down—and if that’s you—you need a shot in the arm of God’s grace now—and every day.

Pray this with me:

“God, I confess I am a sinner, I need you. I confess my pride and works; and I stand on your grace.” In Jesus’ name Amen.

closing thoughts:

couple of resources to help you grow in grace:

Devotional...

Families — meditate on God’s grace...

This Wednesday It’s a Wrap—you will hear stories of God’s grace from people like Brad and Jalisa Abnet, Leah Summersett and her favorite brother named Trevor…Brittany Lepley, and others...