Sermon Tone Analysis

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.

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

​this is what Jesus was doing for us—prophesied several hundred years earlier.

even the way Jesus died—with other criminals…was prophecied.

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 verses earlier—he describes that as the third heaven.

another place it shows up is Revelation

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:

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.