WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.620 If you sit and do turn, if you go, to Luke 23. 00:00:03.359 --> 00:00:04.120 Luke 23. 00:00:04.900 --> 00:00:08.339 And we're looking at the passage of James Redwits. 00:00:08.339 --> 00:00:11.919 and verses 26 and 49. 00:00:13.359 --> 00:00:18.620 So we've been following the long story of Luke's Gospel to the Cross. 00:00:19.539 --> 00:00:21.219 And now we've reached the climax. 00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:24.339 And the Cross has always been the focus. 00:00:25.400 --> 00:00:29.359 Simply because the Cross is the means by which 00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:32.359 God has brought salvation to our lost world. 00:00:33.460 --> 00:00:38.619 If you came here, hopefully you would go through our church life. 00:00:39.340 --> 00:00:41.359 And the question that you would have at the end of our church life is 00:00:41.359 --> 00:00:43.079 why do they keep banging on about the Cross? 00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:45.079 Why do they keep talking about the Cross? 00:00:45.140 --> 00:00:46.239 Why do they sing about the Cross? 00:00:46.340 --> 00:00:47.539 Why do they pray about the Cross? 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:51.659 Well, because God has brought his salvation to our lost world. 00:00:52.060 --> 00:00:55.640 And Luke's great theme is rescue. 00:00:57.260 --> 00:00:58.100 That's what we've seen. 00:00:58.100 --> 00:01:01.020 That is his major interest in the Gospel. 00:01:01.480 --> 00:01:03.060 Rescue for the world is available. 00:01:03.439 --> 00:01:04.820 Now Luke was not a Gentile. 00:01:04.879 --> 00:01:05.460 He was a Jew. 00:01:06.280 --> 00:01:07.120 But he was a doctor. 00:01:07.219 --> 00:01:07.840 He was a physician. 00:01:08.040 --> 00:01:08.740 Dr. Luke. 00:01:09.439 --> 00:01:13.680 And he was one of the travelling group of missionaries, really, 00:01:13.740 --> 00:01:15.480 that the Apostle Paul took on his journeys. 00:01:15.480 --> 00:01:19.260 So it's hardly surprising when you come to Luke's Gospel. 00:01:19.960 --> 00:01:23.400 But Luke's Gospel is always focusing on outsiders. 00:01:24.400 --> 00:01:31.600 Outsiders being brought into God's kingdom by this great rescue mission of Jesus Christ. 00:01:31.599 --> 00:01:35.379 And it climaxes here at the Cross. 00:01:36.379 --> 00:01:37.939 This is the King of the Jews. 00:01:37.939 --> 00:01:40.599 Yes, but not the Jews only. 00:01:41.679 --> 00:01:43.060 He is the King of all. 00:01:43.780 --> 00:01:45.560 To those who will turn to him. 00:01:46.179 --> 00:01:47.159 And trust him. 00:01:48.039 --> 00:01:51.719 And now Luke's Gospel, in many ways, is the most wide-ranging of the Gospels. 00:01:51.719 --> 00:01:54.480 The theme is rescue. 00:01:55.480 --> 00:01:56.920 And it is universal. 00:01:57.140 --> 00:01:57.959 It is worldwide. 00:01:58.500 --> 00:01:59.980 He is the global saviour. 00:02:00.379 --> 00:02:01.099 Luke 19. 00:02:01.219 --> 00:02:04.680 The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. 00:02:06.019 --> 00:02:07.859 And if we were to do a survey of Luke's Gospel, 00:02:07.960 --> 00:02:08.879 and we go through it this morning, 00:02:09.199 --> 00:02:11.879 we would see whom Jesus has come to rescue. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:13.479 They are the lost, aren't they? 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:15.139 They are the tax collectors and sinners. 00:02:16.099 --> 00:02:17.659 So right at the start of the Gospel, 00:02:18.079 --> 00:02:19.459 you have the shepherds. 00:02:20.099 --> 00:02:22.059 Right at the bottom of the social pile. 00:02:22.399 --> 00:02:25.359 But it is to them that the choirs of angels appear. 00:02:26.299 --> 00:02:30.199 To you is born a saviour who is Christ the Lord. 00:02:30.679 --> 00:02:32.279 And Luke has a great interest in women. 00:02:33.419 --> 00:02:35.439 Women who came to faith, like Anna. 00:02:36.359 --> 00:02:38.060 In the temple at the beginning of his life. 00:02:38.060 --> 00:02:41.719 Women like Martha and Mary, sitting at his feet. 00:02:42.639 --> 00:02:43.119 Listening. 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:46.480 They wouldn't have done that to any other rabbi. 00:02:47.520 --> 00:02:48.620 They wouldn't have been allowed to. 00:02:48.659 --> 00:02:49.539 And yet they did it to Jesus. 00:02:50.480 --> 00:02:53.520 And Luke tells us about the many women who followed him. 00:02:54.520 --> 00:02:55.939 And we will see that again at the tomb. 00:02:56.420 --> 00:02:57.800 He is interested in Gentiles. 00:02:57.819 --> 00:02:59.620 Like the centurion in chapter 7. 00:02:59.960 --> 00:03:02.980 Whose faith was greater than the faith of anyone in Israel. 00:03:03.980 --> 00:03:06.020 And he is interested in this centurion. 00:03:06.400 --> 00:03:07.700 In this passage. 00:03:08.140 --> 00:03:10.580 Who confesses Jesus as the righteous one. 00:03:10.580 --> 00:03:13.560 He was interested in Samaritans. 00:03:14.660 --> 00:03:16.860 Who the Jews would have no dealings with. 00:03:17.360 --> 00:03:19.240 Luke tells us the parable of the good Samaritan. 00:03:19.320 --> 00:03:20.140 Nobody else does. 00:03:21.260 --> 00:03:23.240 It's Luke who tells us about the ten lepers. 00:03:23.900 --> 00:03:24.540 That were healed. 00:03:24.740 --> 00:03:25.820 And one gave thanks. 00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:27.280 And he was a Samaritan. 00:03:28.580 --> 00:03:30.520 So when we come to the dying thief. 00:03:30.520 --> 00:03:31.520 Who finds salvation. 00:03:32.260 --> 00:03:33.660 Right at the end of his life. 00:03:33.820 --> 00:03:36.939 And the centurion who declares Jesus to be righteous. 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:41.199 Both of them who are outsiders to Jewish religion. 00:03:42.520 --> 00:03:44.780 Well it's just the culmination of one of the great thieves. 00:03:46.859 --> 00:03:48.740 And so we have this last great picture. 00:03:49.579 --> 00:03:50.560 Of the cross. 00:03:51.439 --> 00:03:54.719 And it's a wide canvas with all of life there. 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:57.319 With people from all sorts of backgrounds. 00:03:58.099 --> 00:04:00.240 Whose lives are transformed. 00:04:00.240 --> 00:04:03.480 By their encounter with Jesus of Nazareth. 00:04:04.040 --> 00:04:04.900 So just look down. 00:04:04.960 --> 00:04:05.520 Look at the verses. 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:06.520 Look at verse 26. 00:04:06.659 --> 00:04:07.480 There's Simon of Cyrene. 00:04:08.640 --> 00:04:09.580 Verse 28. 00:04:10.159 --> 00:04:11.680 The daughters of Jerusalem are there. 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:14.080 The two criminals are there. 00:04:14.120 --> 00:04:15.240 From verse 32 onwards. 00:04:15.760 --> 00:04:16.420 There are the rulers. 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:17.340 Verse 35. 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:18.560 Who scoff and sneer. 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:19.860 There are the soldiers. 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:20.800 Verse 36. 00:04:21.240 --> 00:04:22.319 There is the centurion. 00:04:22.420 --> 00:04:23.259 Verse 47. 00:04:23.680 --> 00:04:24.620 There is the crowd. 00:04:24.740 --> 00:04:25.680 In verse 48. 00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:27.480 And his acquaintances. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:28.900 And the women from Galilee. 00:04:29.019 --> 00:04:29.639 Verse 49. 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:32.519 So it's no wonder is it. 00:04:32.719 --> 00:04:34.719 That Luke says in verse 27. 00:04:35.459 --> 00:04:37.279 There followed him a great multitude. 00:04:39.139 --> 00:04:41.159 And it's this great canvas of human life. 00:04:41.259 --> 00:04:41.979 This congregation. 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:44.680 In relationship to Jesus. 00:04:45.919 --> 00:04:48.060 That is the focus of this section. 00:04:49.099 --> 00:04:50.860 They've all got their place in the story. 00:04:50.860 --> 00:04:53.019 Their lives are defined. 00:04:53.560 --> 00:04:56.419 By their reaction to Jesus and his cross. 00:04:57.779 --> 00:04:59.620 And Jesus is now centre stage. 00:05:00.620 --> 00:05:01.979 Last time we saw him. 00:05:02.339 --> 00:05:03.300 Really in the wings. 00:05:03.399 --> 00:05:05.079 As you look at the start of chapter 23. 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:07.419 In the trial before Pilate and Herod. 00:05:07.620 --> 00:05:08.699 He almost says nothing. 00:05:09.620 --> 00:05:10.319 He's always. 00:05:10.479 --> 00:05:11.779 Almost unnoticed. 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:14.579 But now the cross of Jesus is centre stage. 00:05:15.620 --> 00:05:17.379 And it's as though Luke's camera. 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:21.360 Plays on this wide variety of attitudes and responses. 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:24.279 To the most climactic day in history. 00:05:26.579 --> 00:05:27.639 And the event. 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:29.540 How is it described? 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:31.519 It's described in just a few words. 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:32.480 Look at verse 33. 00:05:32.480 --> 00:05:34.300 There. 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:34.379 There. 00:05:34.900 --> 00:05:36.120 They crucified him. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:38.080 Do you see? 00:05:38.360 --> 00:05:39.240 Where is Luke's focus? 00:05:40.740 --> 00:05:43.340 Luke's focus is not on the physical horrors. 00:05:44.020 --> 00:05:45.180 Of crucifixion. 00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:48.360 Luke's focus is on the spiritual consequences. 00:05:48.360 --> 00:05:51.020 So I want to try and gather this together. 00:05:51.020 --> 00:05:52.620 What are the consequences? 00:05:53.520 --> 00:05:55.360 Of the death of the son of God. 00:05:56.439 --> 00:05:59.439 What are the consequences of crucifying the Christ? 00:06:00.759 --> 00:06:03.020 And the first is very clearly the consequence of judgment. 00:06:04.319 --> 00:06:05.520 The consequence of judgment. 00:06:05.519 --> 00:06:08.599 Now what we see in this passage here. 00:06:08.839 --> 00:06:11.339 Is we see that the human roles are reversed. 00:06:11.479 --> 00:06:11.879 Don't they? 00:06:13.159 --> 00:06:18.159 Luke is a great believer in the upside down nature of God's kingdom. 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:21.979 So Pilate is not the real judge. 00:06:22.939 --> 00:06:26.060 And Herod is not the real king. 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:29.839 Because the true authority and the true power. 00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:31.879 Lies in the hands of their prisoner. 00:06:32.919 --> 00:06:34.439 But here as the passage begins. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:35.759 Do you notice verse 26. 00:06:36.120 --> 00:06:39.160 The Roman power machine springs into action. 00:06:39.459 --> 00:06:41.560 And everybody is a puppet to do their will. 00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:44.000 Like Simon of Cyrene. 00:06:44.259 --> 00:06:46.120 Coming into the city from the countryside. 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:48.839 Who is compelled to carry the cross. 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:50.860 He had no choice. 00:06:51.100 --> 00:06:53.019 That is the way human power works. 00:06:54.139 --> 00:06:57.920 But that human power is about to be undermined by a greater power. 00:06:58.300 --> 00:06:59.980 By a more powerful will. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:01.420 By a greater force. 00:07:01.420 --> 00:07:02.839 The will of God. 00:07:02.839 --> 00:07:06.000 And the force of his love. 00:07:06.419 --> 00:07:08.159 To rescue men and women. 00:07:08.419 --> 00:07:09.959 Boys and girls. 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:12.099 God's will. 00:07:12.819 --> 00:07:14.039 Is going to be done. 00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:16.859 God's will is going to be done. 00:07:17.579 --> 00:07:19.199 By the indestructible power. 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:22.319 Of the self-sacrificing love of Jesus. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:24.459 Who is in charge in Luke 23? 00:07:25.139 --> 00:07:26.219 Who is in charge? 00:07:26.220 --> 00:07:28.000 Do you see it? 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:30.740 It is God who is orchestrating the whole process. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:32.980 And yet in the midst of it. 00:07:33.160 --> 00:07:34.080 These human agents. 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:35.720 They have their own responsibility. 00:07:36.220 --> 00:07:37.420 They act voluntarily. 00:07:37.800 --> 00:07:40.320 They play their part in bringing the cross about. 00:07:40.660 --> 00:07:42.500 They are not press ganged like Simon. 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:45.800 But they are responsible for their choices. 00:07:45.800 --> 00:07:49.699 And the greater their knowledge of Christ. 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:53.740 The greater their comfortability. 00:07:55.079 --> 00:07:57.400 What we must never imagine. 00:07:57.840 --> 00:07:58.620 For one moment. 00:07:59.100 --> 00:08:01.879 Is that God suspends his kind of moral governance. 00:08:01.960 --> 00:08:03.740 His control of his world. 00:08:05.139 --> 00:08:06.240 We are very used. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:06.600 Are we? 00:08:06.840 --> 00:08:08.680 To the law of cause and effect. 00:08:09.280 --> 00:08:10.420 In the physical realm. 00:08:10.420 --> 00:08:13.160 We are used to it in all sorts of areas. 00:08:13.379 --> 00:08:15.580 So think about gravity. 00:08:15.840 --> 00:08:17.259 You have a cause and an effect. 00:08:18.160 --> 00:08:20.580 And the law of gravity is something that we live with. 00:08:21.460 --> 00:08:22.840 You drop something. 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:24.300 And it goes down. 00:08:24.600 --> 00:08:25.800 And it always happens. 00:08:26.879 --> 00:08:27.860 But we tend to think. 00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:28.920 In the spiritual realm. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:29.720 It is not like that. 00:08:29.780 --> 00:08:30.800 That is how it works. 00:08:31.819 --> 00:08:32.820 But one of the things. 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:34.779 That this passage shows you and I. 00:08:35.560 --> 00:08:37.279 Is that cause and effect. 00:08:38.259 --> 00:08:39.720 Is just as active. 00:08:39.720 --> 00:08:41.779 In the moral and spiritual realm. 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:43.660 As it is in the physical. 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:47.139 If you are a willing participant. 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:50.340 In the destruction of God's king. 00:08:51.540 --> 00:08:53.300 Then there will be inevitable consequences. 00:08:54.700 --> 00:08:56.379 Because what a man sows. 00:08:56.560 --> 00:08:57.440 He will also reap. 00:08:57.440 --> 00:08:59.240 And that is brought out to us again. 00:08:59.399 --> 00:09:00.620 In verses 28 to 31. 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:04.399 Our attention is brought to the weeping women. 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:06.279 The women of Jerusalem. 00:09:06.620 --> 00:09:08.440 They are forming a kind of professional mourners. 00:09:08.440 --> 00:09:10.340 A mourner's funeral procession. 00:09:10.520 --> 00:09:11.400 And they wail. 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:12.060 They lament. 00:09:13.160 --> 00:09:15.580 They pity this poor Jewish man. 00:09:15.820 --> 00:09:18.000 Who has been led out to a ghastly. 00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:19.300 And innocent death. 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:21.980 At the hands of these barbarous. 00:09:22.080 --> 00:09:23.120 Occupying forces. 00:09:24.400 --> 00:09:26.220 But what seems to be happening. 00:09:26.300 --> 00:09:27.740 Is actually being reversed. 00:09:27.820 --> 00:09:28.660 Look at verse 28. 00:09:29.020 --> 00:09:29.700 Turn into them. 00:09:29.800 --> 00:09:30.680 Jesus said. 00:09:30.679 --> 00:09:32.519 Daughters of Jerusalem. 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:34.399 Daughters of Jerusalem. 00:09:36.079 --> 00:09:37.379 Do not weep for me. 00:09:38.179 --> 00:09:39.459 But weep for yourselves. 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:40.539 And for your children. 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:42.939 For behold the days are coming. 00:09:43.059 --> 00:09:43.679 When they will say. 00:09:43.779 --> 00:09:44.699 Blessed are the barren. 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:46.120 And the wounds that never bore. 00:09:46.239 --> 00:09:48.839 And the breasts that never nursed. 00:09:52.839 --> 00:09:54.299 Jesus doesn't want their pity. 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:56.500 He doesn't want your pity. 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:59.399 He says. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:01.539 Your pity should be directed to yourselves. 00:10:03.240 --> 00:10:04.820 And to the next generation. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:07.580 Because in that next generation. 00:10:07.740 --> 00:10:08.240 He tells them. 00:10:08.320 --> 00:10:09.240 There will come a day. 00:10:09.320 --> 00:10:10.720 When that natural joy. 00:10:10.799 --> 00:10:11.519 Of the birth. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:12.860 And the growth of children. 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:15.659 Will seem like a terrible curse. 00:10:15.720 --> 00:10:16.399 Imagine that. 00:10:17.460 --> 00:10:19.080 It would be better for your kids. 00:10:19.139 --> 00:10:20.340 Not to have been born. 00:10:20.340 --> 00:10:22.360 And the outlook for Jerusalem. 00:10:22.660 --> 00:10:23.560 And the next generation. 00:10:24.060 --> 00:10:25.200 Is far worse. 00:10:25.320 --> 00:10:26.879 Than Jesus' imminent. 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:28.820 Torturous death. 00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:31.160 Now why is that happening? 00:10:33.160 --> 00:10:34.060 Well we've seen. 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:34.639 What have we seen? 00:10:34.680 --> 00:10:35.600 We've seen the leaders. 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:36.100 Haven't we? 00:10:36.899 --> 00:10:37.300 Beying. 00:10:37.620 --> 00:10:38.920 For his crucifixion. 00:10:39.320 --> 00:10:40.780 And they're getting what they called for. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:43.120 But what will come. 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:43.759 Says Jesus. 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:46.540 Is there will be a far more desperate cry. 00:10:46.540 --> 00:10:47.300 A call. 00:10:47.540 --> 00:10:48.720 Not for him to be crucified. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:50.360 But verse 30. 00:10:50.460 --> 00:10:51.920 Do you see what the cry is there? 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:53.080 It is for the mountains. 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:53.720 And for the hills. 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:54.639 To fall upon us. 00:10:56.420 --> 00:10:57.300 And that of course. 00:10:57.340 --> 00:10:58.360 Is the language of Isaiah. 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:01.200 And it would immediately. 00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:01.899 Ring a bell. 00:11:01.960 --> 00:11:02.879 In the Jewish minds. 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:04.220 That this is talking about. 00:11:04.279 --> 00:11:04.899 The ultimate. 00:11:05.160 --> 00:11:06.399 Last judgment of God. 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:07.639 That will come upon all humans. 00:11:08.700 --> 00:11:09.480 And rebellion. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:11.080 And Isaiah's prophecies. 00:11:11.139 --> 00:11:12.139 Of that last. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:13.040 Great day. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:13.860 Of God's judgment. 00:11:14.279 --> 00:11:15.340 When multitudes. 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:16.500 Will call out. 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:18.300 For the mountains. 00:11:18.299 --> 00:11:19.079 To fall on them. 00:11:20.079 --> 00:11:20.719 And the hills. 00:11:20.839 --> 00:11:21.319 To cover them. 00:11:21.379 --> 00:11:22.099 From the wrath. 00:11:22.319 --> 00:11:23.079 Of a righteous. 00:11:23.319 --> 00:11:24.379 And a holy God. 00:11:25.579 --> 00:11:26.939 And all the judgments. 00:11:26.939 --> 00:11:27.539 That happened. 00:11:27.639 --> 00:11:28.579 Before that day. 00:11:28.699 --> 00:11:29.839 They are like a prototype. 00:11:31.019 --> 00:11:32.000 They are like a warning. 00:11:32.120 --> 00:11:32.719 To you and I. 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:33.679 They are a warning. 00:11:33.779 --> 00:11:34.279 Of judgment. 00:11:34.419 --> 00:11:35.399 That is yet to come. 00:11:36.559 --> 00:11:37.479 And this judgment. 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:39.039 Which Jesus is talking about. 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:40.419 Was ultimate. 00:11:40.919 --> 00:11:41.359 Ultimately. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:41.799 Kind of. 00:11:42.079 --> 00:11:42.479 Typified. 00:11:42.479 --> 00:11:43.479 The prototype. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:45.419 For something that happened. 00:11:45.579 --> 00:11:45.939 In Jerusalem. 00:11:46.099 --> 00:11:46.500 In the year. 00:11:46.599 --> 00:11:46.819 A.D. 00:11:46.899 --> 00:11:47.240 70. 00:11:48.299 --> 00:11:49.219 The Roman army. 00:11:49.219 --> 00:11:50.299 Inveeds that city. 00:11:50.439 --> 00:11:51.059 And they inflict. 00:11:51.159 --> 00:11:52.539 The most terrible suffering. 00:11:52.639 --> 00:11:53.179 On Jerusalem. 00:11:53.959 --> 00:11:55.099 They scatter. 00:11:55.299 --> 00:11:55.679 Those. 00:11:56.079 --> 00:11:57.139 Whom they didn't massacre. 00:11:57.719 --> 00:11:58.519 They destroyed. 00:11:58.679 --> 00:11:59.179 The temple. 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:00.459 They disperse. 00:12:00.519 --> 00:12:01.479 The Jewish nation. 00:12:02.959 --> 00:12:04.819 And Jesus is talking about that. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:07.419 Because as Luke tells us. 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:08.219 When their king. 00:12:08.339 --> 00:12:10.000 Came riding on a donkey. 00:12:10.679 --> 00:12:11.839 On that Palm Sunday. 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:12.959 They cried out. 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:13.519 Hosanna. 00:12:13.679 --> 00:12:14.199 Hosanna. 00:12:14.319 --> 00:12:15.379 To the king of David. 00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:16.720 To the son of David. 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:19.360 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 00:12:19.679 --> 00:12:20.220 That was. 00:12:21.419 --> 00:12:22.220 That day. 00:12:23.100 --> 00:12:24.379 But by Friday of that week. 00:12:24.460 --> 00:12:25.220 It is crucifying. 00:12:26.340 --> 00:12:27.179 It is crucifying. 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:30.000 What Jesus said to them. 00:12:30.039 --> 00:12:31.139 Is there are consequences. 00:12:31.139 --> 00:12:32.879 Of rebelling against God. 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:35.419 And killing his king. 00:12:36.659 --> 00:12:37.720 And it was seen. 00:12:37.840 --> 00:12:38.360 In A.D. 00:12:38.519 --> 00:12:38.939 70. 00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:40.759 But far more significant. 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:41.480 For you and I. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:42.019 This morning. 00:12:42.019 --> 00:12:44.840 Is that if we find ourselves. 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:46.600 Turning against the Lord Jesus. 00:12:47.840 --> 00:12:50.079 And not receiving his salvation. 00:12:50.439 --> 00:12:51.019 If we say. 00:12:51.199 --> 00:12:51.439 No. 00:12:51.579 --> 00:12:52.539 I don't want it. 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:54.939 And we set our hearts. 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:55.980 Against him. 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:58.399 How do you think. 00:12:58.559 --> 00:12:59.259 You will escape. 00:13:00.120 --> 00:13:01.059 The wrath of God. 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:03.480 How do you think. 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:04.399 That you will escape. 00:13:04.519 --> 00:13:05.279 The wrath of God. 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:07.740 On the last day. 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:08.840 Every single one of us. 00:13:08.919 --> 00:13:09.419 Will face. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.639 The God of holiness. 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:12.000 And the God of righteousness. 00:13:12.740 --> 00:13:13.399 And yes. 00:13:13.480 --> 00:13:14.759 The God of mercy. 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:15.980 And love. 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:17.080 Who sent his son. 00:13:17.159 --> 00:13:18.120 To die for us. 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:19.720 But if you throw that back. 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.439 In his face. 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:23.000 How can you expect. 00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:24.559 Anything but his judgment. 00:13:26.699 --> 00:13:28.039 For as Jesus says. 00:13:28.179 --> 00:13:29.019 In verse 21. 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:31.019 Do these things. 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:31.480 When the wood. 00:13:31.559 --> 00:13:32.319 They do these things. 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.299 When the wood is green. 00:13:34.279 --> 00:13:35.039 What will happen. 00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:35.779 When it's dry. 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:37.779 What he's saying. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.340 Is that moment. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:39.720 For the leaders of Jerusalem. 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:41.279 The tree looks green. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.279 And it looks strong. 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:45.220 And it looks powerful. 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:47.180 And they are delighted. 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:47.580 Aren't they. 00:13:47.700 --> 00:13:48.279 They're delighted. 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:49.580 That he is about to be crucified. 00:13:49.960 --> 00:13:51.480 But that fatal action. 00:13:51.639 --> 00:13:53.500 Of crucifying God's king. 00:13:53.920 --> 00:13:54.960 Turns the tree. 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:56.320 From a green. 00:13:56.399 --> 00:13:57.480 And strong tree. 00:13:58.180 --> 00:13:59.660 Into a lifeless trunk. 00:14:00.620 --> 00:14:02.040 Just like the withered fig tree. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:04.060 And what do you do. 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:04.620 With wood. 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:05.879 That is dried out. 00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:07.160 You burn it. 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:10.439 And Isaiah's message. 00:14:10.439 --> 00:14:11.360 For you and I. 00:14:12.719 --> 00:14:14.319 Is that one of the consequences. 00:14:14.319 --> 00:14:15.120 Of the cross. 00:14:15.319 --> 00:14:16.319 Is judgment. 00:14:17.620 --> 00:14:19.019 And it must be judgment. 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:20.639 If we refuse to acknowledge. 00:14:20.839 --> 00:14:22.279 And bow before God's king. 00:14:23.659 --> 00:14:25.719 And the unrepentant criminal. 00:14:26.719 --> 00:14:28.179 And the scoffing rulers. 00:14:28.179 --> 00:14:29.199 Are examples. 00:14:29.199 --> 00:14:30.719 Of the same reaction. 00:14:30.719 --> 00:14:31.759 To the death of Jesus. 00:14:32.059 --> 00:14:32.919 Which you find. 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:33.939 In the world today. 00:14:33.940 --> 00:14:37.600 Notice what they say. 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:38.460 There are plenty of people. 00:14:38.640 --> 00:14:38.840 Who say. 00:14:39.100 --> 00:14:39.680 With the rulers. 00:14:39.780 --> 00:14:40.480 He saved others. 00:14:40.580 --> 00:14:41.700 He made great claims. 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:42.860 About himself. 00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:43.860 Let him save himself. 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:45.840 Let him save himself. 00:14:45.900 --> 00:14:46.780 If he is the Christ. 00:14:46.880 --> 00:14:47.600 The son of God. 00:14:47.660 --> 00:14:48.340 The chosen one. 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:50.220 But it is precisely. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:53.160 Because he will not save himself. 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:55.500 That he is able to save others. 00:14:56.780 --> 00:14:57.540 They see. 00:14:57.540 --> 00:14:57.900 Don't they. 00:14:58.080 --> 00:14:58.700 His death. 00:14:58.900 --> 00:15:00.240 As the proof positive. 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:01.820 That he cannot be the Christ. 00:15:01.820 --> 00:15:03.600 He cannot be the chosen king. 00:15:03.660 --> 00:15:04.040 And ruler. 00:15:04.920 --> 00:15:06.120 If he had the power. 00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:07.340 He claimed. 00:15:07.840 --> 00:15:08.600 Well he would use it. 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.260 For his rescue. 00:15:09.440 --> 00:15:09.680 Wouldn't he. 00:15:10.520 --> 00:15:11.720 It comes up three times. 00:15:11.780 --> 00:15:12.860 Just look at the passage with me. 00:15:13.180 --> 00:15:14.100 There is the religious leaders. 00:15:14.180 --> 00:15:14.960 In verse 35. 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:16.000 Let him save himself. 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:18.460 It comes up in the soldiers. 00:15:18.920 --> 00:15:20.180 In verse 37. 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:20.980 Do you see that. 00:15:21.800 --> 00:15:22.879 If you are the king of the Jews. 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:23.520 Save yourself. 00:15:23.920 --> 00:15:25.140 And it comes up with the criminal. 00:15:25.140 --> 00:15:26.060 In verse 39. 00:15:28.280 --> 00:15:29.300 Are you not the Christ. 00:15:29.380 --> 00:15:30.400 Save yourself and us. 00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:33.779 But there is no understanding. 00:15:33.899 --> 00:15:34.100 Is there. 00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:34.740 What is happening. 00:15:36.720 --> 00:15:37.639 Just think about it. 00:15:37.659 --> 00:15:39.240 If Jesus had got that criminal. 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:40.799 Down from the cross. 00:15:40.860 --> 00:15:41.819 Which Jesus of course. 00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:42.480 Could have done. 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.539 And he wished to. 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:47.100 To deliver that criminal. 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.059 From the sentence. 00:15:48.279 --> 00:15:49.220 Of his crimes. 00:15:50.600 --> 00:15:51.360 Would that have been. 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:52.399 An act of morality. 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:54.579 Would that have been right. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:57.639 In that first criminal. 00:15:58.379 --> 00:15:59.179 Who did a crime. 00:15:59.179 --> 00:16:00.019 Deserving of death. 00:16:00.179 --> 00:16:01.079 There was no repentance. 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:02.019 In that first criminal. 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.439 There was no recognition. 00:16:04.439 --> 00:16:05.139 Of guilt. 00:16:07.099 --> 00:16:08.259 It is fellow criminal. 00:16:08.359 --> 00:16:08.599 Isn't it. 00:16:08.739 --> 00:16:09.339 It's the other one. 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:10.120 Verse 40. 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:10.739 Who says. 00:16:11.359 --> 00:16:13.179 Don't you fear God. 00:16:14.159 --> 00:16:15.319 Since you are under. 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.479 The same sentence. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:17.359 Of condemnation. 00:16:17.939 --> 00:16:18.739 And we. 00:16:18.939 --> 00:16:19.779 Have been judged. 00:16:19.859 --> 00:16:20.539 Justly rightly. 00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:21.099 It's right. 00:16:22.679 --> 00:16:23.620 Do you see the point. 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:24.539 That is being made here. 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:25.899 There has to be. 00:16:25.899 --> 00:16:26.479 A judgment. 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:26.720 Judgment. 00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:29.300 If there is ever. 00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:30.259 Going to be a solution. 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.300 To the problem of evil. 00:16:31.300 --> 00:16:32.440 There has to be a judgment. 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:34.440 If there is ever. 00:16:34.440 --> 00:16:35.320 Going to be a heaven. 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:36.139 Opened. 00:16:36.340 --> 00:16:37.139 There has to be. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:37.560 A judgment. 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:38.120 On evil. 00:16:40.039 --> 00:16:40.920 But the Jesus. 00:16:41.060 --> 00:16:41.879 Who entered Jerusalem. 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.580 As our king. 00:16:42.800 --> 00:16:44.019 On Palm Sunday. 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.019 Also came. 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:47.019 As the Passover lamb. 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:47.680 On Good Friday. 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:50.940 And just as the Passover lamb. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:51.720 In the Old Testament. 00:16:51.720 --> 00:16:53.540 Was the means. 00:16:53.540 --> 00:16:54.120 By which. 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:55.160 God's wrath. 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:55.940 And anger. 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:57.040 Was turned aside. 00:16:57.040 --> 00:16:57.700 From his people. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.639 And they were delivered. 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:01.200 Delivered from their bondage. 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:01.940 And their slavery. 00:17:02.420 --> 00:17:03.160 And they became. 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:04.360 The great nation. 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.140 That God. 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:06.339 Made them. 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:09.039 So in the same way. 00:17:09.140 --> 00:17:09.779 At the cross. 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:10.920 Of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:13.200 --> 00:17:14.620 The Passover lamb. 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:15.480 Jesus Christ. 00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:16.600 Offers himself. 00:17:18.100 --> 00:17:19.220 The lamb of God. 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:19.960 Who bears away. 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:20.799 The sin of the world. 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:23.180 Suffers the judgment. 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:24.440 He takes upon it himself. 00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:25.919 He bears our guilt. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.159 Behold the man. 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:28.200 Upon a cross. 00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:29.720 My sin. 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:31.419 Upon his shoulders. 00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:33.919 That is what is happening. 00:17:35.539 --> 00:17:36.680 As you look at the cross. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:37.259 There is judgment. 00:17:38.599 --> 00:17:40.440 And Jesus has borne it for us. 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:43.480 And if you reject. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:45.339 What Jesus has done for you. 00:17:45.680 --> 00:17:46.659 You will face. 00:17:46.919 --> 00:17:47.500 That judgment. 00:17:47.879 --> 00:17:48.359 Yourself. 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:51.500 And you will be cast out. 00:17:51.679 --> 00:17:52.619 From the loving presence. 00:17:52.619 --> 00:17:53.379 Of this holy. 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:54.719 And righteous God. 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:57.379 And you will face his anger. 00:17:57.519 --> 00:17:58.119 For all eternity. 00:17:59.559 --> 00:18:01.259 And that is a very sobering thought. 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:01.899 Isn't it this morning? 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:05.000 That question. 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:07.319 Of the dying thief. 00:18:07.319 --> 00:18:09.339 Do you not fear God? 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:13.720 We are under that judgment. 00:18:14.179 --> 00:18:15.679 That same judgment. 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:18.439 That same sentence of condemnation. 00:18:20.139 --> 00:18:21.619 Well Luke wants us to get very clear. 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:23.679 That is the first consequence of the cross. 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:24.359 But secondly. 00:18:24.539 --> 00:18:25.200 And gloriously. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.240 At the heart of it all. 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:29.099 The second consequence of the cross. 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:30.059 Is that there is rescue. 00:18:30.059 --> 00:18:33.980 And it is because there is the reality. 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.799 Of God's judgment. 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:36.299 Against all human pride. 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:36.980 And rebellion. 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:39.139 That Jesus came to be the saviour. 00:18:39.240 --> 00:18:40.740 He came to be the rescuer. 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:44.240 And Luke wrote his good news of salvation. 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.579 And it comes through firstly. 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:45.899 Doesn't it? 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:46.740 In verse 34. 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:49.559 Where the first saying. 00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:50.740 From the cross. 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:52.500 Is a prayer of forgiveness. 00:18:54.179 --> 00:18:55.460 Father forgive them. 00:18:56.379 --> 00:18:58.079 For they know not what they are doing. 00:18:58.079 --> 00:19:01.039 And I think it is obviously. 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:02.639 For the crucifixion party. 00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:04.240 Those Roman soldiers. 00:19:04.419 --> 00:19:05.240 They are foolish. 00:19:05.439 --> 00:19:05.939 And ignorant. 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:07.299 And they are under orders anyway. 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:09.759 But it is the most amazing prayer. 00:19:09.899 --> 00:19:10.240 Isn't it? 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.460 And it is a very. 00:19:12.679 --> 00:19:14.220 Very precious window. 00:19:14.319 --> 00:19:15.059 Into the heart. 00:19:15.199 --> 00:19:16.099 Of our Lord Jesus. 00:19:18.119 --> 00:19:19.119 For there at the moment. 00:19:19.199 --> 00:19:20.599 As they are driving the nails. 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.879 Into his hands at the cross. 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:23.599 And they hang him up to die. 00:19:23.679 --> 00:19:25.240 In the very act of his death. 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.879 Which they are complicit in. 00:19:26.919 --> 00:19:27.859 They are guilty as well. 00:19:27.859 --> 00:19:28.919 And even in their ignorance. 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:31.279 Becomes the means. 00:19:31.399 --> 00:19:31.939 By which. 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.259 They can be forgiven. 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:35.639 Isn't it an amazing thing? 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.500 Father forgive them. 00:19:38.839 --> 00:19:39.779 For they do not know. 00:19:39.979 --> 00:19:40.659 What they are doing. 00:19:42.179 --> 00:19:43.500 And it is an important strand. 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:44.259 In Luke's story. 00:19:45.899 --> 00:19:47.839 The opportunity exists now. 00:19:49.139 --> 00:19:50.439 You can be forgiven. 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:52.179 In Christ. 00:19:53.399 --> 00:19:55.179 You can be forgiven soldiers. 00:19:55.180 --> 00:19:57.100 Because of what is happening. 00:19:57.100 --> 00:19:58.460 Before your very eyes. 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:00.420 And that strand. 00:20:00.580 --> 00:20:01.380 Becomes even clearer. 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:01.700 Isn't it? 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:03.120 In the reaction of the second criminal. 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:04.820 From verses 40 to 53. 00:20:05.320 --> 00:20:07.640 As he hangs between these criminals. 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:10.340 He is numbered with the transgressors. 00:20:11.620 --> 00:20:13.759 He makes his grave with the wicked. 00:20:13.860 --> 00:20:14.759 Isaiah 53. 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:17.119 And so the suffering servant. 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:19.720 Who is God's anointed king. 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:22.599 Is viewed by the men who die either side of him. 00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:26.319 And the reaction of the first criminal is to be expected. 00:20:27.099 --> 00:20:29.599 But the reaction of the second criminal is extraordinary. 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:32.599 Before he calls on Jesus. 00:20:32.899 --> 00:20:33.899 Do you see verse 41. 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:35.119 Just look closely there. 00:20:35.679 --> 00:20:37.399 He affirms two great realities. 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:43.659 We indeed suffer justly. 00:20:44.500 --> 00:20:49.599 Indeed justly we are receiving the due reward of our deeds. 00:20:49.959 --> 00:20:53.059 The first statement is about his own guilt. 00:20:53.179 --> 00:20:54.159 And about our own guilt. 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:57.580 And the second statement is this. 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:59.740 But this man has done nothing wrong. 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.860 It's about Jesus' innocence. 00:21:05.380 --> 00:21:07.100 And when we hear him say that. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:09.540 It wakes up our memories. 00:21:10.560 --> 00:21:11.040 Doesn't it? 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:12.800 For a few weeks ago. 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:13.880 Do you remember what Pilate said? 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:14.540 Three times. 00:21:14.640 --> 00:21:15.860 I find no guilt in him. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:19.180 He has done nothing deserving of death. 00:21:20.080 --> 00:21:22.860 I have found in him no guilt deserving death. 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:25.860 Jesus is the innocent sufferer. 00:21:26.100 --> 00:21:27.900 He is the lamb without blemish. 00:21:27.900 --> 00:21:29.000 And without fault. 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:32.900 And Luke could hardly be making it clearer to you this morning. 00:21:33.300 --> 00:21:34.820 The death of this man. 00:21:35.080 --> 00:21:36.660 Is the death of an innocent man. 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.560 A righteous man. 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:40.400 And therefore his death. 00:21:40.820 --> 00:21:42.140 Must be for others. 00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:44.420 He is the rescuer. 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:46.720 Who gives himself up for the guilty. 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:49.800 Now of course you might be sitting there and saying. 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:51.779 Well it's just a tragic injustice. 00:21:51.779 --> 00:21:54.639 That Jesus is hanging there. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.299 But the point that Luke is making. 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.940 Is that God is in control. 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:02.480 That God is bringing his purposes. 00:22:02.639 --> 00:22:04.119 His will to their fruition. 00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:07.759 And if Jesus does not deserve to die. 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:08.899 Which of course he doesn't. 00:22:09.119 --> 00:22:10.599 He must be dying for others. 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:13.440 The wages of sin. 00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:15.359 Is death. 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:17.759 But he had no sin. 00:22:19.679 --> 00:22:20.919 And that is what the crying. 00:22:21.119 --> 00:22:22.099 Dying criminal. 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:22.959 Recognises. 00:22:24.179 --> 00:22:25.319 And so he turns to Jesus. 00:22:25.459 --> 00:22:26.119 And says Jesus. 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:28.619 Which is the name of his earthly ministry. 00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:28.979 Isn't it? 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:30.799 You shall give him the name of Jesus. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:33.199 Because he will save his people from their sins. 00:22:33.459 --> 00:22:34.459 He is the saviour. 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.899 I know you are the king. 00:22:36.740 --> 00:22:38.639 I believe you are God's king. 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:40.779 Because you are coming into a kingdom. 00:22:40.899 --> 00:22:42.179 That is not of this world. 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:44.700 So Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:47.400 It's an extraordinary prayer. 00:22:49.340 --> 00:22:49.640 He says. 00:22:49.860 --> 00:22:52.000 I am suffering the wrath of the authorities. 00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:53.400 For sins I have committed. 00:22:53.940 --> 00:22:55.759 But there is an eternal penalty. 00:22:56.160 --> 00:22:58.779 That waits beyond death in the eternal kingdom. 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:02.920 I believe that is your kingdom Jesus. 00:23:03.080 --> 00:23:04.299 So Jesus remember me. 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:06.000 Rescue me. 00:23:06.960 --> 00:23:09.060 He wants to become a subject of that kingdom. 00:23:09.180 --> 00:23:10.100 In the life to come. 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.980 If the king will receive him. 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:12.480 And will he? 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.620 We will look at verse 43. 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:16.819 It's a most staggering verse isn't it? 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:19.299 Verse 43. 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:20.620 And he said to him. 00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:21.819 Truly I say to you today. 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:23.039 You will be with me in paradise. 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:27.920 Not only does his faith in Jesus. 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:28.839 His rescuer. 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:30.740 Bring him immediate forgiveness. 00:23:31.360 --> 00:23:31.860 Today. 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:33.120 Right now. 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:34.920 But complete assurance. 00:23:35.620 --> 00:23:37.759 And acceptance into God's kingdom. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.779 Of the heavens. 00:23:39.779 --> 00:23:42.220 And assurance. 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:44.240 At the moment he breathes his last. 00:23:44.619 --> 00:23:46.079 Though he be absent with the body. 00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:47.660 He is present with the Lord. 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:51.399 He will be with his king in paradise. 00:23:51.859 --> 00:23:52.920 Where there will be no more pain. 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:53.740 And no more crying. 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:54.960 And no more sin. 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:55.519 And no more curse. 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:57.059 And there will be no purgatory. 00:23:57.059 --> 00:23:59.659 And there will be no waiting. 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:02.759 Today with me in paradise. 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:04.740 What a wonderful saviour Jesus Christ is. 00:24:06.940 --> 00:24:07.679 But you can say. 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.559 Well how do you know that's true? 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:11.059 How do you know that's true? 00:24:12.339 --> 00:24:14.079 Verse 45 explains it. 00:24:15.179 --> 00:24:15.619 Do you see it? 00:24:15.619 --> 00:24:17.440 The curtain of the temple was torn in two. 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:19.860 Historically this happened. 00:24:21.120 --> 00:24:23.000 All the gospel writers record it for us. 00:24:23.220 --> 00:24:24.240 That at the death of Jesus. 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:24.980 The veil. 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:26.400 Or the curtain temple. 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:28.000 It was a very thick curtain. 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:31.700 That prohibited access to the most holy place. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.600 Where God's glory. 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:35.519 Was said to dwell. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.920 That curtain was ripped in two. 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:39.960 As Jesus died. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:42.100 Matthew tells us. 00:24:42.120 --> 00:24:42.819 It was ripped in two. 00:24:42.900 --> 00:24:44.380 From the top to the bottom. 00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:46.920 By which he means. 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:48.759 That it was not by the hands of men. 00:24:48.840 --> 00:24:49.840 But by the hands of God. 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.579 And it was far too thick. 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:54.319 For any human hands to tear it. 00:24:55.380 --> 00:24:56.740 It was the action of God himself. 00:24:58.480 --> 00:25:00.120 And that is the point of the death. 00:25:00.600 --> 00:25:01.759 Of God's senseness. 00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:05.660 That he has ripped down the barriers. 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:07.940 Which separate human beings. 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:09.299 From God. 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:12.620 And as God's son. 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.279 The Lord Jesus. 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:14.400 Bore the punishment. 00:25:14.559 --> 00:25:15.299 For your sin. 00:25:15.840 --> 00:25:16.759 And my sin. 00:25:17.140 --> 00:25:17.720 Dying. 00:25:18.100 --> 00:25:19.259 In our place. 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.700 As our substitute. 00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:22.600 The price has been paid. 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.559 For you to be forgiven. 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:26.240 For the kingdom of heaven. 00:25:26.299 --> 00:25:26.840 To be opened. 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:29.180 To all who believe in him. 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:31.940 And so God. 00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:33.579 Tears down the barrier. 00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:35.860 Which he himself. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:37.000 Has authorised to be there. 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:39.779 He tears it with his own hands. 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:41.519 And he says to all the world. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:41.960 Come. 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:43.680 Come. 00:25:45.340 --> 00:25:47.840 There is fellowship available with God. 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:49.980 You can know me. 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:51.940 You can be forgiven. 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:54.019 The work is done. 00:25:55.860 --> 00:25:57.160 And this great salvation. 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:58.220 Has been finally. 00:25:58.460 --> 00:25:59.680 And fully accomplished. 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.720 And secured. 00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:02.440 And as Jesus cries out. 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:03.480 With a loud voice. 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:05.340 Into your hands. 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:05.700 Father. 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:07.180 I commend my spirit. 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:09.140 The rescue is complete. 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.620 And Luke states. 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:12.720 Right at the start of his book. 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.019 Doesn't he? 00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:13.700 Do you remember that thing? 00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:14.880 He has written these things. 00:26:14.940 --> 00:26:16.240 That you might have certainty. 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:19.259 About the things that you've been taught. 00:26:19.620 --> 00:26:20.720 And this is how we know. 00:26:20.840 --> 00:26:21.759 That the thief is in heaven. 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.560 This is how. 00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:24.320 We know. 00:26:24.380 --> 00:26:25.799 That if we put our faith. 00:26:25.960 --> 00:26:26.660 In Jesus. 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:28.080 We shall be with him one day. 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:29.960 The proof. 00:26:30.060 --> 00:26:31.600 That Jesus is the Christ of God. 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:34.099 It is not by him coming down from the cross. 00:26:34.419 --> 00:26:35.579 It is an act of magic. 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:36.919 But the temple veil. 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:38.519 Being torn from top to bottom. 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:41.119 And the criminal. 00:26:41.459 --> 00:26:42.759 Entering into paradise. 00:26:42.939 --> 00:26:43.759 That is what it is about. 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.559 Bearing shame. 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:49.839 And scoffing rude. 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:51.119 In my place. 00:26:52.719 --> 00:26:53.579 Condemned he stood. 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:57.199 Now today. 00:26:57.399 --> 00:26:58.059 And tomorrow. 00:26:58.179 --> 00:26:59.059 As you go back to work. 00:27:00.199 --> 00:27:01.579 You need to be convinced of that. 00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:03.740 And you and I. 00:27:03.859 --> 00:27:04.799 Need to let that dominate. 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:06.000 And motivate our thinking. 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:06.740 And living. 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.219 And there is so much. 00:27:09.299 --> 00:27:09.500 Isn't there. 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:09.959 In religion. 00:27:10.059 --> 00:27:11.299 That will offer you a ladder. 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:12.319 To climb in order. 00:27:12.379 --> 00:27:13.279 For you to make yourself. 00:27:13.399 --> 00:27:14.319 Acceptable to God. 00:27:15.959 --> 00:27:16.359 Achievements. 00:27:16.459 --> 00:27:18.399 That you've got to notch up. 00:27:19.719 --> 00:27:20.639 Religious practices. 00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:22.079 That you have to follow. 00:27:22.199 --> 00:27:23.019 To make yourself. 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.740 Acceptable. 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.839 To whatever you see. 00:27:25.939 --> 00:27:26.480 As your God. 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.559 As your ultimate authority. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:30.480 But no human ladder. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.259 Can ever reach. 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.740 Paradise. 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:35.119 What could that man. 00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:35.940 On the cross. 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:36.680 Have done. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:40.379 To atone for his sin. 00:27:41.859 --> 00:27:43.000 What could that man. 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:43.940 Hanging on the cross. 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:44.980 In the very last hours. 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:45.400 Of his life. 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:46.279 What could he have done. 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:48.119 To make himself right. 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.200 Nothing. 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:52.559 Absolutely nothing. 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:53.420 Same with you. 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:55.819 The great good news. 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.299 Of the gospel. 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:57.099 Is that God himself. 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:57.980 Has come down the ladder. 00:27:58.119 --> 00:27:58.279 Has he. 00:27:58.279 --> 00:28:00.099 In the person. 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:01.139 Of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:02.139 To rescue us. 00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:04.480 The dying criminal. 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:06.299 Could acquire no merit. 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.339 He could do nothing. 00:28:07.399 --> 00:28:08.259 To save himself. 00:28:08.599 --> 00:28:09.339 And neither can you. 00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:10.139 And neither can I. 00:28:10.140 --> 00:28:12.940 But he entered into paradise. 00:28:13.060 --> 00:28:13.680 That very day. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:16.420 Because Jesus was dying. 00:28:16.520 --> 00:28:16.980 In his place. 00:28:17.060 --> 00:28:17.780 As his substitute. 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:18.660 To rescue him. 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.640 To rescue him. 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:21.700 From the just punishment. 00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:22.540 Of his sins. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.980 And that is our message. 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:27.800 And that is why Christianity. 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:29.740 The biblical Christianity. 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.500 Is different. 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:33.300 From all the world religions. 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:36.139 And that is why we can proclaim it. 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:37.960 Is it because God has come down to us. 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:40.039 To rescue us. 00:28:41.379 --> 00:28:42.279 And that is why. 00:28:42.480 --> 00:28:42.919 This morning. 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:44.799 We must never write anybody off. 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.299 There are those of you. 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:47.619 Aren't they. 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.240 Here today. 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:49.579 And you have been praying for friends. 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:50.399 And family. 00:28:50.619 --> 00:28:51.419 And work colleagues. 00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:53.680 And folks that you long to come to the Lord Jesus. 00:28:54.099 --> 00:28:55.180 And it seems perhaps. 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.079 It's not going to happen. 00:28:57.539 --> 00:28:59.000 And it's taken so long. 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:01.659 Well here is this man. 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.340 Here is this man. 00:29:02.360 --> 00:29:03.360 At the end of his life. 00:29:04.680 --> 00:29:06.740 And we haven't heard the end of the story. 00:29:06.800 --> 00:29:07.160 Have we? 00:29:09.080 --> 00:29:10.700 We haven't heard the end of the story. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:14.019 You have people that have died in your family. 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:14.900 And believe it or not. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:16.620 You do not know the end of the story. 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:19.540 And we must never think. 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:21.779 That anyone is outside of the reach of God's love. 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.720 And his mercy. 00:29:22.820 --> 00:29:24.600 There will be many people in heaven. 00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:27.900 Who it will be an enormous shock to see them. 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.080 And we will see them. 00:29:30.079 --> 00:29:31.799 I never thought we'd see you here. 00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:33.199 They'll probably say the same to us. 00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:36.939 And there will be many people in heaven. 00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:38.059 Who like the dying thief. 00:29:38.179 --> 00:29:39.879 Turn to Christ in their final breath. 00:29:42.919 --> 00:29:44.899 But of course that's very tempting for some of you isn't it? 00:29:44.919 --> 00:29:45.839 It's very tempting for you. 00:29:45.899 --> 00:29:47.220 I used to think it when I was a teenager. 00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:48.139 That I can put it off. 00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:51.819 That we can wait until that time. 00:29:51.899 --> 00:29:52.559 Right at the end. 00:29:52.679 --> 00:29:52.919 Boom. 00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:54.059 And then I'll become a Christian. 00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:56.019 I'll enjoy myself. 00:29:56.639 --> 00:29:58.019 I'll have a wild time. 00:29:58.299 --> 00:29:59.460 I'll sow my wild oats. 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:02.019 And then right at the end. 00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:03.379 When I've really enjoyed my life. 00:30:03.399 --> 00:30:04.500 And I've lived my pleasure. 00:30:04.940 --> 00:30:06.720 Well then when my final breath comes. 00:30:06.839 --> 00:30:07.859 I'll turn to the Lord. 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:11.759 Well there's two things to say to that. 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:12.019 Isn't it? 00:30:12.059 --> 00:30:12.299 One. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:14.460 You don't know when you will die. 00:30:15.799 --> 00:30:16.539 You don't know. 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:19.960 And you don't know what state you'll be in. 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:20.759 When you come to die. 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:23.920 As it seems to me. 00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:25.039 That famous quote isn't it? 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:26.920 These stories of two thieves. 00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:29.779 That one of the thieves was saved. 00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:31.379 So that no one may despair. 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:35.019 But one of the thieves was lost. 00:30:35.839 --> 00:30:37.099 So that no one may presume. 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:40.039 The Bible is very clear. 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:41.720 That today is the day of salvation. 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:44.379 And the only person that tells you tomorrow. 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:45.000 Is the devil. 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:47.440 Rescue is available. 00:30:48.579 --> 00:30:49.920 The curtain has been torn. 00:30:50.920 --> 00:30:51.960 Jesus opened the way to heaven. 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:52.480 And very quickly. 00:30:52.599 --> 00:30:53.519 The third consequence. 00:30:53.660 --> 00:30:54.519 Is that of vindication. 00:30:56.599 --> 00:30:57.400 Even at the moment. 00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:58.539 When everything seemed lost. 00:30:58.619 --> 00:30:59.680 God's king is vindicated. 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.740 This happened firstly by the hand of God. 00:31:01.839 --> 00:31:02.039 Don't you? 00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:04.339 Verses 44 and 45. 00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:06.480 It was now about the sixth hour. 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:07.619 And there was darkness. 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:08.799 Over the whole hour. 00:31:08.900 --> 00:31:09.759 Until the ninth hour. 00:31:10.119 --> 00:31:11.579 While the sun's light failed. 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.819 And the curtain of the temple. 00:31:13.019 --> 00:31:13.839 Was torn in two. 00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:16.279 From midday. 00:31:18.419 --> 00:31:20.000 There is darkness. 00:31:20.539 --> 00:31:21.859 The sun fades. 00:31:23.419 --> 00:31:23.740 And then. 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:27.679 This is a profound effect. 00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:27.959 Doesn't it? 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:28.939 Look at verse 48. 00:31:29.059 --> 00:31:29.959 And all the crowds. 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:31.279 That assembled for this fact. 00:31:31.359 --> 00:31:32.839 And when they saw what had taken place. 00:31:33.139 --> 00:31:34.019 They returned home. 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:34.819 Beating their breasts. 00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:37.099 There is this otherworldly darkness. 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:41.240 It overwhelms everybody. 00:31:41.339 --> 00:31:42.539 You can imagine the effect. 00:31:43.659 --> 00:31:44.219 Here is. 00:31:44.439 --> 00:31:46.219 Here is the sign of God's judgment. 00:31:46.219 --> 00:31:47.059 From the exodus. 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:48.619 But here is the sign. 00:31:48.959 --> 00:31:50.259 That man is not in control. 00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:53.719 What have they done? 00:31:55.059 --> 00:31:56.480 What have they done? 00:31:56.679 --> 00:31:58.279 That there should be such a natural. 00:31:58.279 --> 00:31:59.720 Upheaval. 00:32:01.559 --> 00:32:02.399 What have they done? 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:04.539 The light of the world. 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.819 They snuff out. 00:32:07.899 --> 00:32:08.299 Creation. 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:10.039 Hides his face. 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:12.899 Well might the sun in darkness hide. 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:14.059 And keep his glory in. 00:32:14.119 --> 00:32:15.819 When God the mighty maker died. 00:32:15.899 --> 00:32:17.139 For man the creature sinned. 00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:18.000 That is what is happening. 00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:19.859 And it's not just the natural world. 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.160 Is it? 00:32:21.379 --> 00:32:22.399 Look at the human context. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:23.399 There is vindication there. 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.480 Verse 47. 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:27.940 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place. 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:28.620 He praised God. 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:30.160 Saying certainly this man was innocent. 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:31.299 This man was righteous. 00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:33.660 This man did not deserve to die. 00:32:34.059 --> 00:32:35.279 Yes but more than that. 00:32:36.660 --> 00:32:37.759 He recognises. 00:32:38.019 --> 00:32:41.279 As he witnesses the crucifixion. 00:32:41.360 --> 00:32:43.200 That Jesus commits himself to his father. 00:32:45.420 --> 00:32:46.319 And Luke is saying to us. 00:32:46.360 --> 00:32:47.299 This is the exodus. 00:32:48.620 --> 00:32:50.480 The exodus that he would accomplish. 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:53.140 All those chapters back. 00:32:53.140 --> 00:32:55.320 When he came from Galilee. 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:57.000 Beginning his journey to Jerusalem. 00:32:58.000 --> 00:32:59.780 And he dies with the confidence. 00:32:59.780 --> 00:33:01.940 Of a son coming home to his father. 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:05.640 And that led to this great statement of truth. 00:33:05.780 --> 00:33:08.060 Certainly this man was righteous. 00:33:08.540 --> 00:33:09.100 Was innocent. 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:12.020 And not only with God. 00:33:12.280 --> 00:33:13.900 With regard to the accusations. 00:33:13.900 --> 00:33:14.600 And the charges. 00:33:15.100 --> 00:33:17.259 But right in relationship. 00:33:18.259 --> 00:33:19.880 To the divine power of God. 00:33:21.380 --> 00:33:22.720 Do you remember that the centurion. 00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:24.180 He'd listen to those words. 00:33:24.299 --> 00:33:25.140 Father forgive them. 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:26.400 For they do not know what they're doing. 00:33:26.680 --> 00:33:27.579 He'd heard him say. 00:33:27.700 --> 00:33:28.960 Truly I say to you. 00:33:29.420 --> 00:33:30.660 You'll be with me in paradise. 00:33:31.140 --> 00:33:32.299 And in a deeper level. 00:33:32.400 --> 00:33:33.539 He began to realise. 00:33:33.660 --> 00:33:35.460 That the inscription of verse 38. 00:33:36.160 --> 00:33:37.400 This is the king of the Jews. 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:37.860 Is true. 00:33:38.180 --> 00:33:39.400 This is the king. 00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:43.259 God's king. 00:33:43.360 --> 00:33:44.140 Not only of the Jews. 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:45.380 But of all who would turn to him. 00:33:45.420 --> 00:33:45.940 And trust him. 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:48.299 And so you see. 00:33:48.940 --> 00:33:51.680 The centurion becomes the great outsider. 00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:55.400 The Roman occupying army. 00:33:55.580 --> 00:33:56.940 Kind of typified by him. 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:59.000 The commander of the crucifixion. 00:33:59.460 --> 00:34:01.720 And he finds to his situation reversed. 00:34:03.039 --> 00:34:04.840 And he's brought to recognition. 00:34:05.039 --> 00:34:07.160 That this man indeed was a righteous man. 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:10.159 And he's saying far more. 00:34:10.599 --> 00:34:11.860 Than that this guy was innocent. 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:14.640 Because you see those three words. 00:34:15.160 --> 00:34:16.420 Right at the start of that verse. 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:19.079 He praised God. 00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:22.980 He knew that this innocent man. 00:34:23.059 --> 00:34:24.720 Convicted by the greatest power. 00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:25.300 In all the world. 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:26.039 Was actually. 00:34:26.760 --> 00:34:27.760 The representative. 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:29.200 Of the greatest power of all. 00:34:30.380 --> 00:34:31.360 Greater than Caesar. 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.220 And all his armies. 00:34:32.340 --> 00:34:33.380 And here is the beginning. 00:34:34.120 --> 00:34:35.780 Of an understanding of the cross of Christ. 00:34:35.780 --> 00:34:37.380 That he turns everything upside down. 00:34:38.760 --> 00:34:40.680 The great reversal of everything that was seen. 00:34:40.679 --> 00:34:42.119 The triumph of good over evil. 00:34:42.239 --> 00:34:43.159 Of love over hatred. 00:34:43.539 --> 00:34:45.980 Of self-sacrifice over self-serving. 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:47.839 And if the dying thief. 00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:49.960 Is the first convert of Calvary. 00:34:50.619 --> 00:34:51.839 It seems to me pretty certain. 00:34:51.940 --> 00:34:53.599 That this Roman centurion was the second. 00:34:55.259 --> 00:34:56.139 Do you see that Jew. 00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:58.539 And Gentile one in Christ. 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:01.319 And of course. 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:03.119 The greatest vindication is the empty tomb. 00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:04.440 Which is where we'll go to next week. 00:35:06.199 --> 00:35:08.399 But I wonder whether you will spend this week. 00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:12.099 Meditating on the consequences of the cross. 00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:15.400 That you'll use this Lord's day. 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:17.700 To think about the consequences of the cross. 00:35:18.800 --> 00:35:20.740 Which is judgment on sin. 00:35:22.139 --> 00:35:22.660 Rescue. 00:35:23.340 --> 00:35:23.900 For sinners. 00:35:25.139 --> 00:35:26.780 And vindication for our Caesar. 00:35:28.139 --> 00:35:28.820 Let's sing. 00:35:29.260 --> 00:35:29.400 Let's sing. 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:29.400