Parkwood Baptist Church

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”                        – 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the  Kingdom of God.'”                              – John 3:3

“For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall be united in a resurrection like His.  We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.  For one who has died has been set free from sin.” – Romans 6:5-7

It is a promise made from the cross.  A declaration of a new future for a man who had nothing left.  It was a word of new life to a someone whose life was over.  It was not a “wish” or a “dream”.  It was not a false hope.  They were not just “positive thoughts” to bring comfort to a dying man.  These were words of transformation!

This man, who was dying, was being “born again”.  His old life was ending…literally…and a new life was beginning…simultaneously!!  According to the Scripture, this man is a visual illustration of our salvation experience when we come to Jesus.  “Old things have passed away…”

I know from years of seeing people give their lives to the Lord that this man instantly experienced an inner sense of peace and joy.  Maybe, as he heard these words, tears began to flow…not tears related to his pain , but tears of relief…he was redeemed!   The old things were passing away, his mistakes were forgiven…his sins were being crucified on the cross right next to him!

In that moment the Holy Spirit worked as a spiritual perimedic and performed a “spiritual transfusion”.  He transferred the criminal’s blood tainted by sin and rebellion into Jesus and the holy…innocent…eternal blood of Jesus into the man.  And the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit filled his soul.  As his physical blood flowed out the spiritual blood from the eternal fountain of God flowed in!

The body of a criminal was nailed to the cross that day, but the body of a saint was taken off…”the new has come”.  A slave to sin his whole life, but now…“set free”.

I can’t help but wonder if there was some visible change in that criminal on the cross.  Did the people watching see any difference after that moment?  Was there a slight smile as a result of the Lord’s promise?  Did the crowd begin to cast doubt on the words of Jesus?  “Don’t believe him!  He can’t even save himself.”  “His empty promise isn’t getting you down from that cross…what good is it?”

It can be hard to explain our faith in a loving God when our circumstances are tough.  This criminal’s physical suffering did not change.  He did not get to come down from the cross and go home.  But, there was a change…one that I believe those around the cross could see…there was something different…not a change in circumstances but a change in the one suffering.

This is the most powerful testimony of the child of God…the believer…no matter what we go through we have the promise that our loving Savior is with us…today!

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43

“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.  And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’  And Jesus said to Him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house…'” – Luke 19:8, 9

Most things in life require some type of waiting period…an application process…a time of preparation.  When students are deciding where to go to college  they anxiously await to hear where they will be accepted.  “Your application is being processed.”  If you want to get a mortgage or loan you must fill out the paperwork and then wait to find out if you qualify.  “We will get back to you in a few days.”  When I drop my car off at the shop I wait to get the call letting me know what will be required and what it will cost.  Even most churches will have a process or a informational training before accepting new members…and all have their purpose.

So, it makes sense that we would tend to see our relationship with God in the same way.  We come to God and submit the application for eternal life.  Name.  Address. Social security number.  Qualifications?  (Hmmmm).  Church attendance (sparse…attach extra page with excuses).  Amount of Bible reading (occasional…that’s gonna hurt me).   How many contemporary praise songs do you know? (What? Are you kidding me?)  On and on we go with the things that we think will help us in our eternal standings with God…and then we wait…and we treat life here on earth like a waiting room for salvation.  A trial period when we must qualify or prove our worth.  But…then there is the thief on the cross…and a unexpected response.

“Today…”

No waiting…no application…no investigation of his religious activities or his doctrine of the trinity.  Jesus responds immediately and assures the newly “born again” man that he has been heard and the reward for his faith will be his that very day.  What?

Who does this Jesus think He is that He can promise this man a seat in Paradise…and give a time of delivery?  No background check?  No decision card to sign?  Know this my fellow believer…the cry of the lost soul for salvation will always be heard immediately.  The Jesus who loves us and died for us will always respond to the prayers of the humble and brokenhearted without delay. Whether it is a prayer for salvation or a prayer for a restoration of your relationship with Him, He will always answer today! Your relationship with Him is top priority…there is no process…no application fee…no requirements other than a repentant heart.

You see, Jesus not only hears our requests…He hears them today.   There is no switchboard.  There is no “holding for the next available agent”…no “please call back during regular business hours”.  God’s Kingdom work is open 24/7.  He stands ready to receive your call.  Your request is heard and processed immediately.  You are speaking to the man in charge.  He has the authority and the power to give you an answer right now…today.

Do you need to get your heart right with Jesus today? Come before Him with your humble request and know that he hears you as sure as He heard the thief on the cross.  He knows what you need and He knows when you need it.  You can make things right with God today.

“And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with me in Paradise.'” – Luke 23:43

“And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”                                               – Mark 1:22

This third statement from the cross reveals to us a message consistent with the first two.  Our God is a God of compassion who loves the world!  He forgives us, intercedes for us, and gives His life for us.  He is a God who “sees” us and watches over us.  He is also a God who listens to us and “hears” our cries for help.  In fact, these words spoken to the dying thief reveal a God who is granting salvation during the very act that made it possible!  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

But, these words reveal so much more about Jesus…about death…about salvation…about life after death.  They are words that can bring us comfort and strength.  It is a promise given to a thirsty soul…a promise for all of us who call on Him with a humble heart.  They are words that give us assurance.  Today, as we continue to look at this word from Jesus, it is my prayer that we will begin to understand even more the depth of the love God has for us.

“Truly, I say to you…”

Jesus prefaces His answer with words we have heard Him use before, but He uses these words in a unique way.  The Greek word is the word “amen” similar to the Hebrew word which means “so be it”.  Normally it is a word used at the end of a statement or prayer to acknowledge agreement and support.  When it is used before a statement, as Jesus does here, it implies a first hand knowledge and authority of what follows.  In other words, Jesus is saying, “You can know this for sure!”  “I know first hand that this is true!”

This power and authority amazed the crowds during Jesus’ ministry.  The people knew that His words were more than just a man’s opinion about “spiritual” things or His interpretation of what He had read.  He was spoke about things that He knew…places He had been…things that He had seen.  This was one of the many ways Jesus revealed His divinity to us!

“Truly, I say to you…”

Jesus is saying, “Listen!  What you are about to hear is the Gospel Truth!  You can believe it…you can count on it!”

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life.  He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.”  – John 5:24

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.”      – Matthew 18:3

“Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” – John 8:51

Today, as we dig deeper into these words about life and  death and eternity and the work of salvation let us find assurance that Jesus knows what He is talking about and that we can build our faith and our hopes on the solid rock of His first hand knowledge of the greatest mysteries of our world…and the next.

“As He drew near Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing the crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.  They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’  And he cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’…and Jesus stopped…”                                                                                       – Luke 18:35-40

“There was a man named Zacchaeus…and he was seeking Jesus but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him…and when Jesus came to the place, He looked up…” – Luke 19:1-6

“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'” – Luke 23:42, 43

As we started this study we established that the crucifixion was a crowded…chaotic…and, therefore…loud event that took place on a busy street going into town.  There were many people with carts and animals passing by and quite a few that had gathered to watch the gruesome execution.  There was a lot going on.  And yet the first two phrases Jesus speaks from the cross show us that He is not only aware of those around Him, but that He “sees” them.  We were reminded that our God is the God who sees…”Jehovah Jirah”!

The combination of the travelers and the spectators and the soldiers also made the cross a very loud place.  Like a busy restaurant in the busy lunch rush there were many noises.  The sound of the wooden carts hauling the people and supplies for the Passover celebration…the bleating of animals being brought for the sacrifices…people shouting at children to keep up.  Then there were the shouts of the mocking spectators and voices of the soldiers at the foot of the cross.  So, it is surprising that Jesus tunes in to hear the conversation of the two dying men around Him…and responds!  Jesus reveals to us not only that we have a God who “sees”, but also a God who hears...who listens!

Throughout His ministry we often find Jesus surrounded by crowds of people clamoring for His attention.  In fact, Scripture tells us that many times the crowds were so bad that He and the disciples could not get away to eat a meal.  His reputation as a miracle worker brought people out of the woodwork wherever He went.  When Jesus showed up there was standing room only!  No, Jesus was no stranger to crowds.

It was also not out of the ordinary for Jesus to hear a cry for help amidst the many shouts of the crowd.  He was never too busy to notice someone that was on the outside trying to get in or to hear the voice of a seeking heart.

We not only have a God who “sees”, but we also have a God who listens!  Jesus was watching the people from the cross and He was listening too.  He heard the mocking and the insults.  He heard the angry shouts of the religious leaders.  But, He only responded to the humble request of a dying criminal.  “Jesus, remember me…”

Maybe today you feel you are on stranded on the side of the road and need the touch of Jesus…call out to Him!  He will hear you.  Maybe you are feeling inadequate…stunted by your shortcomings…in a tree hoping for a glimpse…come down to Him.  Maybe you feel forgotten and alone…pray.  “Jesus, remember me…”

He is a God who listens.

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’  But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’  And he said, ‘Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’  And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'” – Luke 23:39-43

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”  – Matthew 7:21-23

“So they said to Him, ‘Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe in you?  What work do you perform?'” – John 6:30

Yesterday we looked at the placement of Jesus among criminals and we were reminded that this was not an uncommon place for Jesus to be.  He spent much of His life and His ministry among the outcasts of society.  Like the shepherd in Luke 15, we have a God who seeks the lost sheep.  Jesus is a “friend of sinners”.

We should also notice that the two crucified with Jesus knew who He was.  This conversation that we read shows us  that both criminals were not only familiar with Jesus, but also with His claims and His ministry.  Since we have already established that Jesus spent a lot of time in that circle of people, it only makes sense that these men might know Jesus…by name and reputation.

So, both of these men “knew” about Jesus and His claim to be Messiah…the Christ, but they have two very different responses to Him.  One joins the mockery of the crowd and expresses an attitude of disdain.  “I thought you said you were the Christ…prove it!  Save yourself and us!”  The other responds from the same circumstance…the same suffering…under the same condemnation, with a humble request.  It is a personal request as well, but not loaded with anger…it is made with humble respect.  “Jesus, I know who you are and I know who I am.  I realize that I need you…have mercy on me…remember me…”

A simple request.  A prayer.  A call for help.  A humble attitude of repentance.  The salvation of a soul.

The Scriptures tell us that many people are like the criminals on the cross.  They know about Jesus.  They know about His claims.  They may even go to church and live a “good” life, but they don’t “know” Jesus personally.  Before they are willing to follow Him they want to see proof.  They are waiting for a sign that Jesus really loves them.  Isn’t it ironic that the greatest demonstration of God’s love for us was happening right between these criminals.  One saw it and experienced redemption.   The other saw it, but was blinded to it by his own pain and selfish desires.

Do you know Jesus…personally?  You can.  Don’t allow the depth of your hurt keep you from coming to the only One who can save you.

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on His right and one on His left…One of the criminals that was hanged railed at Him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'” – Luke 23:32, 33, 39-43

“And as Jesus reclined at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and His disciples.  And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’  But when He heard it, He said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick…for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'” – Matthew 9:10-13

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”                                                         – Luke 19:10

Today we hear Jesus speak for the third time from the cross.  This time it is part of an encounter between Jesus and those being executed with Him.  We are not told who they are specifically…only that He was crucified with two criminals.  One on His right and one on His left…Jesus in the middle.  Both of the men speak to Jesus and Jesus responds to one.  What does this conversation reveal to us about God and the work of Jesus on the cross?

Before we look at the specific conversation I would like to draw your attention to the detailed description of this arrangement.  After all, why are we told of this?  From our seats in the 21st century this seems to just add insult to injury.  Our Savior…the Son of God…the “innocent” one is lumped in with these “common criminals”.  This is just another humiliation for our Lord…or is it?

Maybe this is just like Jesus.  Maybe this is a totally appropriate setting for the One who came to seek and save those who were lost.  Maybe this should not be such a surprise or offense to us.  In fact, the Scriptures tell us that Jesus was known for hanging out with the riff raff…the criminals…and that He was usually right in the middle of them.

This was one of the major criticisms the relious leaders had of this renegade prophet.  Jesus was too friendly with the people of questionable character.  They even labeled Him as a “friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 11:19).  He went places He wasn’t supposed to go.  He touched people He wasn’t supposed to touch.  He loved the unloved.  So, once again, this should not be such a surprise to us when His life ends in the company of two convicted criminals.  This is exactly where Jesus would want to be!

So, before we hear His words let us look at the cross and His surroundings and be reminded that our God puts Himself in the middle and loves the lowest of the low…the outcast…those rejected by the world…those who deserve to be crucified…those like you and me.

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.” – Mark 1:35

The Sabbath is not only an opportunity to rest from our daily work, it is an opportunity to re-focus on our heavenly Father.  It is a time to come into the presence of our Creator and worship Him.  It is a time to pray…to listen…to quiet our hearts before Him.  It is an adjustment to our attitude…a time to “refuel”.

The problem is that I don’t know of anyone who can make it on this just once a week.  The Scripture tells us that even Jesus felt that prayer and reflection…or connection…was vitally important.  He often found Himself so busy with the demands of the crowds and His disciples that He would have to sneak away to grab a “Sabbath moment”.  The Scriptures tell us that this was so important to have this alone time to pray and get focused that Jesus  would get up early…He would go to a “desolate” place where He could be by Himself…even if for a moment.

I can relate to that.  How about you?  I confess that I need “Sabbath moments” more than just once a week.  I need them on a daily basis.  Today marks the second Sabbath day in the Lenten season.  I challenge you to take opportunity to rest and reflect.  However, I would also like to challenge you to take opportunities on a daily basis to grab “Sabbath moments”.  Steal away for a moment to “check in” with the Lord.  Getting up before the family…taking five minutes during lunch…pausing just for a moment…a Sabbath.  Close your eyes and remember who you are and whose you are.  We need it…and the Father loves it!

Enjoy this day and rest in His love!

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet…” – John 13:3-5

“So if there be any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by being obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” – Philippians 2:1-8

“When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said…” – John 19:26

The selfless love of our Savior is more than we can comprehend.  Throughout the ministry of Jesus, the needs of others were always a priority.  He would stop in the middle of doing something else to address a person who was hurting.  He would play with the children even when He was tired and needed rest.   He would miraculously multiply loaves and fishes when the crowd was hungry.  Wherever Jesus would go He had people calling out for His attention…for His touch…for His help in some way…and He seemed to always have time to help.

As you read the Gospels and the reporting of His life you sense a calm loving presence that reveals a deep sympathy and importance to those who are in need.  His love for us is unconditional and selfless!  This was most clearly demonstrated on the cross when He gave it all up for us…and it was revealed in these words from the cross.

So far we have only looked at two of the seven phrases and we already see that in the midst of personal suffering Jesus still is thinking of others.  “Father, forgive them…” and “Mother, behold, your son”.  We have a God who loves us, watches over us, provides for us and has a purpose for us!

The words to Mary and John show us that this love and care is more than just a “general” love for the world…it is also a specific love toward each of us.  Jesus doesn’t just watch over the world…He watches over you!  Jesus knows you by name and He knows what your specific needs are.  He knows your struggles and your pain.  He wants to provide for you what you need to make it through your circumstances.  Mary needed a “son” a “caregiver” and Jesus provided John.

What do you need today?  You may not even know, but Jesus does.  Take time today to bring your needs and come into His presence and He will rise from His seat and, if you need it, He will wash your feet.  This is the God we serve.

“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns…so Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The LORD will Provide’ and to this day it is said, ‘On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.'”                                                                                          – Genesis 22:13, 14

“…your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” – Matthew 6:8

“When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said  to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’  Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!'” – John 19:26, 27

From the cross Jesus has revealed to us the love and compassion of the Father.  He has reminded us that God is a God of forgiveness and mercy.  He also shows us that He is a God who sees us.  He watches over us and, therefore, cares for us…provides for us.  This is the message of the cross…God provided for us The Way.

It was a “test” we are told in  Genesis 22:1.  God asked Abraham to take his son Isaac to the top of Mt. Moriah and sacrifice him to the LORD.   This was the very son that God had miraculously provided to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.  He was the fulfillment of the promise.  If you know the story then you know Abraham passed the test.  Not because he sacrificed his son, but because he was willing to.  He believed that the God who miraculously provided Isaac in the first place would continue to miraculously provide one way or another…and He did.  Abraham called the place Jehovah Jirah, which means “The LORD will Provide”, and, sure enough, right there at the top of the mountain…just behind him was what he needed.

I’m sure Mary was in a state of shock as she watched her oldest son struggling on the cross and I would guess that John wasn’t in any better frame of mind.  Neither of them was thinking of what they might need down the road.  They were simply dealing with the heartbreak and sorrow of the moment and the haunting questions we have all asked at times…”How could God let this happen?” or “Where is God in this?”  It is a crisis of faith.  It is a “test” of our trust when things don’t go well and we can’t explain it.  Even on the cross, Jesus knew they needed comfort.  He knew that they needed to know that this was part of His plan.  They needed to know that He was still in control and they could trust Him.

For Mary, Jesus wanted her to know that she was not alone and that He was making sure she would be taken care of.  He had already planned it.  He had orchestrated everything including this personal moment at the cross.  “Mom, you’re going to need some help and support through this.  That’s why John is here.”

I don’t know what you are going through today, but Jesus does and He knows exactly what you need to get through it.  He will provide!  It is what He does.  Ultimately, He provided you forgiveness and freedom through the cross.  Specifically, today, He will provide His presence and the support you need to live for Him.  You can trust Him.  He has proved it over and over.

“So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, ‘You are the God who sees‘, for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen Him who looks after me.'” – Genesis 16:13

“Then the LORD said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry…”                                                             – Exodus 3:7

“My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret…your eyes saw my unformed substance…”                                 – Psalm 139:15, 16

“For the eyes of the LORD look to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is wholly His.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9

“When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple…He said, ‘Woman, behold, your son…Behold, your mother!'”                                                                     – John 19:26, 27

The Scripture tells us from cover to cover that we have a God…a Creator who constantly watches over us.  It was Hagar, the maid servant of Sarah, who first called God the “One Who Sees”.  She had been banished to the desert with her young son Ishmael and they had run out of water.  She felt that they were all alone…no one cared or knew where they were.  It looked like the end for them, but…God was watching.  He knew where they were.  He was looking at them and He was looking out for them.

Again, when God came to Moses in Exodus to explain His plan to deliver his people from the oppression of the Egyptians, He said that He had “seen” the injustice…God was watching…noticing…caring.

The Psalmist says that God even watches over each of us as we are being created…before we knew He was looking at us He had His eye on us.  In Chronicles the prophet Hanani reminds King Asa that God is always looking for those whose hearts are His.

Therefore, we should not be too surprised that Jesus (God in the flesh), while experiencing extreme suffering, would be looking at the people.  After all, He was there on the cross for them…for us.  We were the reason that He was dying.  It was His love for us that He was demonstrating (Romans 5:8).  So, Jesus watched the crowd.  He saw the strangers hurrying by.  He saw the unbelief in the eyes of the mockers.  He saw the faces of the angry Priests.  He saw the soldiers below Him gambling for His clothes.  And, in the midst of all the crowded chaos of the moment, He saw His best friend, John and…His mother.

Believer, we have a God who watches over us.  He is the God who “sees”.  We don’t have to jump up and down to get His attention.  We are not just a face in this crowded and chaotic world.  He knows you.  He recognizes you.  We don’t have to introduce ourselves to Him…He has seen you from before you were born.  The truth is…when you look to God you will always find that He is already looking at you.

Today, turn to the cross and look into the loving face of Jesus.  He is looking at you.  As your eyes meet you will realize that He knows you, loves you, and cares for you.  Look to Him and listen as He speaks to you today.