The Heart of Jesus
As Jesus appears before the last person who can spare him from being tormented on the cross, he refuses to plead for his life. Why? Because he WANTS to go to the cross. And when they nail him to the beam and hang him up to die, and they hurl insults at him, he holds no grudge. Instead he prays "Father, forgive them." The sins of mankind (including yours and mine) meant that the cross was necessary - so while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Read Luke 23:13-25
Barabbas is an insurrectionist and murderer - he wants to overthrow the ruling kingdom for his version of a better one. Discuss the ways that you are like Barabbas in your rejection of the Savior and God’s Kingdom? How has Jesus set you free to worship Him and live in God’s kingdom?
In what way does Jesus’ power, authority, and sovereignty demonstrate his kindness in this passage?
During this sermon it was said, “The most important question for Christians is what you do with your sin.” In what ways do you hide, try to handle yourself, or pretend your sin is still not there? How do you instead practice freedom in Christ, knowing that Jesus has paid the ransom for your life?
March 26, 2023 - Jon Schuler