Walking by Faith

2) A transforming Word
Luke 23:39-43

1) The sinners plea
Jesus was on the cross between two thieves
They both started out mocking Him (Matthew 27:44)
one mocked Him (If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us)
He is saying “You are the Christ, aren’t you?”
He didn’t have any measure of faith (Matthew 16:16)
All he wanted was to get out of the trouble that he was in
The other thief suddenly saw Jesus in a different light
He saw Jesus, himself, and the world differently
and he rebuked his friend (40-41)
He then turned to Jesus and asked Him to remember him when He came into His Kingdom
He wanted to be saved and partake in the Kingdom of Jesus (42)
He didn’t ask to be released or for relief, only for Jesus to remember him
He was not saved (Matthew 27:38 (Isaiah 53:12) He was a transgressor up to this point)
remember - “good bye” or remember me

He called Jesus Lord and somehow understood that He was going to have a Kingdom
Some speculations:

A) His look
There must have been something about the look or demeanor of Jesus
He saw something different in Jesus (He acknowledged the Jesus did not deserve to be there)

B) His Ministry
They could have heard about Jesus from His public ministry and the miracles He had done

C) His death
They could have heard the people calling for His death
all the while knowing that the cross had been prepared for Barabbas

D) His substitute
Barabbas could have been there to see who had been put in his place on the cross and freed him
He could also have known the other two thieves and been there to see what was happening to them
Whatever it was, something made him realize that Jesus was actually Lord and Savior

2) The Saviors pardon
Luke 23:43
Assurance, permanent, abiding, lasting
Jesus promised eternal life to the thief
Actually doing what the mockers had asked Him to do

3) The Spirits promise
‘Today, you shall be with Me in paradise”
Jesus gave His pardon only to the thief who recognized Him as the Lord and Savior of his life
(39) He came there a thief and left a saint
A place of rest (Abraham’s bosom)
Luke 16
Revelation 2:7