Friday April 14th

Luke 23:33-47

                 Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”  The time was now complete for the Son of God to pour out His life to redeem His beloved creation from the curse of sin.

                 In the middle of the crucifixion scene, Luke records two criminals that were also crucified with Jesus.  One of these criminals was full of hatred and disdain for Christ, but the other recognized something different.  He cried out, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"  And Jesus replied, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." 

                 How could Jesus reply this way to this man?  He was a thief and a murder!  He was completely guilty!  We cry for justice to be done!

                 Yes, this man deserved to die.  He deserved to be condemned to an eternity in hell because of his crimes.  But because of his belief in Jesus, this man doesn't get what he deserves (justice), he gets what he doesn't deserve (mercy).

                 We all deserve the same fate that the world had condemned this man and his companion to.  We have all broken God’s law and each of us stands guilty before Him.  Romans 3:10 says, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE”!  We all deserve the wrath of God to be poured out on our lives.  But through the sacrificial death of Christ for our sin, we are rescued from the wrath of God and given grace.  Paul says this in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith”.  Through Christ, we don’t get what we deserve, we get mercy!

                  Romans 5:6-9 puts it like this: “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”  Praise God for His infinite mercy and grace!

                   Have you come to a place in your life where you have trusted in the sacrifice of Jesus for your salvation?  Why not make today the day!

Pastor Paul Beam

Events of Friday:

*Right around midnight, Jesus is betrayed by Judas
(Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12)

*1st Jewish trial of Jesus (before Annas– former high priest)
(John 18:13-14, 19-24)

*2nd Jewish trial of Jesus (before high priest Caiaphas/part of Sanhedrin)
(Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65)

*Peter denies Jesus
(Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27)

*Around sunrise, final Jewish trial of Jesus (before full Sanhedrin)
(Matthew 27:1-12; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)

*Judas hangs himself
(Matthew 27:3-10)

*1st Roman trial of Jesus (before Pilate; sent to Herod)
(Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-7)

*2nd Roman trial of Jesus (before Herod; sent back to Pilate)
(Luke 23:6-12)

*Final Roman trial of Jesus (before Pilate; condemned to die)
(Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-15; John 18:28-19:16)

*The crucifixion of Jesus Christ (9am to 3pm; darkness covers land from noon to 3pm)
(Matthew 27:27-54; Mark 15:16-39; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:16-37)

*Jesus is buried in a borrowed tomb (from Joseph of Arimathea)
(Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)