The Three Crosses at Calvary

Introduction.
The introduction to today’s lesson is found in Lk. 23:26-43. When this text is read, it should paint a word picture in our minds as to the events of this tragic day. On each side of Jesus was a man being executed by the Roman government for crimes they had committed. Although they were all dying via crucifixion – the circumstances surrounding their death were different. In our lesson today, we wish to examine their characters and make application for men today.

I. The Cross of Rejection.
   A. Lk. 23:39; Mt. 27:42-44 – One of the thieves scoffed at & reviled Jesus.
        1. Did Jesus deserve this kind of treatment?
            a. Not according to Acts 10:38; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:21-24
            b. Jesus had done nothing to deserve this attitude
        2. Many do the same today w/o remorse!
    B. Some satisfied with their enmity/separation from Christ
        1. Rom. 1:31-32; 1 Pet. 4:3-5 – enjoy living according to fleshly lusts.
        2. Often encourage others to join in & ridicule those who do not.
    C. Must guard against being hardened to sin as thief on cross was – Heb. 3:12-13

II. The Cross of Repentance.
   A. The other thief approaches Jesus w/a totally different attitude than first one.
        1. Lk. 23:40 – even rebukes the other criminal who scoffed at Jesus.
        2. Mt. 27:42-45 – could have at first hurled insults – but different now!
    B. Notice 23:40-41 – refuses to blame anyone for his punishment.
        1. We need to learn this lesson. Sin labeled everything other than what it is!
        2. 1 Jhn. 3:4; Rom. 3:23; 6:23 – Bible does NOT white-wash sin!
    C. We too must recognize sin for what it is & repent of it. Prerequisite for salvation.
        1. Psa. 51:1-3; Lk. 15:17-19
        2. This is the first step on the road to recovery!
    D. What about this man’s spiritual condition following his death?
        1. We cannot be saved as this man was!
        2. Lk. 24:46-47; Jhn. 3:5; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4
        3. Remember...Christ hadn’t died yet!

III. The Cross of Redemption.
   A. This = the middle cross – the one that the Redeemer of the world dying on!
        1. Isa. 53:4-6 – He was our Lamb & perfect sacrifice.
        2. Dying for sins of world – even though He sinless
    B. Rom 5:7-9 – died even for his enemies! Even that first thief!
    C. Acts 2:36, 38-39; 4:13 – All men must come to the cross for salvation!
    D. Heb. 5:8-9 – must make commitment to obey Him. Are you?

What are you going to do? Are you going to look toward the cross for redemption?

Based upon article by Hoyt Houchen in the 10/15/1987 Guardian of Truth. Thanks Hoyt.



The Three Crosses at Calvary Introduction. The introduction to today’s lesson is found in Lk. 23:26-43. When this text is read, it should paint a word picture in our minds as to the events of this tragic day. On each side of Jesus was a man being executed by the Roman government for crimes they had committed. Although they were all dying via crucifixion – the circumstances surrounding their death were different. In our lesson today, we wish to examine their characters and make application for men today. I. The Cross of Rejection. A. Lk. 23:39; Mt. 27:42-44 – One of the thieves scoffed at & reviled Jesus. 1. Did Jesus deserve this kind of treatment? a. Not according to Acts 10:38; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:21-24 b. Jesus had done nothing to deserve this attitude 2. Many do the same today w/o remorse! B. Some satisfied with their enmity/separation from Christ 1. Rom. 1:31-32; 1 Pet. 4:3-5 – enjoy living according to fleshly lusts. 2. Often encourage others to join in & ridicule those who do not. C. Must guard against being hardened to sin as thief on cross was – Heb. 3:12-13 II. The Cross of Repentance. A. The other thief approaches Jesus w/a totally different attitude than first one. 1. Lk. 23:40 – even rebukes the other criminal who scoffed at Jesus. 2. Mt. 27:42-45 – could have at first hurled insults – but different now! B. Notice 23:40-41 – refuses to blame anyone for his punishment. 1. We need to learn this lesson. Sin labeled everything other than what it is! 2. 1 Jhn. 3:4; Rom. 3:23; 6:23 – Bible does NOT white-wash sin! C. We too must recognize sin for what it is & repent of it. Prerequisite for salvation. 1. Psa. 51:1-3; Lk. 15:17-19 2. This is the first step on the road to recovery! D. What about this man’s spiritual condition following his death? 1. We cannot be saved as this man was! 2. Lk. 24:46-47; Jhn. 3:5; Mk. 16:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-4 3. Remember...Christ hadn’t died yet! III. The Cross of Redemption. A. This = the middle cross – the one that the Redeemer of the world dying on! 1. Isa. 53:4-6 – He was our Lamb & perfect sacrifice. 2. Dying for sins of world – even though He sinless B. Rom 5:7-9 – died even for his enemies! Even that first thief! C. Acts 2:36, 38-39; 4:13 – All men must come to the cross for salvation! D. Heb. 5:8-9 – must make commitment to obey Him. Are you? What are you going to do? Are you going to look toward the cross for redemption? Based upon article by Hoyt Houchen in the 10/15/1987 Guardian of Truth. Thanks Hoyt.