Accepting Christ’s Love He Died for You November 1

Think About It What motives do we associate with colors? For example “green with envy” or “being in a blue funk”? What color would you say models grief? Today we look at an experience in Jesus life when He – experienced great grief and a whole range of emotions – it was marked by great darkness

Listen for differing opinions about Jesus. Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" [40] But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?

Listen for differing opinions about Jesus. [41] We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." [42] Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." [43] Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Trusting He is the Messiah What did the first criminal say? What kinds of similar things do some people say about Jesus today? Why did Jesus not save Himself from such a horrible and tragic death? What did the second criminal say in response?

Trusting He is the Messiah What kinds of things led this man (and lead us) to repentance and conversion? Why didn’t both criminals plead for mercy from Jesus? What prevents many people from turning to Jesus?

Trusting He is the Messiah Note what Jesus promised the certainty of the promiseI assure you the time of the promiseToday the limit of the promise you the Person of the promisewill be with me the place of the promisein paradise

Listen for differing responses to the events of that day. Luke 23:44-49 (NIV) It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, [45] for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. [46] Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. [47] The centurion,

Listen for differing responses to the events of that day. seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." [48] When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. [49] But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things

Trusting Means Repenting What supernatural events do you see in this passage? What statements, actions were made by the participants in this scene? What do you think was the significance of the darkness? What about the veil in the temple being ripped in two … of what significance is this?

Trusting Means Repenting The centurion was probably a tough old army veteran. What was there about this crucifixion that caused Him to declare, "Surely this was a righteous man."? How did other onlookers respond to these events?

Trusting Means Repenting Consider the reality of what God has accomplished – overcome the problem of sin in the world – forgiveness of sins for all who receive Christ  The lives of all who were involved were changed … our lives are changed  This Truth is powerful … it continues to change lives as we faithfully communicate it

Listen for someone who took a risk. Luke 23:50-56 (NIV) Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, [51] who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. [52] Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. [53] Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock,

Listen for someone who took a risk. one in which no one had yet been laid. [54] It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. [55] The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. [56] Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Trusting means Risking How did Luke describe Joseph’s character? How did Joseph feel about Jesus’ trial and punishment? What did Luke mean by describing Joseph as a man who was “waiting for the kingdom of God”?

Trusting means Risking What sort of risks did Joseph take? What risks are involved in serving Christ today? How can we be known as people who are “waiting for the kingdom of God” and people willing to take a risk for Jesus?

Application Consider that Jesus made a profound impact on the criminal and the centurion in only a short amount of time and with only a few words – Jesus can do the same through us – Ask God to make you aware of opportunities to witness – Trust Him to use the few words you might share to plant a seed of salvation

Application Reflect on your own salvation experience – When did the meaning of Christ’s death begin to make sense to you? – Consider how you might explain the crucifixion to an non-Christian friend and tell what it means to you – Ask God to lead you to someone who needs to understand the meaning of the crucifixion

Application In what ways can you approach God each day this week, to honor the path opened for you as demonstrated by the torn temple curtain? – Daily time of talking to God, listening to His words from Scripture – Look for ways that God is at work in your world … thank Him for His personal attention to you and your needs – Share with children or grandchildren ways in which they can talk to God personally

Accepting Christ’s Love He Died for You November 1