2. The Cross and the Kingdom Luke 23:26-49 March 17, 2013 Guest Speaker: Bill Gaultiere

3. A KINGDOM OF CARDBOARD AND SPOILS  You can believe that Jesus died for your sins but still be running your own show.

4. A KINGDOM OF CARDBOARD AND SPOILS  Jesus’ Gospel: “Rethink your life in view of your opportunity to live today in the kingdom of the heavens” (Matthew 4:17, paraphrase).

5. HOW JESUS DIED  While being crucified, Jesus loved his enemies, the bystanders, and his fickle friends. 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28 [NIV]

6. HOW JESUS DIED  Everyone had a selfish agenda for Jesus.

7. HOW JESUS DIED  The joy that was set before Jesus at the cross (Heb. 12:2).

8. TAKE UP YOUR CROSS  [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” Luke 9:23-25 [NIV]

9. TAKE UP YOUR CROSS  At the cross, Simon of Cyrene, the thief, the soldier, the women and Jesus’ friends saw how Jesus loved his enemies and they gave up their agendas and stepped into God’s kingdom. (Luke 23:26-49)

10. ABANDON OUTCOMES TO GOD  Our agendas for God and trying to make things happen for ourselves distance us from God and cause us anxiety.

11. ABANDON OUTCOMES TO GOD  “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

12. ABANDON OUTCOMES TO GOD  An example: Learn to “do nothing”—just be with Jesus and the people around you.

13. PRAYER  “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46; Psalm 31:5)

14. THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.In what ways am I convinced to “rethink my life in view of my opportunity to live today in the kingdom of the heavens”? 2.What must be changed in me to live a surrendered life, giving up my agendas for God and my striving for myself?