Sermon Notes

Series: CWI: Everyday Grace: Living One Day at a Time

Sermon Title: Mercy for Today

Luke 23:39-43

This week we are looking at another dimension of everyday grace. While usually we think of grace as unmerited favour and in particular we realize that we have received what we don’t deserve. This other dimension of grace is also called mercy. It is not receiving what we really do deserve.

The penitent thief who died on the cross next to Jesus is a great example of this kind of grace. Full of shame and recrimination he admits to the other criminal that they were getting what they deserved but that Jesus had done nothing wrong. He asks to join Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus of course grants his request and more: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

The account settles for us a number of important matters. 1. Death immediately ushers us into the presence of the Lord. Not purgatory here; no long lineups. 2. The immediate follow-up to death for those who trust in Jesus is paradise. The image is of fellowship with the Lord and other saints in a gardenlike setting waiting for the resurrection and the new heaven and new earth. 3. There is nothing the thief could do to prove his faith. There were no demands placed on him in order to gain entrance to “heaven.” He didn’t have the time to earn or merit salvation in any way.

We need this merciful aspect of grace every day. We must not live with shame and regret but rely on his mercy.

Discussion Questions:

1.Read Luke 23:32-43 in its entirety. Discuss the mocking of the rulers, soldiers and the other criminal. What would that atmosphere do to ramp up the tension in the moment Jesus addresses the penitent thief?

2.Discuss how shame over our past failures can keep us from coming to Jesus. How do we get past our shame and regret?

3.Discuss paradise and what you look forward to when you meet Jesus.

4.Read Rev. 21:1-4 for a description of heaven after the second coming and resurrection of the saints.

5.Why is it so important to understand and receive mercy every day?

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast

Christian Life Community Church - online podcast