Responding to Jesus

I believe it’s in the crucifixion account that Luke comes to us and says, “I’ve given you all of this information, but how will you respond to it? I’ve given you this information, but how do you take it in?” When Jesus says, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing,” what he’s saying is, “Father, they’re looking right at me, and they don’t get it. They’re looking at what we’re doing, they’re looking at your salvation, they’re looking at the greatest thing that has ever happened in the history of the world, and they don’t get it.”

Here’s what Luke is asking. Do you get it? Luke is saying, “You have information, but is it real to you? Do you get it?” Everything you need to respond to Jesus in a life-transforming way is right here.

We see all of the people rejecting him, the whole sweep of humanity. We see both the leaders and the common people rejecting him. We see both the Jews and the Gentiles rejecting him. Everybody. Peppered through all this rejection are four parties who respond differently, and if we look at how they respond, we’ll learn how we should. Let’s notice three things: who gets Jesus, how they get Jesus, and why they (and, therefore, we) can get Jesus.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on April 27, 2003. Series "The Meaning of Jesus Part 4; The Kingdom of God". Scripture: Luke 23:33-56.

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