Luke 23:44-56

Tyler began our time together by reading 1st Corinthians 15:3-5. “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the twelve.” The reality of Jesus’ death on the cross and His burial is crucial to the fulfillment of God’s story. In this week’s passage, we explore what it means that Jesus suffered and gave His life, not only to cover our sin but to lead us into a new life.

Luke 23:32-43

This week, Drew walks us through the Crucifixion of Jesus. We see this beautiful and profound act of mercy, as Jesus accomplishes His work to bring sinners with Him to Paradise. In this passage, we see His saving power, His extraordinary forgiveness extended to His enemies and the redemption that is secured for those who trust in Him. 

Luke 23:26-31

Luke has set out to create written records of a historical person, Jesus the Christ. Luke’s records are careful, intentionally chosen, and are meant to document the life and teachings of Israel's long-awaited Messiah and all of humanity’s welcome into God’s redemption story. Here, we have followed Luke to the very moment for which he has been preparing his readers.

In Luke’s record of Barabbas (shared last week), we arrive at the climax and focus of the whole gospel. “All sinners, all rebels, all the human race are invited to see themselves in this figure of Barabbas, and, as we do so, we discover how Jesus takes our places, under condemnation for sins and wickedness, big and small.” (see N.T. Wright's Luke for Everyone)

This morning, we’re introduced to a second character, likely never expecting an enduring place in history. Simon, on pilgrimage to Jerusalem from one of the Jewish communities in North Africa, becomes a model for all those who, “in devotion, holiness, and service,” follow behind King Jesus in humility and in pain. Simon of Cyrene’s activity, in this brief retelling, teaches those following Jesus today that small labors and sufferings for the Kingdom are not meaningless.

In Luke 23:1-25, as Jesus appears on trial before Roman authorities, we see Jesus’ innocence starkly on display. More than that, we see Jesus’ innocence in contrast with Barabbas’ guilt, a glorious picture of the great exchange of the gospel that takes place between Jesus and sinners who put their faith in Him. His sacrifice began an innocent insurrection—His loving kingdom invading the earth through believers.

Luke 22:63-71

As we near the conclusion of Luke’s gospel account, we focused today on Luke 22:63-71. Jesus has been arrested and taken into custody by the Jewish leaders. An illegal trial takes place at the residence of the high priest where Jesus is mocked and beaten as well as questioned by the leadership. Looking back at Luke 1:3-5, we are reminded that Luke wrote his gospel “so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” The emphasis of Luke’s gospel account has been to present the evidence that Jesus is in fact the Christ, the Son of Man, the Son of God. 

Luke 22:54-62

In Peter’s story of denial, we see a few themes:

- Peter’s pride and confidence in himself often led to rash decisions

- His proximity to Jesus was key - when he “stayed at a distance” or “looked at the wind and waves,” we see Peter struggle to follow Jesus

- In his fear and shame, Peter grew more aggressive

But Jesus did not condemn his friend:

- Jesus looked upon Peter with love (v 61)

- Jesus’ eyes and words provided conviction but not condemnation

- Peter wept and grieved over his denial - the beginning of repentance

- Ultimately, Jesus restores and commissions Peter around a similar, charcoal fire (Jn 21)

Luke 22:47-53

The Kingdom of God is upside down to the kingdom of the world.

Luke 22:39-46

As Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion approached, He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Anticipating the suffering to come, He sought the Father in His agony with prayers for strength and for the salvation of the lost to be accomplished to God’s glory. In the Garden, Jesus submitted to the Father’s will and triumphed over the devil’s temptation not to drink the cup of wrath.

This sermon focuses on aligning our hearts with Jesus during the election season by following five principles: preserving unity within the church, pursuing God’s kingdom through prayer, living out Christ-like character, proclaiming the gospel, and engaging faithfully in politics. 

Luke 22:24-38

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness. While the world views greatness as having others serve you and being recognized for your service, Jesus reveals that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is humbly serving others without seeking recognition. Jesus modeled this through His own service to His disciples, and even though the disciples repeatedly failed, Jesus commended their faith. Jesus continues to serve His disciples today, praying for them and forming them through their failures.