Posted: 2/15/05
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Feb. 20
Jesus paid the debt of our sin out of love
Luke 23:32-47
By Pakon Chan
Chinese Baptist Church, Arlington
The Jewish religious leaders sought any way possible to put Jesus to death. The most deadly accusation was to accuse Jesus of “perverting our nation, and trying to stop men paying taxes to Caesar, and saying he himself is the Anointed One, a king” (Luke 23:2).
But this false accusation did not convince Pilate. Jesus was sent back and forth for trials, and eventually sent back to Pilate again for the final trial. Under the pressure of the Jewish leaders, Pilate released Barabbas for them and crucified Jesus.
The crucifixion
Many people may still have a very fresh memory of the movie “The Passion of the Christ.” The cruelty of crucifixion in reality was even more terrifying. The cross was in a “T” shape, laid flat on the ground before nailing the criminal on it. The victim's arms were stretched out upon the crossbar, and the nails driven through his hands. His feet were not nailed, but loosely bound to the cross. There was a projecting piece of wood placed at the halfway point of the cross to support the weight of the victim. Usually it would take a few days before the victim would die of hunger and thirst.
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Matthew told us Jesus refused to drink the drugged wine, which would deaden the terrible pain (Matthew 27:34). Jesus wanted to face death at its worst and with a clear mind. His choice had many important implications. First, it told us that Jesus had paid the biggest price to save us from sin. Second, Jesus showed his great love for us; only he could die in such a terrible way for us. Third, he chose the cross out of his free will, which expressed his total submission to God's plan.
While Jesus was suffering this most painful moment, he did not curse others or regret his own choice. On the contrary, he prayed a forgiving prayer on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” (v. 34).
The two criminals
Jesus was placed between two criminals who were crucified on his right and left. But they had two different attitudes toward Jesus. One of the criminals kept hurling insults at Jesus. The other one knew Jesus was not an ordinary person. He was a sinless person but willing to die for his people.
That criminal might have been enlightened by Jesus' prayer of forgiveness and realized he must be the Messiah. He also might have heard of Jesus and his ministry before Jesus was crucified. To this criminal, it was the last chance for him to ask God for forgiveness, and he grasped it. He asked, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. 42).
Through and in Jesus, God has offered his forgiveness for those who will ask for it. This criminal did not need to do anything to earn God's forgiveness. He was not any better than the other criminal; they both deserved their punishment. All he did was just ask for Jesus' forgiveness. Jesus can save anyone who asks. It doesn't matter how bad they were before, Jesus is ready to forgive, for he has died for us. Jesus replied to that criminal, “This is the truth–I tell you–today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43).
The veil was rent
An unusual thing happened when Jesus gave up his last breath. The veil of the Temple was rent in the midst (v. 45). The veil of the Temple was the separation between the Holy of Holies and the people. No one can enter into it except the high priest once a year during the Day of Atonement. The significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was to bridge the gap between God and people. Jesus is really the way, which will lead us to the Father (John 14:6). On the cross, as never before and never again, people see the love and forgiveness of God.
The love and forgiveness of God, which are offered to us through and in Jesus, is the greatest mystery in human history. We may not totally understand this mystery, but we still can enjoy it if we accept Jesus as our Savior. Jesus has promised us we will be with him in paradise if we ask for his forgiveness for sin.
Discussion questions
What do you think is the best way to celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection during the next month?
How do you interpret the phenomenon of the tearing of the Temple's veil?
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