The Good Shepherd Heals

April 26, 2009

Lesson: Acts 9:32-43

Key Verses: 9:33, 36

Introduction

The Twenty-third Psalm reveals the Triune God, the Lord, as a shepherd. David testifies: “The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.” All that the child of God needs the Lord does provide, whether it be of a spiritual or physical matter. Within this Psalm there is peace that refreshes soul and body, redemption that restores the soul, righteousness that provides a good life, protection from the evil of the world, discipline that guides thoughts and actions, healing that comforts soul and body, presence of the Lord that gives confidence, and promise that assures an eternal dwelling place. Surely we are under the care of the Lord: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. …He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91).

This same Lord, the Good Shepherd of Psalm Twenty-three, is revealed in the second person of the Godhead, the Incarnate Son of God. Our lesson takes place in two places, that of Lydda and of Joppa. The risen Lord Jesus walks with his chosen disciple, the apostle Peter who is carrying out the commission to go into the world and preach the Gospel of God’s Messiah. Miracles are a part of Peter’s commission, revealing the Lord of whom David spoke as his shepherd. “Luke setteth down how the Church was increased by miracles. And he reciteth two miracles: That a man who had been bed rid eight years, having the palsy, was suddenly healed; and that a certain woman was raised from death” (J. Calvin). The first city was Lydda, a city of Dan, near the Mediterranean Sea, ten miles east of the city of Joppa. From Joppa one could see Jerusalem.

Healing of Aeneas –Acts 9:32-35

“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.” It was recorded in verse thirty-one that the churches of Judea, Galilee and Samaria “were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit,” and they “were multiplied.” Though Peter and the disciples faced many trials and persecution, it is shown that they were also encouraged to praise the Lord and give him thanks for the redemptive blessings of the Lord in the lives of many people. Thus Peter came to Lydda with the witness that the saints were walking in the way of Christ and in the comfort of the Spirit, as the Lord added to their number.

Peter entered Lydda where “he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.” The bed of Aeneas was his only comfort for eight years. Peter, led by the Lord, said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed.” Peter spoke by the authority of Christ. John Calvin reflects rightly on the authority which was given to Peter: “It is certain that the apostles would never have attempted the doing of miracles, unless they had been first certified of the will of God, whereupon the effect did depend. For they had no such power of the Spirit given them that they could heal whatsoever sick persons they would; but as Christ himself used a measure in his miracles, so he would have his apostles to work no more than he knew were profitable. Therefore Peter did not rashly break out into these words; because he might have set himself to be laughed at, unless he had already known the will of God. It may be that he prayed apart. The Spirit who was the author of all miracles, and which wrought by the hand of Peter, did even then direct his tongue, and did move his heart by a secret inspiration. And in these words Peter showeth plainly that he is only the minister of the miracle, and that it proceedeth from the power of Christ; that he may by this means extol the name of Christ alone.”

As soon as Peter finished speaking, Aeneas “arose immediately.” The result of the Lord’s working through Peter, both in the preaching of the Gospel and the healing of Aeneas, “all that dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and turned to the Lord.” It is the Lord who saves and heals and who shall receive the glory. You can sense the urgency of those hearts as the healing began, as they sought out Peter and other disciples to hear more about this wonderful Savior and Lord.

Discussion: How was the glory of the Lord revealed in the healing of Aeneas?

Healing of Dorcas –Acts 9:36-43

There was a disciple, a learner of the Lord, “named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Dorcas was a Christian woman who showed compassion, benefiting others with her good deeds. “It is promised to those who consider the poor, not that they shall never be sick, but that the Lord will strengthen them upon the bed of languishing, at least with strength in their souls, and so will make all their bed in their sickness, will make it easy” (M. Henry). As with those who serve Christ showing compassion toward others with the compassion of Christ, find at times the need for deeds of compassion from others. Dorcas became “sick, and died.” Her body was washed and laid “in an upper chamber.” In her life she had revealed her faith in Christ by deeds of love and grace. Now she will be a witness to grace and strength of the Lord at death.

The disciples of the Lord had heard that Peter was nearby in Joppa; “They sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.” Without delay Peter went to the “upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” How beautiful are the prayers of the saints as they gather together to lift up a brother or sister in Christ to the Father, remembering the grace of Christ in their lives. And let pastors and elders, who are chosen of Lord as under-shepherds, be admonished with these words of Matthew Henry, “Let not faithful ministers grudge to be at every body’s beck, as far as they have ability, when the great apostle made himself the servant of all.” Paul spelled out the task of the apostles, which was his: “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more” (1 Cor. 9:18-19).

Peter asked those present to leave the room. He then “kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.” Peter then gave Dorcas his hand, “and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented he alive.” In other words, Peter stood by her, next to her, supporting her as her friends now saw that she was alive. One of the glorious evidence of the love of Christ in the midst of his saints is that we stand with one another. We do not allow a brother or sister to stand-alone. Does not a pastor or elder stand next to the brother or sister who has repented of their sin and now reveals that they are forgiven and alive in Christ? Does not an elder rejoice as he walks alongside of one who is growing in Christ, discipling a new Christian? The pew may be used to sit in, but the only comfort of a believer is a Christian friend who is near in spirit and in person.

Again the word of the Lord is spread as the miracle of Tabitha “was know throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.” Peter remained in Joppa for a while, ministering in name of Christ, enjoying the hospitality with Simon a tanner. “Peter was hereby induced to continue some time in this city. Finding that a door of opportunity was opened for him there, he tarried there many days, till he was sent thence, and sent for thence upon business to another place” (M. Henry). Each Christian has the joy of serving the Lord in being a disciple, a pupil of the Word by the Spirit; and of discipling others in the Word; hearing the words of the Savior: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and low, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20).

Discussion: In what ways are we to be used in testifying to the Gospel of Christ?

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Gospel Witnesses

April 19, 2009

Lesson: Luke 24:44-53

Key Verses: Luke 24:48-49

Introduction

We can only tell what we know. Notice the witness of Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:6-7). These words echo the words of our Lord recorded by Luke: “thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead … And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached … And ye are witnesses of these things” (24:46-48). All Christians redeemed by blood of Christ ARE witnesses in their words and deeds. Paul declares what God has actually accomplished in the life of every believer. We are, therefore, witnesses to death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For we have the Word of God written for our understanding of God’s wonderful love toward us in Christ Jesus.

Paul writes that God has made us accepted in the Beloved. Christ said that it was necessary for him “to suffer and rise the from the dead.” Therefore “repentance and remission of sins should be preached.” We were once not acceptable, and now we are acceptable to God as righteous, in Christ, the Beloved Son. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, having received forgiveness of our sins, according to grace of God. To him belongs all the praise and glory. We are, therefore, to be witnesses to that which God has done for us in Christ Jesus.

See My Hands –Luke 24:36-40

Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples, saying, “Peace be unto you.” They were terrified, and frightened, and believed they had seen a spirit. He said to them, “Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

When Jesus asked his disciples to look at his hands and feet, what were they to see? That he was risen from the dead? Yes. That he was alive? Yes. That he was not a spirit but a real being able to be seen and touched? Yes. But more than that, they were to know that he was truly the Son of God, the One who walked with them and taught them that he was the Good Shepherd who holds them dearly in his arms. He is the One who is alive today who fulfills the promise of the Father through the prophet: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isa. 40:11). The Good Shepherd said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Discussion: What was the reaction of the disciples to the risen Lord?

Hear My Words –Luke 24:41-44

They wondered at the sight of Jesus, believing not with the joy that should have been theirs. Patiently Jesus spoke to them in words they would understand, saying, “Have ye any meat?” They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. He took it and ate the fish in their presence. He then said to them, “These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses and the prophets and in the psalms concerning me.”

Our Lord further testifies to the reality of his resurrection by taking bread and fish, and eating the meal before their very own eyes. But there is more to this picture than the eating of bread, there is the eating of the bread of life, the word of God. For the bread and fish that he ate before the disciples, shows again that all that Jesus spoke to the disciples before his death and resurrection, was a fulfillment of Holy Scriptures, of every word spoken by the Law, by the prophets, by God’s song book, the Psalms. (Read Isa. 59:20-21)

If you see Christ in Holy Scriptures, you will be his witnesses to others. We do not testify our subjective experiences, but the objective truth that Christ is the only Lord and Savior. We testify to what we have seen and heard – just as the disciples when they cried out repent! For they had come to know that Jesus was the Savior who redeemed them from their sins.

Discussion: How did Christ help His disciples understand the Scriptures?

Preach My Gospel –Luke 24:45-49

Christ opened their understanding of Scriptures, saying to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”

The Holy Spirit through His Holy Scriptures gives us understanding with our minds and souls, about who Christ is and what he has done, to us. The Gospel that is to be preached is this: That it was necessary for Christ to suffer for our sins, dying upon the Cross of Calvary, and to be raised from the dead. This is God’s plan of salvation; there is no other person under heaven by which man must be saved. We must be witnesses, preach the Gospel, which has been given us, because there is no other rock upon which we can stand. We preach Christ crucified and risen, the rock of our salvation. The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ includes the call to repentance, and the forgiveness of sins. In other words, when we present the Gospel, we call others, as we were called, to turn away from self [repentance] and turn to Jesus Christ as the only One who can save. Looking to Christ we find that we have received forgiveness for our sins against God, through his grace, by the precious blood of Christ. We receive that wonderful free gift, embracing what has been given to us freely, a new life ransomed by His sacrifice.

We must ask ourselves how we can be witnesses. Can we really share what we have not seen? We must study the Scriptures that we may sound clearly the joy of our salvation in Christ. We are to “preach Christ crucified … Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:23-24). His disciples are to be “witnesses.” They are not be alone, for the promise of the risen Savior is this, “I send the promise of my father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Their authority would be from heaven. The promise of the Holy Spirit would come before they truly started on their commission.

Discussion: What does it mean to preach the Gospel?

His Ascension –Luke 24: 50-53

Jesus now leads his disciples toward Bethany, “and he lifted up his hand and blessed them.” While he was blessing them, “he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” The victorious Christ now Prince of kings at the right hand of God the Father. “He ascended as a conqueror, in a way of triumph. ‘Thou hast led captivity captive,’ etc. Ps. 68:18. He triumphed over sin, hell, and death; and his triumph is a believer’s triumph. He has conquered sin and hell for every believer” (Thomas Watson). This should compel us to worship and witness to our savior and Lord, “praising and blessing God.”

Our Lord’s ascension speaks of his greatness and authority in this world: “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raise him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places” (Eph. 1:19-23).

Discussion: What does the ascension of Christ mean to us today?

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The Empty Tomb!

April 12, 2009

Lesson: Luke 24:1-12

Key Verse: Luke 24:5

Introduction

Johann Sebastian Bach was called “A Christian who lived with the Bible.” This should be the testimony of every Christian who has been raised from death unto life by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bach looked for the grace of God in his work. In the glorious hope of the resurrection Bach looked to see his Savior face to face: “Before Thy throne, my God, I stand; Myself, my all, are in Thy hand; Turn to me Thy approving face, Nor from me now withhold Thy grace. Grant that my end may worthy be, And that I wake Thy face to see, Thyself for evermore to know! Amen, Amen, God grant it so!”

The Bible is no ordinary book, it is the Word of God written, alive and able to transform lives: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). The Bible speaks of the Son who was sent by the Father that those who believe should have life, eternally and abundantly. Jesus spoke of himself, saying, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Christ affirms “that he alone is sufficient to give life. For he claims for himself the designation of bread, in order to tear from our hearts all fallacious hopes of living. Having formerly called himself the bread of life, he now calls himself the living bread, but in the same sense, namely, life-giving bread. –Which have come down from heaven. … when he offered himself as a sacrifice to his Father; for then he delivered himself up to death for the life of men, and now he invites us to enjoy the fruit of his death. For it would be of no avail to us that that sacrifice was once offered, if we did not now feast on that sacred banquet” (John Calvin). We can feast on fruits of his death on the cross, whereby he paid the price for our transgressions, for he conquered death for us in his glorious resurrection.

The First Day –Luke 24:1-5

Joseph of Arimathaea, a good and just man, took the body of Jesus, “wrapped it in linen, and laid in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid” (Luke 23:53). The sabbath drew near, and the women who followed Joseph to the tomb went home to prepare the spices and ointment, resting on the sabbath day.

Early in the morning of the first day of the week the women came to tomb, “bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.” The women included Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. They came to the tomb and found the stone “rolled away from the sepulchre.” Entering the tomb they found “not the body of the Lord Jesus.”

It is not that they found the tomb empty, but that they found not the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. According the word of our Lord Jesus the hour had come “that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:23-24). Christ Jesus was raised from the dead, bodily, that we might know our own bodily resurrection from the dead.

Matthew records that there was a great earthquake which accompanied the coming of an angel from heaven, who “rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it” (Matt. 28:2). Simon Peter and John were summoned to the empty tomb. There was much confusion among those who came to the tomb on that first day of the week. As they asked questions one to another “two men stood by them in shining garments.” They then bowed their heads in fear. The angels said to them,” Why seek ye the living among the dead?”

To seek Jesus among the dead today is to subject oneself to the false saviors of the world, becoming slaves to death rather than to the Christ who gives life: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:14-15).

Discussion: What is important about finding the tomb empty?

The Empty Tomb –Luke 24:6-12

The angels spoke to those at the tomb, saying, “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” The promise of the resurrection would not be a reality without the crucifixion of our Lord: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:4-6). The glory of the grace and mercy of God the Father is manifested toward us in the Son; for the Father had laid upon the Son our iniquities, and has wounded him who bore those stripes on our behalf: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Both the death and the resurrection of Christ Jesus bore the fruit of God’s salvation for us. “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living” (Rom. 14:8-9). We also have the promise of a new and wonderful imperishable body, incorruptible, and eternal: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1).

Discussion: Are we able to understand the resurrection without understanding the cross?

The Risen People –1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Paul, in his letter to the saints at Corinth, writes those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven, saying that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” Those who hold to fleshly desires that will fade away, holds to the self-centered wickedness of this world. A transformation must take place.

Therefore, in that day “we shall be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” At the Lord’s second coming, when he himself “shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thess. 4:16), all of his saints must be changed, the corruptible putting on incorruption, the mortal changed to immortality. We must be so clothed to enter into that glorious heavenly kingdom where there is no corruption.

Then we will truly know that which is written, that which we now accept by faith that “death is swallowed up in victory.” The voice of our heart will be, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Our song is one of redemptive victory. In the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, the death of both the soul and body has been subdued and conquered. That which would have swallowed us, is itself swallowed by the work of our Redeemer.

Therefore, if we have such a promise, that we rest firmly in God’s salvation, then “be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Three things should be manifested in our life in Christ: A firm stand in our faith in Christ, in his death and resurrection, whereby we know his forgiveness and victory; An unmovable hope in the promises of God which conquer the trials of this life; A faithful and obedient spirit in service for our King, a work which shows the love of Christ for us, and our love for him.

Discussion: What does it mean to have victory because of the resurrection of Christ?

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I Commend My Spirit

April 5, 2009

Lesson: Luke 23:32-46

Key Verse: Luke 23:46

Introduction

During those dark hours of the Cross, Christ died for our sins, thus satisfying the divine justice of God: “The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He, through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto Him” (Westminster Confession of Faith, 8. 5). This PASSION or zeal of Christ to offer himself as the sacrifice for our sins is testified by his own words, “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received from my Father” (John 10:17-18). John Calvin reveals this act of grace and victory when he wrote the following words in a letter just prior to his death in 1564: “having no other hope nor refuge except in his gratuitous adoption, upon which all my salvation founded; embracing the grace which he has given me in our Lord Jesus Christ, and accepting the merits of his death and passion, in order that by this means all my sins may be buried; and praying him so to wash and cleanse me by the blood of this great Redeemer, which has been shed for us poor sinners, that I may appear before his face, bearing as it were his image.”

Mocking Him Who Alone is Able to Forgive –Luke 23:32-36

Christ Jesus was nailed to the sinner’s tree, as a criminal who knew no crime. There were “two other malefactors, led with him to be put to death.” When they came to “the place called Calvary (Golgotha-the place of the skull), there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” It was on that cross that Christ “triumphed over death as it were upon his own dunghill. He was crucified. His hands and feet were nailed to the cross as it lay upon the ground, and it was then lifted up and fastened into the earth, or into some socket made to receive it. This was a painful and shameful death above any other. That he was crucified in the midst between two thieves, as if he had been the worst of the three. Thus he was not only treated as a transgressor, but numbered with them, the worst of them” (M. Henry) He looked at those who nailed him to the tree, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Truly, those who condemned him, and those who nailed his feet and arms to the cross, did not know what they were doing. For what was happening was of divine purpose. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, of the divine Godhead, who says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my Father’s hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).

The “folly of fools” is always seen in deceit, and it is the fool who makes a mockery of sin (Proverbs 14:8-9). Ridicule and chicanery are the scepters of those who would rule in the place of righteousness. The priests and elders could only rely on lies to bring Pilate to say, “Let him be crucified.” Mocking could only twist that which was true. The people and the rulers stood before the crosses looking, but were blinded by their own hypocrisy; “deriding (Christ), saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ the chosen of God.” They heard with their ears that he claimed to be the Messiah. However, “They triumphed over him as if they had conquered him, whereas he was himself then more than a conqueror; they challenged him to save himself from the cross, when he was saving others by the cross” (M. Henry). The Messiah is he who has been chosen of God: “It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man; the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Saviour of His Church” (Westminster Confession 8. 1); as we read in those precious words of the Godhead, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The soldiers joined in the mocking, “and offering him vinegar.” When Christ refused the vinegar, which was used to hasten one’s death, he “patiently bore his torments, so that the lingering pain did not lead him to desire that his death should be hastened; for even this was a part of his sacrifice and obedience, to endure to the very last the lingering exhaustion” (Calvin). Our Savior endured the sufferings of the Cross of Calvary for those whom the Father had adopted as his children, satisfying the justice of God that we on our own could not do. We are enabled by the Spirit to look unto Christ Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame; and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).

Discussion: What is the true meaning of why Christ was crucified on the cross of Calvary?

A Place Prepared for Us in Paradise –Luke 23:37-46

The soldiers continued their mockery, saying, “If thou be the king of the Jews save thyself.” To further this contempt in their hearts “superscription also was written over him in letters of the Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This mockery continues today as words spew forth from the mouths of those who hate any idea that there is a God, whether it be in showing contempt of the Bible truths that rejoice in life in womb, or in turning from the moral strength revealed in the Commandments of God as politicians pass bills that confirm the evil ways of man; i.e., evolution reigns against that of the Creator in state schools. However, they cannot get away from the truth of the presence of the Prince of kings in our nation as expressed by the Puritans as they set foot upon our shores: “a great hope and inward zeal of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto, for the propagating and advancing of the kingdom of Christ unto those remote parts of the world, yea, thought they should be but as stepping-stones unto others for performing so great a work.”

One of the criminals, while hanging on his cross, joined the crowd, “If thou be Christ save thyself and us.” The other criminal rebuked him, saying, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds but this man hath done nothing amiss.” Turning to Jesus he asked, “Lord, remember me when thou camest into thy kingdom.” To which Christ replied, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shall thou be with me in paradise.” We forget at times that it is ‘transgressors’ that Christ pardons and brings into his eternal paradise; which “magnifies the riches of free grace, that rebels and traitors shall not only be pardoned, but preferred, thus preferred” (M. Henry). For this purpose Christ is the true and only Mediator “of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Heb. 9:15). When Christ said to the Father, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” had claimed the victory over the sins of the Father’s chosen children, satisfying divine justice, and thereby ushered that transgressor from his cross to the household of God.

It was the sixth hour, noontime, when darkness came upon the earth, lasting until three in the afternoon. Christ’s words “Eli, Eli lama sabachthani?” reveal the ransom price he paid on our behalf, becoming the sinner for us: “My God, my God, what hast thou forsaken me?” In that darkness our Savior takes upon himself the sin and guilt of his people. His sorrow is illustrated in verses 14-19 of Psalm 22; part of which reads, “My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. … they pierced my hands and my feet. … they part my garments among them.”

Christ took upon himself what we deserved in order that we may receive, by grace, what we do not deserve. In that darkness He paid the ransom price for our sin and guilt. He took upon himself the wrath of God the Father on our behalf. We were baptized with Christ on that cross, our very own selves being identified with him by the Father, as if we ourselves were receiving that just punishment. He kept his promise he gave to the prophet: “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death; O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction; repentance shall be hid from mine eyes” (Hosea 13:14). Christ would not forget, nor turn from his promise to save his people. For he is our Mediator between the Father and us, “Who gave himself a ransom” (1 Tim. 2:5-6).

Discussion: How is the promise of eternal life shown in the death of Christ Jesus?

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