Luke Part 3 Week 27

Day 1  

RECEIVE 

Luke 23:35-38 

³⁵ The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” ³⁶ The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. ³⁷ They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸ A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” 

The religious unbelievers and soldiers ridiculed Jesus. They challenged Him to save Himself if He were really “the King of the Jews.” Jesus easily could have saved Himself but He was carrying out the plan of God. It was His love for lost mankind that bound Jesus to the cross. The unbelievers of that day wanted it to be known that they were crucifying the one who claimed to be the King of the Jews. 

REFLECT 

Think of the abuse Jesus was gladly enduring because of His love for lost mankind. 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in reading passages in 1 John that tell about the love of Jesus for lost human beings. Especially notice 1 John 4:7-11; 17-21. 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 23:39-42 

³⁹ One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” ⁴⁰ But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? ⁴¹ We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 

Luke recorded the comments of the two criminals being crucified with Jesus. One charged Jesus to save all three of them if He was really the Messiah. The other criminal rebuked the first criminal to speak by admitting they were being justly put to death for their crimes but Jesus was innocent. Then this criminal defending Jesus asked Him to remember him when Jesus came into His kingdom. 

REFLECT 

Think about this thief on the cross who wanted Jesus to remember him. This reveals as long as there is life there is opportunity to turn to Jesus to believe in Him as Savior. 

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend about learning about this thief on the cross who wanted Jesus to remember him. There would be no opportunity for this thief to be baptized or to do any good works. What was necessary was for him to believe in the ability of Jesus to save his soul.  

Day 3  

RECEIVE 

Luke 23:43 

⁴³ And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

This is a great, comforting statement by Jesus. The repentant thief would be with Jesus in paradise. This seems to be a reference to what is sometimes referred to as the “third heaven”; the place of God’s abode. 2 Corinthians 12 is thought to be talking about Paul himself when it tells of being caught up to paradise (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-7).  

REFLECT 

Think of the great assurance to hear Jesus say you could be with Him in paradise! 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about how one can know for sure he or she is a believer. See what the apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:11-13. One can be a “know-so” Christian and not just a “hope-so” Christian. 

Day 4  

RECEIVE 

Luke 23:44-46 

⁴⁴ By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. ⁴⁵ The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. ⁴⁶ Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. 

Darkness covered the earth from noon until 3:00 p.m. as Jesus bore the sin of mankind upon Himself. In the past, people had to go through priests and rituals for prayer times, but now the curtain to the Holy of Holies is ripped down the middle and everyone can go boldly to the throne of grace. Jesus was not killed; He willing gave up His life for others and breathed His last.  

REFLECT 

Does it further underscore how much Jesus loved you in that He willingly gave His life for you? Rejoice in that and live to please and honor Him. 

RESPOND 

Read with someone Hebrews 4:14-16. It is a great relief that all believers can approach the Lord Jesus in this way. No other mediator is needed. 1 Timothy 2:5 reveals that Jesus is the only mediator between man and God.  

Day 5  

RECEIVE 

Luke 23:47-49 

⁴⁷ When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” ⁴⁸ And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. ⁴⁹ But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching. 

Although most of the religious leaders and soldiers were unbelievers, one Roman officer was not. He worshiped Jesus and declared Him to be innocent. The crowd went home in sorrow after witnessing the crucifixion. Praise the Lord for the faithful women who had followed Him from Galilee who were standing at a distance watching. How their hearts must have been broken by what they witnessed. 

REFLECT 

What would you have thought had you witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus? 

RESPOND 

Do you realize that those who believe in Jesus are considered to have been crucified with Him? Read Romans 6:5-7 and Galatians 2:19-21 in this regard. Talk about this with a friend.