Sermon -- Good Friday: The Second Word from the Cross (April 10, 2020)

Seven Words from the Cross:

The Second Word

Luke 23:38-43

     When Jesus stood on trial before Pilate, the chief priests and elders of the people charged him with treason.  They declared that Jesus claimed to be a king.  They weren't wrong.  Both John the Baptist and Jesus had preached this message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17)  The chief priests and the elders of the Jews made it clear that they wanted nothing to do with Jesus and his kingdom.
     When Pontius Pilate interrogated Jesus, he flatly asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” (John 19:33)  Jesus told Pilate what kind of kingdom he had.  “You are right in saying that I am a king.  For this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 19:37)  Pilate made it clear that he had no use for that kind of kingdom.
     The soldiers mocked Jesus as a king.  Pilate did not take Jesus seriously as a king.  The charge over Jesus' head stated that he is a king.  And the crowds beneath the cross made sport of Jesus being a king.
     But he looked nothing like a king.  He was beaten, bleeding, naked, and dying.  What kind of kingdom is this?  Who would want any part of it?
     The penitent thief did.  He did not view Jesus with his eyes, but with his ears.  He did not have high regard for majesty, but for the truth.  He knew he deserved to die, and he confessed it to be so.  He knew that Jesus was faultless, and he confessed it to be so.  More than that, he knew that Jesus had saved others.  Could Jesus also save him?  Could Jesus blot out all the offenses that stood against him?  Could Jesus deliver him from the judgment that rightly stood against him?  Was there mercy, even for him?  Could it be true?
     Everyone who is of the truth listens to Jesus' voice.  And Jesus voiced a promise to a man who claimed nothing, but sought only mercy.  “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)  Because Jesus saves, this is true.  His kingdom is mercy and grace and forgiveness.  Listen to his voice.  Rejoice in his truth.  He saves the wicked, and he will remember you.