April 20th 2025
What does the cross mean to you? Luke 23:32-43
What is the most common religious symbol? In the West, it is the cross. Crosses on churches.
Crosses on jewellery. Athletes bless themselves before an event.
It wasn’t always a popular symbol.
During the days of Jesus, the cross was a symbol of shame, embarrassment, a symbol of terror.
The Romans used it as a very painful way to execute criminals.
So bad that they would not execute Roman citizens because it was so shameful.
It was for slaves, robbers, rebels, assassins.
Caesar Augustus bragged about capturing 20,000 slaves, all that were not claimed were crucified before the people. Reminds you of gladiators fighting each other.
Life not having much meaning.
In the 1800’s where everyone would come to the town square to watch a hanging. Today, where people are rubbernecking in the hopes of seeing the result of an accident.
For the Jews, the cross represented the worse way to die. It meant that you have been cursed by God.
It was not always a sign of the Christian church.
Until Roman emperor Constantine took over in the late 4th century, the cross could not even be pictured with anything religious. Constantine adapted the cross almost as a “good luck” charm. A symbol of triumph. He place the cross on the shields for protection.
Question- What does the cross mean to you? Is it a good luck charm? Like an athlete, do you kiss the cross for protection? Is your Jesus on or off the cross? It does make a difference.
For Romans- It was a shameful way to die, a symbol of death.
For Believers- Because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross- it is a symbol of life and forgiveness and relief. The way that the criminals blasphemed the Messiah reminds us of how our world is today.
Is Jesus is the Son of God- I don’t think so to many.
Why doesn’t he do something to prove to me He is the Son of God.
Is Jesus someone I should worship? I don’t think so to many
They have this idea of eternity with a harp, sitting on a cloud singing 24/7. They think they would be bored. They think they will not have any fun.
God tells us we must do things His way. We tell God, no, I’ll do it my way.
When things don’t go our way, we say. I doubt you’re the son of God, I don’t need a Saviour,…… prove to me ,…… show me something. THEY ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SIGNS
That is blasphemy on the same level as the loud criminals next to Jesus.
The Romans did not put Jesus on the cross.
It was our rebellion, our sins, our cursing of God that put Jesus on that cross.
Jesus took our sins, our punishment.
Then one of the criminals has a change of heart. He stops mocking God. He rebukes his fellow criminals.
“Don’t you fear God?, since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
A change of heart.
He defends Jesus. He confesses his sinful life. He acknowledges that Jesus is innocent.
What’s happening?
He is repenting. He is making a 180 degree turn. Sorry is not enough. Repentance without change is not repentance. He realizes his sin. He sees his life as dirty in his sins.
The Holy Spirit is leading him to truth. Repentance brings the Spirit of God flooding our souls. He defends Jesus- he now takes a stand…….
He gets holy boldness to stand up. He confesses his sin- acknowledges he is a sinner, and in need of a Saviour. In other words, I repent of my life as a criminal. I repent of my mockery of God.
I believe you are the Messiah who has come. The thief says:
Forgive me When you come into your kingdom, have mercy on me. Remember me
The song writer Isaac Watts sums up the feelings.
At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light
and the burden of my heart rolled away.
It was there by faith, I received my sight
and now I am happy all the day.
Even though they did not show mercy to Jesus …. Jesus showed mercy to them.
Today you will be with me in paradise
comforting words to the thief on the cross- comforting words to us as Jesus becomes more than words, but becomes our Savior, our blessed hope.
Jesus gives us by our repentance and His mercy an unconditional pardon.
He forgives us. He gives us hope for eternity.
All the ways that we mocked God, …….rebelled against Him,….. all the doubting,……. were settled on the cross.
The last words of Jesus were not words of defeat, but a shout of triumph.
He died not whimpering “IT IS finished” but proclaimed to God the Father that death had been conquered.
Adams sin had been repaid and humankind could now be released.
“It is finished”
News from the Church New dates
20th April ….Easter Sunday 10-45 am and 6-30pm
7th May …..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
21st May…. Knit and natter is a time to finish old projects or learn new skills
ANSWERS TO 13th April QUESTIONS
1) Esther 2) Leah 3) Sarah 4) The wives of Noah and his 3 sons 5)Jezabel 6) Bathsheba 7) Delilah
8) Dinah 9) Eve 10) Asenath 11) Rachel 12) Sarah 13) Vashti 14) Miriam 15) Lot’s wife
16) Potiphar’s wife
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is the OLD TESTAMENT
1 What did God do on the 7th day of creation?
2 What did Jacob give to Joseph?
3 Who was hidden in the bulrushes?
4 What was the guide for the Israelites in the daytime going to the Promised Land?
5 What did Esau sell his birthright for?
6 Who saved baby Moses from the river?
7 What was the secret of Samsons strength?
8 What birds did the Israelites eat in the wilderness?
9 Why was Daniel cast inti the lions den?
10 Elijah was fed by what kind of birds?
11 Which 2 men were in prison with Joseph and had their dreams interpreted?
12 What were the people building when God confused their speech?
13 How did God protect Daniel while in the lions den?
14 What was the Northern kingdom called?
15 What did God use to create woman?
16 Who was 8 years old and became King?
God Bless