Embracing Grace: The Choices at the Cross
Summary
In my sermon titled "The Third Man," I began by setting the scene of the crucifixion as described in Mark chapter 15, where Jesus was crucified alongside two thieves. I emphasized the significance of the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus, representing the choices we all face in life. The first man, the unrepentant thief, mocked Jesus, showing a hardened heart despite being in the presence of redemption. I reflected on how we can sometimes identify with this man, questioning our circumstances and hardening our hearts against God when we feel we've been treated unfairly.
I then transitioned to the second man, the repentant thief, who initially joined in the mockery but had a change of heart. He recognized his own guilt and Jesus' innocence, asking Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. This man's last-minute plea for mercy was met with Jesus' promise of Paradise, illustrating the boundless grace available to us.
I introduced the concept of the third man, not as another person at the crucifixion, but as a representation of each one of us. We are like Barabbas, the prisoner released instead of Jesus, who deserved punishment but was set free because Jesus took our place. I pondered the possibility of Barabbas' life after his release, whether he changed his ways or not, and used this to reflect on our own responses to Jesus' sacrifice.
I spoke about the urgency of making a decision for Christ, emphasizing that life is unpredictable and we must be ready at all times. I urged the congregation to consider the possibility that this could be their last chance to respond to God's call.
I concluded the sermon by inviting the congregation to respond to the message of Easter, to not let the service be just another tradition, but a moment of genuine encounter with the risen Christ. I encouraged everyone to draw near to God, to start or renew a relationship with Him, and to live in the light of His grace and love.
Key Takeaways:
1. The unrepentant thief's hardened heart serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of rejecting grace when it is within reach. We must be vigilant not to let pride or a sense of injustice blind us to the presence of God's redemptive love, which is always available, even in our darkest moments. ([06:26])
2. The repentant thief's story is a powerful testament to the immediacy of God's forgiveness. It reminds us that no matter how late in life we turn to God, His mercy is sufficient to save us. This should inspire us to live in a state of humility and readiness to receive God's grace. ([15:10])
3. We are all the "third man," like Barabbas, who was set free while Jesus took our place. This illustrates the personal nature of Christ's sacrifice for each of us and calls us to live lives worthy of the gift we have been given. ([20:11])
4. The urgency of decision is a recurring theme in our walk with God. We are reminded that we do not know the day or hour of our last opportunity to respond to God's call, and we should live with an awareness of the brevity of life and the imminence of eternity. ([32:16])
5. The invitation to respond to God's love is not limited to a church setting. God's presence and salvation are accessible everywhere, and we are encouraged to seek Him daily, starting with simple acts of prayer and scripture reading, and to reach out for support in our spiritual journey. ([36:01])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Third Man"
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 15:25-39 - The Crucifixion of Jesus
2. Luke 23:39-43 - The Repentant Thief
3. Matthew 27:15-26 - The Release of Barabbas
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the reactions of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus as described in Mark 15:25-39? How did their attitudes differ? ([05:37])
2. In Luke 23:39-43, what did the repentant thief say to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond?
3. According to Matthew 27:15-26, who was Barabbas, and why was he released instead of Jesus?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the unrepentant thief's reaction to Jesus reveal about the dangers of a hardened heart? How can this be a cautionary tale for us today? ([06:26])
2. How does the story of the repentant thief illustrate the immediacy and sufficiency of God's forgiveness, even at the last moment? ([15:10])
3. In what ways are we like Barabbas, the third man, who was set free while Jesus took his place? How does this reflect the personal nature of Christ's sacrifice for each of us? ([20:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like the unrepentant thief, questioning your circumstances and hardening your heart against God. How did you overcome that, or how can you work on overcoming it now? ([07:10])
2. The repentant thief recognized his guilt and Jesus' innocence. Is there an area in your life where you need to acknowledge your own shortcomings and seek God's forgiveness? How can you take steps towards that this week? ([12:47])
3. Considering that we are like Barabbas, set free because Jesus took our place, how can you live a life worthy of this gift? What specific actions can you take to honor Christ's sacrifice in your daily life? ([20:11])
4. The sermon emphasized the urgency of making a decision for Christ. What are some distractions or excuses that have kept you from fully committing to your faith? How can you address these obstacles? ([32:16])
5. The invitation to respond to God's love is not limited to a church setting. What are some practical ways you can seek God daily, starting with simple acts of prayer and scripture reading? How can you incorporate these practices into your routine this week? ([36:01])
6. Reflect on the possibility that this could be your last chance to respond to God's call. How does this perspective change the way you approach your faith and relationship with God? ([31:29])
7. How can you support others in their spiritual journey, especially those who might be struggling with the same issues discussed in the sermon? What specific steps can you take to be a source of encouragement and support? ([36:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Grace Amidst Injustice
When faced with life's injustices, it's easy to become embittered and reject the grace that is extended to us. The unrepentant thief's hardened heart serves as a stark reminder of the perils of allowing pride or a sense of unfairness to cloud our recognition of God's love. In moments of pain or bitterness, grace can seem distant, yet it is precisely in these times that it is closest at hand. The challenge lies in softening our hearts to receive this grace, acknowledging our need for it, and allowing it to transform us from within.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16
Reflection: In what situation have you felt treated unfairly recently, and how can you open your heart to God's grace in this circumstance? [06:26]
Day 2: The Power of Last-Minute Redemption
The story of the repentant thief is a testament to the immediacy of God's forgiveness. It's never too late to turn to God, and His mercy is always ready to embrace us. This narrative encourages us to live humbly, recognizing our own shortcomings and the constant availability of God's grace. It's a call to live in a state of readiness, not out of fear, but out of a desire to be close to God, knowing that His forgiveness is just a heartfelt plea away.
"Remember me when you come into your kingdom." - Luke 23:42
Reflection: What is one thing you've been putting off confessing to God, and how can you seek His forgiveness today? [15:10]
Day 3: Personalizing Christ's Sacrifice
We are all the "third man," akin to Barabbas, who was set free while Jesus took our place. This perspective personalizes the sacrifice of Christ, making it not just a historical event but a present reality that demands a response. Understanding that we have been given a gift we did not deserve should compel us to live lives that reflect gratitude and purpose, striving to honor the sacrifice made on our behalf.
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." - Galatians 5:13
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that honors the gift of freedom given to you through Christ's sacrifice? [20:11]
Day 4: The Urgency of Decision
The unpredictability of life underscores the urgency of making a decision for Christ. We are reminded that our time on earth is finite and that any moment could be our last chance to respond to God's call. This realization should not incite fear but rather a sense of purpose and urgency to live each day fully for God, making the most of every opportunity to grow closer to Him and to spread His love.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to be more spiritually prepared for the unpredictability of life? [32:16]
Day 5: Seeking God Beyond the Church Walls
The invitation to respond to God's love extends beyond the church setting. God's presence and salvation are accessible at all times and in all places. We are encouraged to seek Him daily through prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers. This pursuit of God should not be confined to Sundays or special occasions but should be an integral part of our everyday lives, shaping our actions and decisions.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
Reflection: What is one practical way you can seek God in your everyday routine, starting today? [36:01]
Quotes
"Let me introduce you to Thief number one, he's the first man, he is the unrepentant thief... he uses his voice to cry out against Jesus... as he hangs there next to hope, next to True Redemption, he allows his own heart to be hardened... that this man would allow himself to choose damnation when Jesus is physically right beside him." [06:26]
"The unrepentant thief represents the Dark Side of our free will... we too can forsake the forgiveness and the mercy of God's love, his ultimate sacrifice, and we can hang in sin until we are eternally dead, eternally damned." [10:28]
"Surely I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in Paradise. That is the story of the second man... he recognized Christ for who he is... the love of God is amazing, isn't it?" [15:10]
"We together are the third man, woman, man, you're the third, you're the one that belongs on the cross, you're the one that belongs in the suffering, but this Lamb slain from the foundation of the world already saw you in his vision and said today I'll let them call out my name." [20:11]
"Well I've gone too far, brother Smith, I can't even feel him anymore. That's all right, he's only a few feet away, just call on him, just tell him, father would you forgive me, would you help me." [22:41]
"This could be your last Easter Service, what will you do with it? This could be your last altar call, how will you spend it?... Time is too short... are you ready, or will you walk away not accepting the fact you are the third man, he died for you." [32:16]
"Don't let this Resurrection Sunday pass you by, don't let this just be another Easter Service, don't let it be just another service you were forced to attend out of tradition, but know that there is an eternity both one of peace and one of judgment, and you, you hang on a cross and he looks at you and he says who are you." [25:48]
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