Joy and Gratitude in the Light of the Cross
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound joy and gratitude that should naturally flow from understanding the depth of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. We began by considering the question of where we would most like to be, and the realization that the best place is where God wants us. This led us to reflect on the joy that should characterize our lives as believers, given the incredible truth that we are no longer under God's wrath but are now His children, destined for paradise.
We examined the paradox of how some who do not believe in God often appear happier than those who do, challenging us to reflect on whether we truly grasp the magnitude of our salvation. The joy of the Lord should be evident in our lives, even amidst trials, because of the eternal hope we have through the cross. The command to "rejoice in the Lord always" is not a suggestion but a divine imperative, rooted in the reality of our salvation.
We delved into the scene of Jesus' crucifixion, where He prayed for the forgiveness of those who nailed Him to the cross. This act of grace reassures us of the boundless reach of God's forgiveness, even for the gravest of sins. The story of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus further illustrates this grace. One criminal recognized his sin and Jesus' kingship, and in that moment of faith, Jesus promised him paradise. This promise underscores the immediacy and certainty of salvation for those who believe.
The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death symbolizes the new access we have to God, a direct result of Jesus' sacrifice. This access is not just a future hope but a present reality, allowing us to live in the joy of our salvation now. The centurion's response to Jesus' death, moving from terror to praise, exemplifies the transformative power of recognizing Jesus' identity and the forgiveness He offers.
Key Takeaways:
- True joy stems from understanding and believing in the profound truth of the cross. Despite life's challenges, the reality of our salvation should fill us with joy and gratitude, as we are no longer under God's wrath but are His beloved children. [02:08]
- Jesus' prayer for forgiveness for those who crucified Him demonstrates the boundless reach of God's grace. If He can forgive those who nailed Him to the cross, He can forgive us, offering us a profound sense of security and peace. [09:02]
- The story of the repentant thief on the cross highlights the immediacy and certainty of salvation. By recognizing his sin and Jesus' kingship, he was promised paradise, illustrating that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their past. [16:07]
- The tearing of the temple curtain signifies the new access we have to God through Jesus' sacrifice. This access is a present reality, allowing us to live in the joy of our salvation and approach God with confidence. [24:48]
- The centurion's transformation from terror to praise after Jesus' death exemplifies the power of recognizing Jesus' identity and the forgiveness He offers. This recognition should lead us to a life of continual praise and gratitude. [27:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - The Question of Where We Want to Be
[01:38] - The Joy of Salvation
[02:41] - The Challenge of Joy in Trials
[05:20] - The Power of the Cross
[07:11] - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness
[09:02] - Assurance of Forgiveness
[12:24] - Mockery and Misunderstanding
[14:54] - The Repentant Thief
[17:12] - The Promise of Paradise
[21:29] - Darkness and the Temple Curtain
[24:48] - Access to God
[27:34] - The Centurion's Praise
[31:31] - Invitation to Salvation
[34:19] - A Call to Rejoice
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 23:32-47
- 2 Corinthians 12:4
- Revelation 2:7
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Jesus' response to those who crucified Him, and what does this reveal about His character? ([08:42])
2. How did the repentant thief on the cross demonstrate his faith in Jesus, and what promise did Jesus give him? ([16:07])
3. What significant event occurred at the moment of Jesus' death, and what does it symbolize? ([24:48])
4. How did the centurion react after witnessing Jesus' death, and what does this indicate about his understanding of Jesus' identity? ([27:34])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might some believers struggle to experience joy despite knowing the truth of their salvation? How does the sermon suggest overcoming this struggle? ([02:56])
2. In what ways does the story of the repentant thief challenge common perceptions of who can receive salvation? ([19:56])
3. How does the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death change the believer's relationship with God? What does this mean for our daily lives? ([24:48])
4. What does the centurion's transformation from terror to praise teach us about the power of recognizing Jesus' identity and forgiveness? ([27:34])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to find joy in your faith. What steps can you take to focus on the joy of your salvation this week? ([05:46])
2. The repentant thief recognized his sin and Jesus' kingship. Is there an area in your life where you need to acknowledge Jesus' authority more fully? How can you do this practically? ([16:07])
3. The tearing of the temple curtain signifies direct access to God. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine to embrace this access? ([24:48])
4. The centurion praised God after realizing who Jesus was. How can you incorporate praise into your daily life, even in challenging circumstances? ([27:34])
5. Consider the boundless reach of God's forgiveness as demonstrated by Jesus' prayer on the cross. Is there someone you need to forgive, and how can you take a step towards that this week? ([09:02])
6. How can you remind yourself of the immediacy and certainty of salvation in moments of doubt or fear? What practical steps can you take to reinforce this truth in your life? ([16:07])
7. The sermon challenges us to live with joy and gratitude. What is one specific way you can express gratitude to God or others this week? ([02:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Rooted in Salvation
Understanding the profound truth of the cross should fill believers with joy and gratitude, as they are no longer under God's wrath but are His beloved children. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep-seated assurance of being in God's family, destined for paradise. The joy of the Lord is a divine imperative, a command to rejoice always, rooted in the reality of salvation. This joy should be evident in the lives of believers, even amidst trials, as it is anchored in the eternal hope provided by the cross. [02:08]
"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you express the joy of your salvation today, even if you are facing challenges?
Day 2: Boundless Forgiveness
Jesus' prayer for forgiveness for those who crucified Him demonstrates the boundless reach of God's grace. This act of grace reassures believers of the profound security and peace that comes from knowing that God's forgiveness extends even to the gravest of sins. If Jesus can forgive those who nailed Him to the cross, He can forgive us, offering a profound sense of security and peace. This understanding should lead believers to live with a sense of gratitude and assurance, knowing that they are forgiven and loved by God. [09:02]
"Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love." (Micah 7:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 3: The Certainty of Salvation
The story of the repentant thief on the cross highlights the immediacy and certainty of salvation. By recognizing his sin and Jesus' kingship, he was promised paradise, illustrating that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their past. This promise underscores the transformative power of faith and the assurance that comes with it. Believers can find comfort in knowing that their salvation is secure and that they are destined for eternal life with God. [16:07]
"And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:43, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: Access to God
The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death signifies the new access believers have to God through Jesus' sacrifice. This access is not just a future hope but a present reality, allowing believers to live in the joy of their salvation and approach God with confidence. The curtain's tearing symbolizes the removal of barriers between God and humanity, inviting believers into a personal and intimate relationship with Him. This access should inspire believers to live with boldness and assurance, knowing they can approach God at any time. [24:48]
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper relationship with God today, knowing that you have direct access to Him through Jesus?
Day 5: Transformation Through Recognition
The centurion's transformation from terror to praise after Jesus' death exemplifies the power of recognizing Jesus' identity and the forgiveness He offers. This recognition should lead believers to a life of continual praise and gratitude. The centurion's response highlights the transformative impact of understanding who Jesus is and what He has done. Believers are called to live in a state of awe and worship, continually acknowledging the grace and forgiveness they have received through Christ. [27:34]
"And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, 'Truly this man was the Son of God!'" (Mark 15:39, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you recognized Jesus' work in your life. How can you turn this recognition into a habit of daily praise and gratitude?
Quotes
If we really believed what we're preaching here about the cross, I mean if we were people that genuinely in our hearts genuinely believe that you know we were headed for punishment we were headed for God's Wrath but then God sends his own son God our creator that holy God sends his son has him die on a cross paying for all our crimes so that means rather than being under God's Wrath we now are children of God and at any moment are going to be in Paradise With God if we really really believe that wouldn't there be a little more joy in our lives? [00:01:38]
The Bible says to rejoice in the Lord how often? Always rejoice in the lord always. I'll say it again rejoice and and you know during this uh these last couple of weeks you know I just think about you know some of the difficult things and you know the thing is is that your mind wants to gravitate toward negativity, your mind wants to dwell on the problems at least mine does there's like this mental masochism going on where my mind wants to focus on bad things and mull them over in my mind rather than kicking it out and rejoicing in the lord. [00:04:41]
What brings us joy is when we really do think again about actual situation because of the Cross that's the only way you can really fight for your joy is to remember these things and uh and and it's been good because when the temptation to dwell on the negative is there I just kick it out and go no I'm going to dwell on the cross and I want to restore the joy of my salvation I I want to rejoice in the lord always that's the way God wants me to be so the the world will look and say man how can that guy have joy even these difficult situations it's because we're in the Lord. [00:05:27]
Jesus is asking for forgiveness for the people who just nailed him to this cross. This makes me feel so so good because I I think about my life and I think a lot of us do this we look at some of the things we've done in life right and we feel pretty bad about it and and sometimes we question God can you forgive me for this can you forgive me for that but you know when I look at a passage like this and I know I've done some pretty evil things on this Earth but I compare them to crucifying Jesus and I go well it's not that bad. [00:09:02]
The other criminal rebuked him don't don't you fear God he says since you're under the same sentence we are punished justly for we're getting what our Deeds deserve this man has done nothing wrong and then he said Jesus Remember me when you come into your kingdom and Jesus answered him I tell you the truth today you'll be with me in Paradise. Gosh this is so beautiful okay I mean just trying to picture the scene here's Jesus two criminals one's mocking him going come on if you're the Son of God then prove it save me save yourself and then the other guy looks over at the other criminal goes man don't you understand you understand what's going on we deserve this he doesn't he's done nothing wrong. [00:14:54]
When Jesus died on the cross it says that curtain was mysteriously torn because God was showing look there's no more curtain anymore you can have direct access to me now because of what Jesus did on that cross his body was that Temple that was torn apart for you yeah that he was the curtain you know and his body was broken so that you have direct access to God right now see the these are just amazing things that all happened in that moment that if we believe them we go wow I can go straight into the presence of God and pray to him now. [00:24:48]
The Centurion seeing what had happened praised God and said surely this was a righteous man now in Matthew and Mark it says that he didn't just say surely this was a righteous man it says that he says surely this was the son of God so he said wow he's a righteous man he's the son of God then verse 48 when all the people who had gathered there to witness this saw what took place they beat their breasts and went away but all those who knew him including the women who had followed him From Galilee stood at a distance watching these things. [00:27:34]
The Centurion seeing what had happened praised God he praised God and the verb literally means he kept on praising God this blew me away cuz yes he he's terrify that one moment realizing what he had done but then the next moment he's praising God realizing he did die for my sins when he prayed and asked for forgiveness that was real so I'm okay and you've got the Centurion actually praising God that his son died for him that the person who was in charge of nailing him to the Cross here is praising God immediately after the crucifixion. [00:27:34]
After what Jesus done on the cross we need to be people who just Rejoice who live each day rejoicing in the lord always and I know life gets tough but this is bigger than that this is so much bigger than that and understanding this truth should always enable us to Rejoice for some of you maybe you've never asked Jesus into your life maybe you recognize that you've never done this you know it's my greatest pleasure this morning to tell you that you can immediately know that you're going to heaven if you ask Jesus into your life if you tell him that you want this forgiveness you can be like that thief on the cross crying out right now regardless of what you've done your whole life. [00:31:31]
If you were to die five minutes from now you could just say you know what Jesus I know I deserve this I deserve the cross I deserve this punishment you don't remember me when you enter into your kingdom I want this salvation you can start rejoicing today that's why I don't want baptism you know you can walk up here and get baptized right now and and and don't turn that into a bad thing also like oh I have to go get baptized I got to go you guys it's a privilege it's an honor to say you know what God I can't believe it but with everything I've done in life right now I can stand in front of all these people in front of you and have all my sins washed away. [00:31:31]
We should be rejoicing in this rejoice in the fact that today you could stand before all of us and get baptized we had like four people last night we had people every every weekend I don't remember the last weekend we've had where there wasn't someone who just realized recognize their sin and turn their whole life around and just Rejoice we had like this 80 something year old lady last night and just just baptizing her and just I I I said you know you understand that by getting baptized you're you're committing uh the rest of your life to Jesus and she goes ah you bet you you know and it's just like ah you know just the the joy boy the a she just knew it she knew exactly what she was doing it's like yeah you know that's the joy we should have and coming to the Lord. [00:34:19]
The worship team's going to come up and and we're just going to have a time where we just recognize what Jesus did for us on the cross and so as uh as they come up if if any of you need prayer because I recognize difficult things still happen in life you know we're just saying you know it's not that that you're not going to go through pain it's just that even in the pain we we should be able to focus on the cross and still find our joy that at any moment we're going to be in Paradise With Jesus you're forgiven let's Rejoice about that I mean honestly let's think about what we're about to do here we're about to sing to God and thank him for saving us man how are you going to do that you going to do the runway model thing or are you just going to come before God and go you know what I'm the happiest guy on earth I can't believe what you did for me sing as though you were the thief on the cross and you heard those words for the first time today you're going to be with me in Paradise ah how would you sing to him let's sing to him. [00:34:19]
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