The King Who Reigns Through Mercy and Grace

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus’ Power Is Revealed Through Vulnerability and the Cross

True power is not found in earthly authority or dominance, but in the vulnerability, mercy, and self-giving love that Jesus displayed on the cross. In a world that often celebrates those with the most influence, wealth, or strength, Jesus turns expectations upside down by refusing to wield power for his own benefit. Instead, he embraces suffering and forgives even those who harm him, showing that the greatest authority is exercised through radical grace and sacrificial love. This challenges us to reconsider what we value and to embody Christ’s example in our own lives, extending mercy and forgiveness even when it is difficult. [01:40]

Luke 23:33-34 (ESV)
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to seek power or control, and how might you instead choose the way of vulnerability and forgiveness that Jesus modeled?

Day 2: Redemption and Paradise Are Offered Today, Not Just in the Future

Jesus promises immediate redemption and presence with him, assuring the repentant criminal that “today you will be with me in paradise.” This moment on the cross reveals that God’s grace is not a distant hope but a present reality, available to all who turn to Jesus in faith—even in their final moments. The kingdom of God is not just a future destination but a present invitation to experience forgiveness, restoration, and communion with Christ right now, regardless of our past or circumstances. [02:52]

Luke 23:39-43 (ESV)
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are waiting for God to act in the future, rather than trusting him to bring redemption and presence today?

Day 3: The Kingdom of God Is for the Least, the Lost, and the Marginalized

Jesus’ ministry and his final promise from the cross make clear that God’s kingdom is especially concerned with those who are overlooked, oppressed, or considered “other” by society. The invitation to paradise is extended not to the powerful or the righteous, but to a criminal dying beside Jesus—reminding us that God’s grace reaches to the very edges of human experience. As followers of Christ, we are called to see and serve those whom the world ignores, recognizing that the heart of God’s kingdom beats for the least, the last, and the lost. [07:40]

Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Reflection: Who in your community or daily life might be feeling unseen or forgotten, and how can you extend Christ’s love and attention to them this week?

Day 4: Forgiveness and Mercy Are Central to Christ’s Reign

Jesus’ response to those who crucified him and to the repentant thief demonstrates that his reign is marked by forgiveness, not retribution. He offers mercy even to his enemies and calls his followers to do the same, challenging us to examine our own willingness to forgive those who have wronged us. True participation in Christ’s kingdom means letting go of grudges, seeking reconciliation, and embodying the radical grace that Jesus extends to all, even when it is costly or difficult. [09:26]

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Reflection: Think of someone you struggle to forgive—what is one step you can take today to move toward extending mercy or reconciliation?

Day 5: Christ’s Kingdom Frees Us to Advocate for Justice and the Common Good

Knowing that Christ reigns with mercy and justice, not worldly power, frees us from the pressures and hierarchies of this world and empowers us to speak up for the marginalized and work for the good of our neighbors. Participating in the reign of Christ means letting go of self-interest and embracing a calling to serve, advocate, and love in ways that reflect God’s heart for justice and compassion. As we enter a new season, we are invited to consider what old patterns or allegiances we need to release in order to make room for God’s new work of love and grace in and through us. [11:00]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Reflection: What is one concrete way you can advocate for justice or serve someone in need this week, reflecting the mercy and justice of Christ’s kingdom?

Sermon Summary

Grace, peace, and mercy flow from Jesus Christ, not from a throne of earthly power, but from the cross—a place of vulnerability, suffering, and radical love. In a world that exalts the powerful, the wealthy, and the influential, Jesus stands in stark contrast. He does not seek authority or demand allegiance through fear or force. Instead, he embodies a kingship defined by mercy, forgiveness, and solidarity with the marginalized and the suffering. Jesus’ power is not in domination, but in his willingness to suffer with and for others, to forgive even those who harm him, and to offer redemption to those the world has cast aside.

As Jesus hung on the cross, he was surrounded not by the powerful, but by criminals and outcasts. One of these, a thief, simply asked, “Remember me.” In that moment, Jesus promised, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This is the only time in scripture Jesus speaks of paradise, and he does so not to the righteous or the influential, but to a dying criminal. This act reveals the heart of God’s kingdom: it is for those who know their need, who recognize their own brokenness, and who trust in Jesus’ mercy. The kingdom is not a distant hope, but a present reality—redemption is offered now, in this very moment.

This radical grace challenges us to examine our own lives. Where are we called to extend forgiveness, even to those who have wronged us or who seem undeserving? How do we respond to the call to love those who are different, those who are marginalized, those who may even oppose us? Jesus’ reign from the cross invites us to participate in a new kind of power—one that is rooted in self-giving love, justice, and advocacy for the least and the lost.

As we approach a new church year, we are invited to let go of old patterns of power and control, and to make room for the reign of Christ—a reign marked by mercy, justice, and the freedom to serve others. The kingdom of God is not just about personal salvation, but about working for the common good, standing with the vulnerable, and living out the radical love of Christ in the here and now.

Key Takeaways

1. True power is found in vulnerability Jesus’ kingship is revealed not through dominance, but through his willingness to suffer and forgive. This vulnerability is not weakness, but the deepest form of strength, inviting us to lay down our defenses and love courageously, even when it costs us. In a world obsessed with control, Jesus shows that real authority is exercised through self-giving love. [01:23]
2. Redemption is offered in the present moment Jesus’ promise to the thief—“Today you will be with me in paradise”—reminds us that God’s grace is not a distant hope, but a present reality. We are invited to receive and extend forgiveness now, not waiting for a perfect future. This challenges us to be attentive to God’s work in our lives and relationships today. [02:52]
3. The kingdom of God centers the marginalized Jesus’ ministry and his final moments on the cross show that God’s kingdom is for the dispossessed, the lost, and the least. Our calling is to stand in solidarity with those the world overlooks, advocating for justice and mercy. This reorients our priorities away from worldly power and toward compassionate service. [07:45]
4. Participating in Christ’s reign means letting go As we enter a new season, we are called to release old patterns of power, resentment, or self-interest, making space for God’s love and grace to transform us. This letting go is not passive, but an active embrace of Christ’s way—serving, forgiving, and loving as he did. In doing so, we become agents of God’s kingdom in the world.

** [10:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - Jesus’ Power from the Cross
[01:23] - Contrasting Worldly and Divine Power
[02:52] - Redemption Offered Today
[03:40] - The King Who Forgives
[04:30] - Solidarity with the Marginalized
[05:25] - The Thieves on the Cross
[06:07] - “Remember Me” and Mercy
[07:45] - The Kingdom for the Least
[08:30] - The Present Reality of God’s Kingdom
[09:26] - Responding to the King on the Cross
[10:10] - Power, Authority, and Justice
[10:45] - Letting Go for a New Beginning
[11:20] - Living Out Christ’s Radical Love

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 23:32-43 (ESV) — 32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Observation Questions

Who was present with Jesus during his crucifixion, and how did they respond to him? (Luke 23:32-39)
What did the second criminal ask of Jesus, and how did Jesus respond? (Luke 23:42-43)
According to the sermon, what kind of people did Jesus spend his final moments with, and why is that significant? [05:25]
What is unique about Jesus’ promise of “paradise” in this passage, according to the sermon? [06:07]

Interpretation Questions

Why might Jesus choose to offer forgiveness and mercy from a place of suffering and vulnerability, rather than from a position of earthly power? [01:23]
What does Jesus’ response to the criminal reveal about who is welcome in God’s kingdom? [07:45]
How does Jesus’ way of using power differ from the way the world typically understands and uses power? [01:23]
The sermon says the kingdom of God is a present reality, not just a future hope. What does this mean for how believers should live today? [02:52]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to extend forgiveness, even to those who have wronged us or seem undeserving. Is there someone in your life you struggle to forgive? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week? [09:26]
Jesus stood in solidarity with the marginalized and the suffering. Who are the “overlooked” or “outcast” people in your community, and what is one practical way you could stand with or serve them this month? [07:45]
The criminal simply asked, “Remember me.” When have you felt most aware of your need for Jesus’ mercy? How did you respond in that moment? [06:07]
The sermon says true power is found in vulnerability and self-giving love. Where in your life do you feel tempted to seek control or dominance, and how might you practice vulnerability or self-giving love instead? [01:23]
As we enter a new season, what is one old pattern of power, resentment, or self-interest you sense God inviting you to let go of? What would it look like to “make space” for Christ’s reign in that area? [10:45]
The kingdom of God is about working for the common good and standing with the vulnerable. What is one issue of justice or mercy you feel called to pray about or act on in your neighborhood or city? [08:30]
Jesus’ promise to the criminal was immediate: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” How can you be more attentive to God’s work in your life and relationships right now, rather than waiting for a “better” future? [02:52]

Sermon Clips

that wasn't the man who showed radical love radical mercy radical healing to people throughout his life people who were different from him people who were marginalized who were sick who were filled with demons who were widows and lepers jesus wasn't afraid of those who were out to hurt him or to challenge him he seemed to welcome them with a confidence heldonly in grace and mercy for those who looked at him as an enemy and so right off the bat i want to ask i want us to consider how do we embody that type of mercy and grace where do we need to extend radical grace and forgiveness to others [00:01:15] (48 seconds) #RadicalGrace

these last moments of jesus life all seem to be in stark contrast to what is valued as great in our world to what we think kingship and leadership look like jesus did not and does notcome in power in fact he refuses to come in power and instead appears in vulnerability and in god's law of love jesus does not come vowing retribution even to those who crucify him instead he comes offering forgiveness and suffering love [00:02:03] (35 seconds) #VulnerableKing

christians have sometimes been accused of pining for a distant and better future and therefore sitting out the struggles and the challenges of the day but in these verses jesus is focused on this very moment right now promising that those who believe in him those who see his vulnerability the revelation of god's overwhelming mercy and abundant grace will be ushered into god's presence immediately [00:03:27] (29 seconds) #PresentFaith

and as this king is ruling from the cross he calls us to follow his example by serving and forgiving and loving all those in our lives loving those whom we consider as otherin these 10 verses today we have a lot going on and i'm at least a little bit taken with and fascinated by the thieves who are being crucified alongside jesus one is unrepentant and isn't going to come to any sort of accepting or understanding who jesus is we might find ourselves there some days the other says remember me [00:04:44] (40 seconds) #ServeAndForgive

this thief on the cross who saysremember me might be all of us he was in his final hours if not minutes he was clearly in the background of what was happening we don't even know what his crime was or any of his story but we know that he needed the faith of jesus to carry him when he could not do it himself as the people surrounding the cross yelled to jesus if you are the messiah save yourself save yourself this man whose story we don't knowknew that it was through the faith of jesus in him that he would be saved [00:06:36] (42 seconds) #FaithSaves

he seemed to know or discover that jesus mission wasn't to save himself but was to save others i wonder if that thief was the first to discover what it would be like to meet jesus in paradise jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom and jesus responds with promise right he says today you will be with me in paradise even on hisbest days jesus didn't talk about paradise this is the only place in the entire bible where the word paradise passes jesus lips the only time jesus promised paradise to anybody and he's almost dead himself [00:07:18] (46 seconds) #PromiseOfParadise

maybe that's because jesus was just then closer to securing paradise for the whole lot of us than ever before all along he tried to make clear that the kingdom is not what you expectit's a mustard seed it's a treasure hidden it's yeast that disappears into the dough above all jesus made clear that the kingdom of god is most concerned with the dispossessed the lost the least the last the downtrodden so what a perfect moment to make clear one last time that the paradise of god's kingdom is for those who know that they are dead without it [00:08:04] (43 seconds) #KingdomForTheLeast

remember me the thief rasped out the truth is that jesus couldnever forget one such as this remember us when you come into your kingdom we sometimes want to say to jesus remember us but the gospel is here to tell us that the kingdom is now and in the coming weeks when we return to bethlehem we remember that advent is no nostalgia trip to make us remember something that once was but is no more advent like the rest of the christian life and its kingdom focus is about the hereand the now and the ever after for us [00:08:47] (42 seconds) #KingdomIsNow

we remember that christ's reign brings not only personal salvation but also a call to work on behalf of the common good of our neighbors and that comes with thinking about responding to hard questionshow do we respond to the king who reigns from the cross are we ready to extend grace to those around us even when it is difficult what if these are the people who actively work or who we think are actively working against our best interests are we willing to embrace the radical love that jesus exemplifies [00:09:30] (41 seconds) #CommonGoodCall

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