Last_Words_Lent_2025_2.docx

Devotional

Day 1: The Profound Simplicity of Prayer

In moments of desperation, the criminal's plea, "Jesus, remember me," stands as a testament to the power of simple, heartfelt prayer. This plea, uttered in the final moments of his life, was not adorned with elaborate words or theological depth, yet it reached the heart of Jesus. It teaches us that sincerity and directness in our communication with God can be more impactful than the most eloquent prayers. When we call on Jesus with a genuine heart, we open ourselves to His grace and mercy, regardless of our past or present circumstances.

Luke 23:42-43 (ESV): "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: In what areas of your life do you need to simplify your prayers and speak to God with raw honesty and sincerity today?

Day 2: Navigating Life's In-Between Spaces

As believers, we often find ourselves living "in the middle"—caught between our past mistakes and the future fulfillment of God's promises. This in-between space is where we experience growth, sanctification, and the fruits of the Spirit. It is a place of both challenge and beauty, where we learn to live as followers of Jesus. In this space, we are called to embrace the process of transformation, trusting that God is at work in us, even when we cannot see the full picture.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel "in the middle"? How can you invite God into this space to guide your growth and transformation?

Day 3: Experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven Now

The Kingdom of Heaven is not merely a distant afterlife destination but a present reality that we can experience through love, joy, peace, and hope. By living in alignment with these values, we bring the heavenly realm into our daily lives. This perspective challenges us to see the world through the lens of God's kingdom, recognizing His presence in the ordinary and the extraordinary. As we embody these values, we become conduits of God's love and grace to those around us.

Romans 14:17 (ESV): "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: How can you intentionally bring the values of the Kingdom of Heaven into your interactions and decisions today?

Day 4: Jesus' Presence in Our Journey

Jesus' choice to be crucified "in the middle" symbolizes His commitment to be with us in our life's journey. Whether we are flourishing or floundering, Jesus promises to be present, offering guidance, comfort, and salvation. This assurance encourages us to rely on His presence in all circumstances, knowing that we are never alone. His presence is a source of strength and hope, reminding us that He walks with us through every trial and triumph.

Matthew 28:20b (ESV): "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of Jesus' presence in your daily life, especially during challenging times?

Day 5: Embracing the Promise of Salvation

Jesus' promise of paradise to the criminal extends to everyone who calls on His name. Salvation is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who seek it. This inclusive message reminds us of the boundless grace and love that Jesus offers to each of us, inviting us to embrace the gift of salvation today. It is a call to live in the freedom and assurance of His love, knowing that we are accepted and cherished by our Savior.

Acts 2:21 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Reflection: How can you live in the assurance of Jesus' promise of salvation today, and how might this change the way you interact with others?

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we explore the profound moment of Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on the interaction between Jesus and the two criminals crucified alongside Him. The sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus being "in the middle" and the heartfelt prayer of one of the criminals who asks Jesus to remember him. This request is seen as a powerful, simple prayer that reflects a deep yearning for connection and salvation. The sermon delves into the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven, not as a distant afterlife but as a present reality that we can experience through love, joy, peace, and hope. It highlights the idea that we live "in the middle"—between our past sins and the future fulfillment of God's kingdom. Jesus' promise of paradise to the criminal is extended to all believers, offering assurance of salvation and companionship in our journey.

Key Takeaways

1. between space is where we experience growth, sanctification, and the fruits of the Spirit. It is a place of both challenge and beauty, where we learn to live as followers of Jesus.
3. The Kingdom of Heaven Here and Now: The sermon challenges the notion of the Kingdom of Heaven as merely an afterlife destination. Instead, it is a present reality, manifesting through love, joy, peace, and hope. By living in alignment with these values, we bring the heavenly realm into our daily lives.

4. Jesus' Presence in Our Journey: Jesus' choice to be crucified "in the middle" symbolizes His commitment to be with us in our life's journey. Whether we are flourishing or floundering, Jesus promises to be present, offering guidance, comfort, and salvation. This assurance encourages us to rely on His presence in all circumstances.

5. The Promise of Salvation for All: Jesus' promise of paradise to the criminal extends to everyone who calls on His name. Salvation is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who seek it. This inclusive message reminds us of the boundless grace and love that Jesus offers to each of us, inviting us to embrace the gift of salvation today.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Luke 23:32-43

**Observation Questions:**

What was the significance of Jesus being crucified "in the middle" between the two criminals?
How did the two criminals differ in their responses to Jesus during the crucifixion?
What was the specific request made by the criminal who spoke to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond?
How does the sermon describe the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven as presented by Jesus?

**Interpretation Questions:**

Why might the criminal's simple prayer, "Jesus, remember me," be considered powerful and significant?
How does the sermon interpret the Kingdom of Heaven as a present reality rather than just an afterlife destination?
In what ways does Jesus' presence "in the middle" symbolize His commitment to be with us in our life's journey?
How does the promise of paradise to the criminal extend to all believers, according to the sermon?

**Application Questions:**

Reflect on a time when you felt "in the middle" of a challenging situation. How did you experience Jesus' presence during that time?
The sermon emphasizes the power of simple, heartfelt prayer. How can you incorporate more sincerity and directness in your prayers this week?
Consider the idea of the Kingdom of Heaven as a present reality. What are some practical ways you can manifest love, joy, peace, and hope in your daily life?
How can you remind yourself of Jesus' promise of salvation and companionship during moments of doubt or struggle?
Identify an area in your life where you feel stuck between your past and the future fulfillment of God's kingdom. What steps can you take to experience growth and sanctification in that area?
The sermon highlights the inclusivity of Jesus' promise of salvation. How can you share this message of grace and love with someone who may feel excluded or unworthy?
Think of a simple prayer you can use throughout the day to invite Jesus into your current circumstances. How might this practice change your perspective or actions?

Sermon Quotes

"The crucifixion was the common everyday mode of murder that happened regularly to keep the people instilled with fear about what might happen when they get out of line."

"Sometimes the most powerful prayer we can pray is a breath prayer with that name. IN Jesus, OUT help me. It gets to the heart of God in a deeper way."

"The Kingdom of heaven is the right now and the not yet. It’s living in the middle for right now, where we receive our salvation and learn to live into this new life."

"We aren’t stuck in our sins where we were, but we aren’t in that perfect paradise yet either. In the middle is where we live our lives and work out our own salvation."

"Being in the middle can be hard and long and confusing, but it can also be exciting and joyful and peaceful and hopeful and beautiful."

"If we are in the middle now, between where we were and where we are heading, then maybe on the day that Jesus died, he chose to be in the middle."

"Jesus knew that looking across time and centuries, that is where you would be, in the middle, sometimes hopeful and sometimes hurting, and he loves you too much to leave you alone."

"When Jesus says TODAY you will be with me in paradise, it is not just for that one man, but it is for everyone, because everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, Jesus, will be saved."

"Today is the day of salvation, and that is offered to you. All you need to do is pray, 'JESUS, Help me.'"

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Last_Words_Lent_2025_2.docx

Devotional

Day 1: The Profound Simplicity of Prayer

Day 2: Navigating Life's In-Between Spaces

Day 3: Experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven Now

Day 4: Jesus' Presence in Our Journey

Day 5: Embracing the Promise of Salvation

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Quotes

Chatbot

Last_Words_Lent_2025_2.docx

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