Postscript April 5th - Christ on the cross

Here are some main points discussed this Sunday as we read Luke 23. Number 4 is the most important so skip to it if you are low on time.

1) We discussed vs. 3 & 4 where there is fuel for people who would attack Christianity that Christ never claims divinity as we believe. The language in the verse can be translated to mean “YOU said it, not me” and then Pilate takes this as reason to find him innocent of the accusation that he claimed to be king. We need to have a deeper and broader understanding of the Gospels so that we cannot be tripped by such a false claim.

2) Since we are convinced that he does claim and die for the idea that he has a "Kingdom not of this world" and believe it is evident even to a non-Christian who would read the gospels - it is instructive to reflect on the "Liar Lunatic or Lord" idea as we read this passage. This challenge says that the claim that Christ was just a good religious leader, equal to others, is ridiculous. A man that dies with the accusation that he has claimed that he is the Messiah (sent by God, of God and brings eternal salvation) can't be "just a good teacher" he is likely just a crazy person, a deceiver, or who he says he is. This is a good question to put toward people if we can get them to read the gospels for themselves and see his claims, character, death and resurrection.

3) It was wisely said that we shouldn't expect this little evangelical tool to automatically convince someone and we shouldn't present it that way. While it might be evident to us that Christ’s person is completely different than Joseph Smith – who died in a gun battle trying to save himself, or Muhammad – who sanctioned and lead the mass murder of any dissention to his group, other faiths may also try this type of challenge. A person will not be argued into the kingdom and that isn't what I wanted to suggest when I brought this up, but that it is a good challenge to get them to at least start considering what their heart tells them... NOT their brains! What does their heart tell them he is after they have read the gospels and considered the choices?

4) An evaluation of the two criminals is eye opening. The interaction is an example of salvation being given to a person from Christ himself and a little illumination brings some clarification to salvation. Two initial observations are striking. One is – The man who was offered salvation didn’t ever ask for it…he just received it. He just asked that Christ remember him when he is in heaven. This man assumed that he would be in hell at that time! Two is – the other criminal is the one who asked for salvation! It is obvious to any reader that the difference really isn’t the asking, but the heart condition of the individual. This comparison clarifies for me that salvation is, truly is, an entirely free gift of amazing grace extended to the repentant. The clarification is made deeper when we consider whether “belief” or “faith” is what saves… and not meaning to cause any great issue I’d say the lesson is simply that neither of those is what saves… God saves those who are repentant. Consider also Paul who never ASKED to be saved! This was made even deeper by one person who reminded us that even repentance is granted by God. Point is – God is sovereign and gracious, handing out salvation at no cost to those who deserve it none at all.