Luke 23:32-43
Quick Summary
The Point
When we show mercy, Jesus shows us
mercy.
Questions for Family Time
1.
What does mercy mean?
a.
When you don’t get something you deserve, like a
punishment. When you treat someone well who seems to deserve being treating
badly.
2.
How do you show mercy to someone?
a.
You forgive them when they do something against you.
You don’t hold their weaknesses against them. (or their reputation)
3.
How did the criminal show Jesus mercy?
a.
He didn’t pick on Jesus for being on the cross, like
everyone else was.
4.
How did Jesus show the criminal mercy?
a.
Jesus forgave the crimes of the criminal, and let him
go to paradise (heaven).
Deeper
This
week, we are talking about the “Good Friday” story. Next KICK, we will be
talking more about the “Easter” story. Good Friday is the Friday before Easter,
and the day we remember Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins. It can be a
heavy lesson, so this round we are going to be looking at it through the story
of Jesus and the criminal who died next to him.
During
the time of Jesus, crucifixion was the worst form of capital punishment that
existed. Just like capital punishment in the USA, it was reserved for the worst
criminals, usually for terrorists or plotters against the Roman Empire. It was a
way to shame rebels and warn others against their crimes. Crucifixion was
physically painful, but also broke down the spirit of a person. It was so bad,
Roman citizens could not be executed this way. This was the ultimate criminal
death.
On
the day Jesus was killed for crimes that the Roman leaders were not even
convinced he committed, Jesus was placed between to guilty criminals. One of
them sneered at Jesus along with the crowds, “If you really are
God-in-the-flesh, get us down from here.”
But
the other criminal, spoke up on Jesus’ behalf, “He is innocent. I deserve to be
here for my crimes, but this guy has done nothing to deserve this.”
We believe as
Christians, that Jesus was innocent. That on that cross, he died for our
crimes, so that we wouldn’t die for them, and get what we deserve.
For
some of us, it is easy to name our crimes. For some of us, our crimes, just as
heinous in God’s sight, are easier to hide. I have always done well at hiding
my crimes. In fact, I was voted “Teacher’s Pet” in high school, the sure sign I
was a “good girl.” But even I have crimes against God…that time as a child I
contemplated murdering my annoying brother…those rebellious years when I may
have lied to my parents about dating some “bad boys”…those times when jealousy
makes me hate people who have done nothing wrong to me. All of us are
criminals, because God judges us not only on what we act on, but on the crimes
of our hearts and thoughts.
But
Jesus offers us this promise…if we forgive others, he forgives us. When we show
mercy, he shows us mercy. On that cross, he did not carry his own sin. He
carried the sin of the criminal next to him. He carried my sin. Not just the obvious stuff,
but the secret stuff that racks me with guilt. For each of us who show others
mercy, Jesus promises us what he promised that criminal next to him. Paradise.
Eternal life with God.
Jesus
offers that to you as well. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown
mercy. I invite you to a life of mercy through Jesus.
Personal Reflection
1.
Who in your life do you need to show mercy to? What
crimes do you need to leave at Jesus cross? Have you allowed Jesus to free you
from those crimes?
No comments:
Post a Comment