Agony Or Ecstasy

LUKE 23:32-43

PURPOSE: To show that our physical position in reference to Christ has nothing to do with the spiritual position.

INTRO: Look at the physical position of the three crosses and the men on them

I. AGONY - v.39

A. Hurling insults at Christ

“Aren’t You the Christ?

“Save Yourself …. And us!”

1. Words - "fool"

2. Actions – living

B. Failing to take blame

1. Not accounting for his actions

2. Expecting someone else to get him out of it with no commitment from him

II. ECSTASY - vv. 40-42

A. Recognition of Christ

1. Object of man’s judgment

2. Admits own guilt

 “We are punished justly”

 “We are getting what our deeds deserve”

3. Admits Christ’s innocence

-- “But this man has done nothing wrong.”

B. Request of Christ

1. “Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom”

- He recognized and owned Jesus as the Messiah, and he did so, by a wonderful forth going of faith, in the uttermost humiliation of Christ. -- Edersheim

- I Sam. 7:3 - Repent

III. CHOICE

A. Man’s position

1. One lost

 Knew “about” Christ

 Knew He had the ability to save

 Expected something for nothing

2. One saved

 Admits he is a sinner

 Admits there is a penalty

 Admits he needs help – 1 John 1:9

 Surrenders to Christ

"If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods [things you have put before Him] and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you ….."

-- 1 Samuel 7:3

B. God’s position

1. Has no grand-children or step kids

2. Has one-on-one personal relationship

3. Immediately took him to Paradise

Concl: What is your position – Agony or Ecstasy?