Luke 23:33, 35–49

Bible Studies for Life
Director of Ministry Leadership Development, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

JESUS: DELUSIONAL DREAMER OR GOD’S MESSIAH?
Luke 23:33, 35–49
Even before He was born, claims were being made about Jesus’ identity. Isaiah’s prophecies of the Messiah and angels’ announcements to Mary and Joseph were some of the first of these. The questions and claims intensified during Jesus’ earthly ministry, building to a crescendo at His trial and crucifixion. As He hung on the cross, some celebrated the silencing of a delusional troublemaker, while others mourned the cruel and unjust murder of One anointed by God to redeem His people. Everyone must decide for himself or herself, “Who is this Jesus?” This week’s lesson helps us to consider the claims made about Jesus, both then and now, and how salvation comes to those who would see the Man on the cross through the eyes of faith.

Voices in the Crowd (33, 35–38)
During His lifetime, Jesus was accused of being a “friend of … ‘sinners’” (Luke 7:34). At His death, He was positioned with convicted criminals on crosses to His right and left. Never was the sinless Jesus so out of place, and yet never was He more at home. The people’s remarks are reflective of much popular thinking about God and matters of faith. The rulers challenged Jesus to “save Himself” to prove He was Christ (35). By their way of thinking, God’s Anointed One would surely choose self-preservation and self-promotion over the well-being and salvation of others. The soldiers also challenged “the king of the Jews” to save Himself (37). After all, isn’t that what kings are supposed to do with their power?

Our expectations and preconceived notions are among the greatest obstacles to seeing Jesus for who He really is. He gave rather than taking. He accepted rather than rejecting. He suffered rather than seeking security. We want this kind of God, and yet we do not often look for this kind of God. As we proclaim Jesus to our world, we must recognize that we typically do so among people who have their own opinions about God. More often than not, the truth about Jesus does not fit comfortably into the molds people have cast for Him.

Surprised by Grace (39–43)
The difference in perspectives on Jesus extended even to the dying men on either side of Him. One man echoed the cynical, self-serving calls of those on the ground: “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us” (39). The second criminal, however, confessed his guilt, acknowledged Jesus’ innocence and demonstrated faith in Him by his request to be “remembered” (i.e., shown favor or mercy) in the Kingdom. Jesus responded to none of the previous remarks, but to this humble plea He promised, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (43). Much has been made of the dying man’s profession of faith and Jesus’ assurance of salvation to emphasize that God’s grace extends even to life’s final moments. People intersect the gospel at various points in life. Whenever that may be and whatever the circumstances, God’s grace is effective to the utmost to those who sincerely acknowledge their need and the kingship of Christ.

Seeing in the Dark (44–49)
Even in the moments of His death, Jesus’ testimony had life-changing power. The Roman centurion was a witness to all of the day’s dark events. In the midst of that great darkness, however, Jesus — the Light of the World — shined. God used the example of Jesus’ humility, compassion and unfailing trust in His heavenly Father to bring faith to life in the soldier’s heart. The centurion “glorified God” by his simple confession, “Certainly this was a righteous man” (47). The acknowledgement of Jesus’ righteousness by a Gentile signaled the universal scope of His saving work. The rending of the veil of the temple, which separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple, further symbolized how His atoning death opened the way for reconciliation for all people. No darkness is too great, no one is too far gone that His blood and righteousness cannot redeem him or her. Every day, in word and deed, we tell the story of our hope. May the central character of that story always be Jesus, who died, is risen and is coming again.