By Tyshawn Gardner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Samford University
The Death of Jesus
Luke 23:32–49
God demonstrates His great love for humanity through the death of His Son on the cross. Jesus’ death captures the gravity of sin as well as God’s power to break the destructive forces of sin and death.
Jesus’ death brings life, not shame. We can be comforted in knowing God had us in mind when Jesus died on the cross.
Jesus forgave us even as He suffered on the cross. (32–34)
For many, the cross makes no sense. In our postmodern culture, the idea of Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of humanity is irrational.
These thoughts may be directly linked to the fact that many people, who live in a world influenced by individualism, feel that forgiveness is also ridiculous.
However, the gospels attest to the fact that Jesus died for the sins of the world in accordance with God’s plan.
Luke shows us that Jesus models forgiveness in a manner most would deem foolish.
The Apostle Paul contends, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).
Jesus forgave not only the two criminals on the cross while He suffered there, but He was also forgiving us; an act that can only be done through the power of God. Many who have suffered gross injustices have followed the example of Jesus by choosing to forgive, even as they suffer.
Jesus saves those who trust in Him. (35–43)
Salvation is the gift of God through Jesus Christ. Salvation is available to those who trust Jesus and believe salvation lies in Him.
Just as one of the criminals placed his faith in the substitutionary death of Christ, so should we.
Salvation is free. Salvation is also by grace. Countless people have a difficult time trusting the fact that something so profound could come with no strings attached.
Salvation cannot be earned and it cannot be bought. God offers salvation to everyone who believes in His Son Jesus Christ.
The proof of salvation is a transformed mind, way of thinking and behavior.
In Galatians Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22–23).
Through His sacrifice on the cross, all who trust in Jesus can be saved from a life of eternal death.
Jesus completed His earthly ministry with His death on the cross. (44–49)
Out of all the miracles, defending the oppressed, speaking up for the poor and rebuking systemic evil, Jesus’ death on the cross was the climax and most important aspect of His earthly ministry.
When Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit,” His earthly ministry was complete and God was pleased. Jesus’ death on the cross defeated the powers of injustice, death and hell. His death frees us and brings us new life.
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