Accepting Christ’s Love He Died for You

1. Accepting Christ’s LoveHe Died for You November 1

2. Think About It • What motives do we associate with colors? For example “green with envy” or “being in a blue funk”? • What color would you say models grief? • Today we look at an experience in Jesus life when He • experienced great grief and a whole range of emotions • it was marked by great darkness

3. Listen for differing opinions about Jesus. Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" [40] But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?

4. Listen for differing opinions about Jesus. [41] We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." [42] Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." [43] Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

5. Trusting He is the Messiah • What did the first criminal say? • What kinds of similar things do some people say about Jesus today? • Why did Jesus not save Himself from such a horrible and tragic death? • What did the second criminal say in response?

6. Trusting He is the Messiah • What kinds of things led this man (and lead us) to repentance and conversion? • Why didn’t both criminals plead for mercy from Jesus? • What prevents many people from turning to Jesus?

7. Trusting He is the Messiah Note what Jesus promised • the certainty of the promise I assure you • the time of the promise Today • the limit of the promise you • the Person of the promise will be with me • the place of the promise in paradise

8. Listen for differing responses to the events of that day. Luke 23:44-49 (NIV) It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, [45] for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. [46] Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. [47] The centurion,

9. Listen for differing responses to the events of that day. seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." [48] When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. [49] But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things

10. Trusting Means Repenting • What supernatural events do you see in this passage? • What statements, actions were made by the participants in this scene? • What do you think was the significance of the darkness? • What about the veil in the temple being ripped in two … of what significance is this?

11. Trusting Means Repenting • The centurion was probably a tough old army veteran. What was there about this crucifixion that caused Him to declare, "Surely this was a righteous man."? • How did other onlookers respond to these events?

12. Trusting Means Repenting Consider the reality of what God has accomplished • overcome the problem of sin in the world • forgiveness of sins for all who receive Christ  The lives of all who were involved were changed … our lives are changed  This Truth is powerful … it continues to change lives as we faithfully communicate it

13. Listen for someone who took a risk. Luke 23:50-56 (NIV) Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, [51] who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. [52] Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. [53] Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock,

14. Listen for someone who took a risk. one in which no one had yet been laid. [54] It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. [55] The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. [56] Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

15. Trusting means Risking • How did Luke describe Joseph’s character? • How did Joseph feel about Jesus’ trial and punishment? • What did Luke mean by describing Joseph as a man who was “waiting for the kingdom of God”?

16. Trusting means Risking • What sort of risks did Joseph take? • What risks are involved in serving Christ today? • How can we be known as people who are “waiting for the kingdom of God” and people willing to take a risk for Jesus?

17. Application • Consider that Jesus made a profound impact on the criminal and the centurion in only a short amount of time and with only a few words • Jesus can do the same through us • Ask God to make you aware of opportunities to witness • Trust Him to use the few words you might share to plant a seed of salvation

18. Application • Reflect on your own salvation experience • When did the meaning of Christ’s death begin to make sense to you? • Consider how you might explain the crucifixion to an non-Christian friend and tell what it means to you • Ask God to lead you to someone who needs to understand the meaning of the crucifixion

19. Application • In what ways can you approach God each day this week, to honor the path opened for you as demonstrated by the torn temple curtain? • Daily time of talking to God, listening to His words from Scripture • Look for ways that God is at work in your world … thank Him for His personal attention to you and your needs • Share with children or grandchildren ways in which they can talk to God personally

20. Accepting Christ’s LoveHe Died for You November 1