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One cross, two views (Luke 23 v 26-43)

The cross is the ultimate dividing line. And however many Easters it is since we first thought about Christ’s crucifixion, it’s worth asking ourselves again: “What’s my view of it?”
A daily blog on Christianity.com
Published Apr 05, 2012
One cross, two views (Luke 23 v 26-43)

The cross is the ultimate dividing line. And however many Easters it is since we first thought about Christ’s crucifixion, it’s worth asking ourselves again: “What’s my view of it?”

Read Luke 23:26

• What kind of time does Jesus warn is coming to Jerusalem (v 28-30)?

It’s not surprising that this is on its way from God, given what the city has decided to do with God’s Son.

• And so “they crucified him” (v 33). How do those three words make you feel?

The first view

• How did the onlookers view Jesus’ crucifixion (v 35-36)?
• Who joined in with that (v 39)?
• How would you describe this attitude to the cross? What does it ignore (think back to v 28-30)?

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TIME OUT… Read Psalms 22:16
God inspired King David to write these words 1000 years before Jesus walked on the earth.
• What similarities are there between Psalm 22 and this passage in Luke?
• By including these details, what is Luke reminding us about the cross of Christ?
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The second view
ReadLuke 23:40

• What does the second criminal know he’s facing (v 40)?
• What does he admit? (v 41)
• What does he:
    • recognise about what Jesus is like (v 41)?
    • know about who Jesus is (v 42)?
    • want Jesus to do for him (v 42)?
• What’s the wonderful shock of v 43?
• Sum up the attitude to the cross shown by the criminal.
• Our view of the cross dictates our future: what are the two options (v 28-30, v 43)?

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APPLY
As we look at the cross, there are only two views we can have of it.
• Which do you take?
• What does the response of the second criminal remind you about the part you play in having perfect life beyond death with Jesus?
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PRAY
Think of three people you know who take the first view of the cross (perhaps with great politeness, or perhaps with some sneering). Pray for opportunities this Easter weekend to urge them to change their view, and for boldness in taking those
opportunities.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.

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