From the very beginning of his gospel, Luke has endeavored “to write an orderly account” so that his readers might “have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” The entirety of the gospel has built to the crescendo of this moment – the birth of Christ, all the teachings of Christ, all the miracles of Christ – they all point to the supreme purpose of Jesus going to the cross to pay for the sins of those who believe in Him. Even as He approached the cross, Jesus continued to speak God’s Word, to bear with the sin of others, and to hold out the great hope of redemption. There is no better way for us to have hope than to look to Jesus. There is no more certain source of redemption and forgiveness than in the atoning work of Jesus. This is the heart of the gospel: where other religions and philosophies say “Do!” the gospel of grace says, “Jesus has done!” We look and see the grace of God in “The Crucifixion of Jesus” (Luke 23:26-43).

I. On the Way to the Cross
A. Surprise for Simon
B. Surprise for Jerusalem

II. Jesus on the Cross
A. Beware Your Heart
B. The Greatness of Jesus’ Heart

III. The Difference at the Cross
A. The Thief Who Railed
B. The Thief Who Repented

Questions for consideration: (1) Think back on your life. When has a hard circumstance turned out to be a great blessing? What does that tell you about the Lord? (2) What kind of a savior did the people want at the cross? How do we see that in society today? When does that creep into your own heart? (3) Is the gospel “fair”? What does that tell you about God? About yourself?