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LUKE 23:39-43

"LORD, REMEMBER ME"

Intro: That Jesus was crucified between two thieves is no fluke of history. A part of the 
       pre-determined plan of God for Isaiah inspired by the Holy Spirit said, "And He  will
       be numbered with the transgressors in His death."

I. WHY WOULD THEY INCORPORATE THIS AS A PART OF THE PLAN?
        A. Was it to demonstrate to what depths God was willing to descend to save man?
                1. Born in a stable surrounded by animals.
                2. Died on a cross surrounded by thieves.
                3. Phil. 2.
        B. Was it to show the sovereignty of God in salvation?
                1. Two men equally close to death.
                2. Two men equally close to Christ.
                3. One reviles and one repents.
                4. Look at the obstacles he had to overcome.
                        a. The alienation from his friend.
                        b. The alienation of the crowd.
                        c. He had very little Word to stand on.
                                1. The sign above the cross - "King of the Jews."
                                2. Yet he believed.
                        d. He believed at a time when the disciples were doubting,  "We had
                           hoped."
                        e. Though Jesus was dying, He somehow believed He was entering into 
                           His Kingdom. "When you come into your Kingdom."
                5. What this man believed.
                        a. In the future judgment of God fear God?"
                        b. In his own sinful state. "We indeed justly, for we receive the due
                           reward for our deeds."
                        c. In the coming Kingdom of Christ "When .."
                6. What this man received.
                        a. The comforting words of Jesus, "Today thou shalt be with Me in
                           paradise."
                        b. Simply believing in Jesus He was saved.
                                1. No baptism in water.
                                2. No sacraments.
                                3. No works, simple faith.
                                4. The validity of death-bed conversions.
                7. Some mistakenly see God as anxious to damn. He is far more desirous to save.
                        a. He said, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked."
                        b. "God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should
                           come."
                        c. He will save you at the slightest request.
                                1. "God be merciful to me a sinner."
                                2. "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
        C. Was God wanting one final witness to the innocence of His Son?
                1. Judas returned the money saying, "I have betrayed innocent blood."
                2. Pilate said, "I find no fault in Him."
                3. The thief said, "He has done nothing amiss."
        D. I believe the Father was cushioning this cruel blow man was inflicting on His Son.
                1. Why was He dying?
                        a. So He could save to the uttermost.
                        b. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising
                           the shame.
                                1. He despised this outrage
                                2. He was humiliated by this shame.
                                3. Yet He endured it so He could know the joy of bringing 
                                   repentant lost thieves into the Kingdom.
                2. Here the Father allowed Him the first taste of the future joy of redeeming
                   the lost.
        E. That Jesus can save a lost thief should bring you comfort.
                1. You say, "I am not a thief."
                2. I am not so sure.