John 19:16-19 | The Dying Thief & the Crucified Savior - Jonny Ardavanis
Stonebridge Bible Church SermonsShow Notes
In this sermon, we come to the cross - the climax of history and the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus willingly goes to Golgotha as our substitute, bearing the penalty of sin and accomplishing the work of salvation on behalf of sinners.
As Jesus hangs on the cross in agony and shame, we see the heart of God displayed in His prayer, “Father, forgive them.” Even one of the criminals who had mocked Him begins to see the truth: he recognizes his guilt, acknowledges that he deserves judgment, and looks to Jesus as his only Savior.
The thief has nothing to offer - no good works to perform and no opportunity to make up for his past. He simply comes to Christ in humble, dependent faith, and Jesus promises him, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” His story is a powerful picture of the gospel: salvation is entirely by grace, and that grace is offered to sinners who recognize their need and cling to Christ alone.
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