Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Listen to the Sermon here.
Note: This sermon is adapted in large part from a series of sermons by Martin Luther and published under the title “Sermons on the Passion of Christ.”
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
As the sun beat down on the hill of Golgotha, two thieves were nailed to crosses on either side of a man named Jesus of Nazareth. The first thief had always been a sceptic. Despite hearing the rumours surrounding this man’s teachings and miracles, he never believed them. The thief watched and listened to the crowd gathered around the crosses. The Messiah was supposed to free them from the Romans and establish a kingdom on earth. But, the religious leaders were confident that messiahs were not crucified.
The thief joined his voice with those standing at Jesus’ cross’s foot. What an embarrassment to die next to this lunatic. “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” the man shouts at Jesus. Not even a condemned criminal had any respect for Christ the King. This thief was an unbeliever who refused the salvation next to him. He mocked the only Savior that there is. Even in the despair of death, he’s full of hatred and mockery. His salvation is next to him, but he refuses to see it. In that Jesus, he could have found pardon for his sins, acquittal before God, and the promise of Paradise. But he would not have it. Instead, he mocks Jesus even in death.
Continue reading “Sermon: The Thief on the Cross”