“Three Men on a Hill Top”
Luke 23:26-43
Scripture Reading
Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
I. One Man Died in Sin
a. He was profane
Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
One of the malefactors which were hanged - It is likely that the two robbers were not nailed to their crosses, but only tied to them by cords, and thus they are represented in ancient paintings. If not nailed, they could not have suffered much, and therefore they were found still alive when the soldiers came to give the coup de grace, which put a speedy end to their lives. Joh_19:31-33.
b. He was punished
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
c. He was a prisoner of death
ILL – Like Jacob Marley’s ghost in Scrooge he was chained in death
II. One Man Died to Sin
a. He prayed
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
b. He was pardoned
c. He was promoted
“…today thou shalt be with me in paradise…”
III. One Man Died for Sin
a. He promised
b. He died in purity
c. He was powerful in death
ILL – Isaac Watts
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
