Lesson 43: the Criminals' Questions

Lesson: Lesson 43: The Criminals’ Questions

Lesson Overview

Biblical Passage Luke 23:39–56

Supporting Passages Matthew 15:39; Luke 23:32–38; John 19:38–42

Memory Verse John 1:12

Biblical Truth Jesus will forgive anyone who believes in His sacrificial death.

Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One mocked and insulted Him. The other rebuked the first, and trusted Christ. A Roman centurion proclaimed Jesus Context as the Son of God after witnessing the crucifixion. After His death, Jesus’ body was cared for and buried by two members of the Sanhedrin: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

• Students will understand that Jesus’ sacrificial death was sufficient payment for our sin. Learning Goals • Students will apply their understanding of Jesus’ death in practicing their belief in Jesus through public witness.

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students. • Pray that your students will understand that their expression of faith in Jesus ensures their salvation. Prayer Suggestions • Pray that your students will live and be transformed by faith. • Pray that your students will share with others that their faith in Christ opens them to salvation.

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Biblical Commentary

Investigation

After one of His own disciples betrayed Him, Jesus was delivered to the chief priests and leaders of the Jews. They tried and convicted Him on the testimony of false witnesses. Because only the Romans could carry out execution, the Jewish leaders delivered Jesus to the governor, Pontius Pilate. Pilate declared Jesus not guilty, yet out of fear of the Jews, he had Jesus flogged and then delivered Him up for crucifixion along with two criminals.

Importance

This passage teaches that Jesus is God and Savior. This passage of Scripture is important for students because it helps them understand that it is never too late to accept the forgiveness Jesus offers through His sacrificial death.

Interpretation

Luke 23:39 The prophet Isaiah foretold Christ’s death among criminals. Isaiah wrote of the coming Messiah, “He was assigned a grave with the wicked . . . though he had done no violence” (Isa. 53:9). The Gospel of Matthew teaches that the criminals crucified with Jesus were robbers (Luke 27:38). One of the thieves “hurled insults” at Jesus. He taunted Jesus with words similar to those the Jews and the soldiers found in Luke 23:35, 37. Luke 23:40–43 The other criminal, in contrast, had faith to see and receive salvation. While the first called for salvation, the second received salvation. His few words provide a simple picture of three elements necessary for salvation. First, he recognized his own sin, guilt, and condemnation. He said, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve” (v. 41). Without an understanding of guilt and sin, a person cannot recognize the need for salvation. Second, the robber said, “this man has done nothing wrong” (v. 41), affirming Christ’s sinless nature. He referred to God’s Kingdom as “your kingdom” (v. 42), affirming Christ’s Kingship. It is not enough to recognize sin. Those seeking salvation must also recognize the holiness and majesty of the sovereign Lord. Finally, having understood these things, the thief on the cross placed himself in utter dependence on Christ’s mercy and grace for salvation. He simply said, “remember me” (v. 42). Faith, simply expressed, is sufficient to “be with Christ in paradise” (v. 43).

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Luke 23:44–45 The sixth hour to the ninth hour was about noon to 3 p.m. Darkness engulfed the whole land—a supernatural act of God. This darkness, unlike any other, may point to the darkness of the human heart. Speaking of Christ, John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” (John 1:5). As the Light of the world was extinguished through death, darkness covered the land. The veil of the Temple tore in two from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51). This veil was a curtain separating the Holy Place of the Temple from the Most Holy Place, which only the high priest could enter once a year, and not without offering blood (Heb. 9:1–7). Jesus, through His shed blood, has given humanity access to the Father. A veil no longer stands between God and His people. Believers enter freely and confidently into God’s presence because Jesus, the High Priest, has made atonement for all (Heb. 10:19–22). Luke 23:46 At the moment of His death, Jesus quoted Psalm 31:5. Jews often quoted this psalm of David at night to commit their lives to God while they slept. Jesus trusted every moment of His life to the care and purpose of His Father. Even in death, He offered Himself totally to God. Luke 23:47 In addition to the darkness and the rending of the Temple curtain, an earthquake came, tombs were opened, and many righteous people raised to life (Matt. 27:51–54). As a result of these things and Jesus’ death, the centurion believed. Not only did he recognize Christ’s righteousness, but also His deity, saying, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39). Luke 23:48–49 Beating the chest was a sign of mourning. The onlookers who had gathered were deeply moved. Zechariah wrote of this, saying, “They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child . . . On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great” (Zech. 12:10–11). Luke 23:50–54 All four Gospels record Joseph of Arimathea caring for Jesus’ body, and in each, it is the only mention of him. He was not only “a good and upright man” (v. 50), but also a secret disciple of Jesus (John 19:38; Matt. 27:57). He kept his belief secret because, like many, he feared the Jews. These brief passages reveal an interesting change in Joseph: he gained courage. He now went boldly to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body (Mark 15:43). Joseph was a prominent member of the Council. Matthew adds that he was rich (27:57) and that the tomb in which he laid Jesus was Joseph’s own new tomb cut out of the rock (27:60). Again this refers back to Isaiah 53:9: He was “with the rich in his death.” Though Matthew, Mark, and Luke write only of Joseph, John informs us that he had help. He was accompanied by Nicodemus (John 19:39), who also seems to have served as a secret disciple of Jesus. The Jewish leaders made up many of the secret disciples (John 12:42). Nicodemus had previously sought Jesus at night to learn from Him (John 3:1–21). Nicodemus also probably had great wealth, since he brought about 75 pounds of spices (John 19:39). Luke 23:55–56 The other gospels mention many women present, also naming a few of them specifically. The Gospel of Luke also mentions them and their devotion. In weeping they followed Christ to the cross (v. 27), witnessed the entire event (v. 49), and then followed Joseph to the tomb. Their devotion did not stop there, however. Even after they left the tomb they went to prepare spices for the body. Furthermore, even in the midst of their grief they remained faithful to the Law of God, observing the Sabbath and waiting until dawn on Sunday to return to the grave. Thus they knew first of the Resurrection. Had they broken the Sabbath and gone on Saturday, they would not have found the empty tomb. So because of their obedience they were the first to share in the blessing of the Resurrection.

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Implications

The thief on the cross received salvation. He recognized his sin and the punishment he deserved. He acknowledged Christ’s righteousness and turned to Him for salvation. Simple words, like those of the thief, sufficiently express our faith. In what ways have you acknowledged Christ’s righteousness and depended on Him? How can you encourage your students to express this simple faith? Anyone can come to Christ at any time. Some, like the thief, may come just before their deaths or at a time of crisis. Others, like the centurion, may turn from persecuting Christ to trusting in Him. The Apostle Paul provides another example of such a conversion (Acts 9:1–19). Yet others, like Joseph, may first follow secretly for fear of reprisal but then gain boldness to openly act as one of Jesus’ disciples. When nonbelievers continue in sin despite our witness to them, we must remember to not give up. No one is ever too far-gone to trust Christ. How can you remind your students to stand bold in their witness even when it seems someone has an unrepentant spirit? Jesus’ continual use of Scripture even at the point of death should cause us to look at our own reliance on the Word. As we delight in and meditate on God’s Word, we hide it in our hearts (Ps. 119:11). Whatever your situation, the Holy Spirit will bring Scripture to mind. In what ways do you trust Christ to work in your heart as you seek Him through His Word? How can you encourage your students to know His Word deeply?

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Teaching Plan

Connect

Review Questions (5–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will answer five review questions from the previous lesson. Download the “Review Questions” activity sheet. Print one copy for your own use.

After greeting students, use the review questions to test what they can recall from the previous lesson as well as to provide context for today’s lesson.

Especially for Younger Students: Time Is of the Essence (10 minutes, easy set-up) Students will focus on how time can limit their lives by posting phrases that seem to make time fly or make time stand still. Download the “Measuring Time” activity sheets. Print, and cut apart the 11 phrase strips and place them face down on a table or on the floor. Place tape on the back of the strips so students can attach them to posters. Tape two posters on the wall.

Point out the two posters. Ask: Have you heard the expression, “Time flies when you’re having fun”? It seems true, doesn’t it? But when you’re in the middle of a dreaded task, time seems to drag on forever, right? Show students the poster strips lying facedown. Allow students, one by one, to post the strips underneath the poster that best describes how they feel about the activity listed. Allow other students to agree or disagree with the volunteer. When a student comes to the last activity (Expecting to die), ask: How many of us actually walk around every day expecting to die? Point out that not many of us are in a position where we are having to think about our death, but that we are never assured of tomorrow. Ask: If you were gravely ill and were faced with the possibility that death may come soon, what kinds of things would you be thinking about? As students share, emphasize that people in that circumstance usually begin to think about eternal things and the way they have lived their lives. Explain that today we will discuss how one man facing death beside Jesus chose to repent and place his trust in Jesus.

Especially for Older Students: Good, Bad, & Somewhere In-Between (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will explore the danger of comparing themselves to "good" and "bad" people. Provide a dry erase board and dry erase markers.

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On the board, write the following column headings: Good and Bad. Direct students to name some of the best people in the world—the most moral, loving, compassionate, giving, and selfless. Explain that these people can be dead or living, such as Mother Teresa or a neighbor that they know. As students name these people, invite them to explain why these people are “good.” Write their answers on the board under the “Good” column. After a couple of minutes, direct students to then list some of the worst people in the world--the most evil, selfish, and unloving people. Explain that these people can be dead or living, such as Adolf Hitler or an infamous criminal. As students name these people, invite them to explain why these people are “bad.” Write their answers on the board under the “Bad” column. Ask: As you look at these names on the board, where do we probably fall, in terms of how the world would view us? (Probably somewhere in-between). Ask: What is the danger is comparing ourselves to others in this way? Point out that when we do, we fail to see ourselves for who we truly are as sinners who are in desperate need of God. Explain that today we will look at a man who faced death by seeing himself as the sinner that he was, and he turned to Christ in repentance and faith.

Master Teacher Option: Good, Bad, and Somewhere In-Between (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will explore the danger of comparing themselves to "good" and "bad" people. Provide a dry erase board and dry erase markers.

Explore

Interactive Core Study: His Crucifixion (15 minutes, easy set-up) Students will examine Luke 23:39–56 and John 19:38–42, and determine if it’s ever too late to believe in Christ.

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Download the Student Worksheet. Provide a copy for each student.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Jesus’ sacrificial death was sufficient payment for our sin. Divide students into three groups and distribute the Student Worksheets. Ask students to work with group members to complete “Any Time, Any Situation” on the Student Worksheet. Assign the first group Luke 23:39–43, the second group Luke 23:44–49, and the third group Luke 23:50–56 and John 19:38–42. Tell students to read their assigned passages and complete their section of the grid. After a few minutes bring the groups back together and ask each group for a summary. Briefly work through each passage with students. For the Luke 23:39–43 passage, ask: How was it evident that this thief recognized himself as a sinner and Jesus as Christ? As students answer, point out that the thief admitted that he was guilty and deserved death but that Jesus was innocent and was able to grant him salvation into God’s kingdom, recognizing Jesus as Savior. Emphasize that because of the way Jesus responded to this man, we know that the repentance and confession were genuine, and his “death bed conversion” was a genuine moment of salvation. Concerning the Luke 23:44–49 passage, call on two students to read Matthew 27:54 and Mark 15:39. Ask: How do these verses influence the centurion's confession that Jesus was innocent? Explain that although this centurion may not have completely understood Jesus’ identity and purpose, he recognized Jesus as the innocent Son of God. Say: We don't know for sure if this centurion was expressing faith in Jesus for salvation, but his recognition of Jesus as the Son of God revealed his belief in and confession of His identity. Now invite the last group to share their summary. Afterwards, ask: According to these passages, Joseph was considered a righteous man and a follower of Jesus. How did this man's actions demonstrate his faith in Jesus? As students share, ask: What was the difference between this man's salvation and the thief on the cross's salvation? What was the difference in their lives? Lead students to understand that these men both experienced the full forgiveness and salvation of Christ and would spend eternity with Him. Warn students, though, that this doesn’t meant that we should live sinful lives with the idea that we will turn to Jesus right before we die. Emphasize that that kind of thinking is deliberate rebellion and rejection of Jesus. Say: The difference in these two men's lives is that one was able to live for the purpose of the kingdom and in obedience to Christ, whereas the other had no time left to be a part of God's mission, and that is tragic. Ask: Does a person's timing or circumstance matter when they call out to Jesus for salvation? (No) Emphasize that a person’s circumstances or the timing in which they call out to God doesn’t matter because Jesus will forgive anyone who trusts in His sacrificial death. Ask: What do the lives of these men indicate about our ability to work for or be good enough for salvation? (We can't be good enough.) Emphasize that Jesus’ offer of salvation to the thief is definitive evidence that salvation has nothing to do with our own worth but the work that Jesus did on the cross. Say: Jesus is the Savior, not us, and that means that His death was sufficient payment for our sins, and when we genuinely repent and trust in Him like the thief did, He will save us. Share that it is never too late to accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers through His sacrificial death.

Master Teacher Key Study: His Crucifixion (15–20 minutes, easy set-up) Students will consider how Christ makes salvation available anywhere, to anyone, at anytime.

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Use the Master Teacher outline and the Biblical Commentary to prepare to share the truths of this passage with students. Download the Master Teacher Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Encourage students to take notes on their worksheets as you teach. The underlined words in the Master Teacher Key Study correspond to the blanks on the worksheet.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Jesus’ sacrificial death was sufficient payment for our sin. Pass out pens and copies of the Master Teacher Student Worksheet. Then use the Master Teacher Key Study to teach Luke 23:39–56.

Especially for Younger Students: Salvation Given (10 minutes, easy set-up) Students will contrast the two criminals who hung next to Jesus. Download the Student Worksheet. Provide a copy for each student.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Jesus’ sacrificial death was sufficient payment for our sin. Divide the students into three groups and distribute the Student Worksheets. Ask students to read Luke 23:39–43 and work with group members to complete “Steps to Salvation” on the Student Worksheet. (Answers: 1—One tauntingly asked Jesus to save him physically by rescuing him from the cross. The other recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and asked Jesus to save his soul and rescue him from eternity in hell. 2—“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.” 3—He said, “this man has done nothing wrong,” and asked Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom. 4—He asked Christ to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom. 5—Christ said that the robber would be with Him that day in paradise.) Ask: Why did one thief receive salvation and the other not? What was the difference between the two men's hearts? Point out that one thief was insincere in his approach to Jesus, while the other sincerely sought forgiveness. Ask: Thinking about this man's encounter with Jesus, as well as other passages that you know, what was necessary for this man's salvation? Guide students to see that the man repented of his sinfulness and also placed his faith in Jesus as God and the only Savior. Ask: What did the thief do to deserve salvation? As students answer, emphasize that the thief did nothing and could not have done anything to deserve forgiveness. Say: Only Jesus’ work on the cross and His unfailing love and forgiveness could offer this man salvation.

Especially for Older Students: The Shedding of Blood (7–8 minutes, easy set-up) Students will discuss the need for and result of the shedding of Jesus' blood.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that Jesus’ sacrificial death was sufficient payment for our sin. Enlist a student to read Hebrews 9:22–28. Explain that people are always wondering why Jesus had to die, but the Bible is very clear. Note that this passage indicates that forgiveness cannot be given without the shedding of blood. Invite students to explain what the sacrifices of animals was for during the old

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covenant. Lead students to understand that the old covenant required that animals be sacrificed to atone for sins; the price for sin was death, and the animals provided the temporary atonement through their death. Ask: According to this passage, how was Jesus' death different from an animal sacrifice? (Jesus only had to die once, and His death covered the sins of all people for all time.) Explain that we don’t have to keep making sacrifices over and over because Jesus provided the ultimate sacrifice that would pay the price for our sin. Say: Because of His death as payment for our sin, we can have forgiveness once and for all.

Transform

Deeper Discussion (10 minutes, easy set-up) Students will read Luke 23:26–49 and discuss what the crucifixion means to them personally.

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding of Jesus’ death in practicing their belief in Jesus through public witness. Ask students to silently scan Luke’s description of the crucifixion from Luke 23:26–49. Discuss the following questions:

What thoughts or feelings occur to you as you read? Explain that we sometimes are so familiar with the story of Jesus’ crucifixion that we fail to experience it fully. What is the most powerful picture of Jesus’ crucifixion for you? Explain that some people respond to the crucifixion with awe, some with tears, and others are inspired to tell the story. What reaction does the story of the crucifixion stir in you? Explain that our walk with Jesus is very individual, but this event—the central event of all history—is important for us to think about and to feel.

Especially for Younger Students: A Personal Story (8–10 minutes, easy set-up) Students will write their testimony and practice sharing it with a partner. Provide a sheet of paper and a pen for each student.

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding of Jesus’ death in practicing their belief in Jesus through public witness. Explain that our salvation is not just to be kept to ourselves; we are commanded to share the gospel with others. Tell students that one of the easiest ways to share the gospel is by sharing it through our own story. Distribute the paper and pens. Instruct students to write the following phrases on their paper,

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leaving room to write underneath each one: My life before Christ; My need for Christ; How I came to Christ; My life after Christ. Tell students to work by themselves for a few moments, writing a couple of sentences under each phrase that explains how they realized they needed Christ, how He gave them salvation, and how their lives have been changed as a result. After a few minutes, encourage students to find a partner and practice sharing their testimony of salvation. Allow a few moments and then encourage students to take their testimony home and to add biblical passages into their testimony so that they can be ready to use the powerful Word of God when they share their story with someone.

Especially for Older Students: Intentional Conversations (8–10 minutes, easy set-up) Students will practice being intentional about sharing Christ in their conversations.

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding of Jesus’ death in practicing their belief in Jesus through public witness. Tell students that everyday conversations often open doors for us to share little snippets of our testimony with others. Explain that we often have opportunities to share how He has given us strength in times of struggle, how He is guiding our decisions, and how He has changed our perspectives and purpose. Direct students to find a partner and to just begin having a casual conversation with one another. Tell students to intentionally look for ways to share about Christ and His work in their lives throughout their conversation. After 3-4 minutes, call students together again. Invite students to share about an opportunity that arose as a result of their intentionality. As students share, emphasize that we must rely on the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see opportunities all around us. Encourage them to be intentional this week about seeking to share Christ with others as they go about their everyday lives.

Master Teacher Option: Intentional Conversations (8–10 minutes, easy set-up) Students will practice being intentional about sharing Christ in their conversations.

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Take Home Activity

Family Devotion (10-15 minutes at home, easy set-up) Distribute copies of the Family Devotion to students and encourage them to share the devotion with their family.

A copy of the Family Devotion will be included in your lesson PDF download.

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REVIEW QUESTIONS (5–8 minutes, easy set-up) Use these questions to review the content from Lesson 42: His Crucifixion The correct answer for each question is printed in bold, italic font.

1. What did the Roman soldiers put on Jesus? a. Clean clothes b. A purple robe and a crown of thorns c. Ropes to strap to the cross d. Nothing

2. Who was the Roman governor who held the power to crucify Jesus? a. Pilate b. Claudias c. Festus d. Cornelius

3. Why did Pilate not wish to condemn Jesus to crucifixion? a. He didn’t like the Jews and didn’t want to help them do anything. b. He liked Jesus and believed His message. c. He didn’t believe Jesus was guilty of anything. d. He was afraid of what God would do to him if he condemned Jesus.

4. The Jews shouted at Pilate that if he let Jesus go, he was no of Caesar. a. servant b. subject c. believer d. friend

5. In the Aramaic language, Golgotha means . a. “The Place of Crucifixion” b. “The Place of the Skull” c. “The Place of the Condemned” d. “The Place of the Unlawful”

______All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright© LifeBibleStudy 2006: revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. LESSON 43 THE CRIMINALS’ QUESTIONS Biblical Passage: Luke 23:39–56

MEASURING TIME Hang the two posters on a wall, leaving enough space for students to attach strips containing phrases near each. Cut the 11 phrase strips apart.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright © LifeBibleStudy, 2006; revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. LESSON 43 THE CRIMINALS’ QUESTIONS Biblical Passage: Luke 23:39–56 Memory Verse: John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

ANY TIME, ANY SITUATION LUKE 23:50–56 & LUKE 23:33–43 LUKE 23:44–49 JOHN 19:38–42

Who accepted Christ or made his faith public?

What did he do that tells you that he accepted Christ or made his faith public?

Was it too late for him to believe in Jesus and trust in His sacrificial death?

STEPS TO SALVATION

1. What was the difference between the kinds of salvation the two criminals who hung on either side of Jesus asked for? ______

2. In verse 41, what does the thief say that shows he recognized his sin? ______

3. In verses 41 and 42, what does he say that shows he recognizes Christ as the sinless King? ______

4. In what simple way do we see the robber ask Jesus into his heart in verse 42? ______

5. From verse 43, how do we know that Christ received him, forgave him, and saved him? ______

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright © LifeBibleStudy, 2006; revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. Christ: Students Lesson 43: Master Teacher Key Study

Master Teacher Key Study: THE CRIMINALS’ QUESTIONS (15–20 minutes, easy set-up) Students will consider how Christ makes salvation available anywhere, to anyone, at anytime.

Use this outline and the Biblical Commentary to prepare to share the truths of this passage with students. Download the Master Teacher Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Encourage students to take notes on their worksheets as you teach. The underlined words in the Master Teacher Key Study correspond to the blanks on the worksheet.

Introduction: Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One mocked and insulted Him; the other trusted in Him. After His death, Jesus’ body was cared for and buried by two members of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. It doesn’t matter where a person is, who her or she is, or when he or she believes and trusts in Christ: Because of what Jesus did on the cross, salvation is available to anyone.

1. The fact that a convicted thief in the process of execution could be saved indicates that a person can be saved anywhere.

• One of the thieves crucified beside Jesus mocked Him. In his unbelief he could neither recognize nor receive the Salvation that hung crucified right beside him. • The other thief, however, recognized his own sinfulness and the deity of Jesus, and believed. • Jesus said to His Father, “into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). • The veil in the Temple split from top to bottom, exposing the Most Holy Place to those who had never seen it. No longer would sacrifices need to be made in the Temple, for Jesus had sacrificed Himself once—and for all. • Regardless of a person’s location—on a cross, in a bed, or in a church—repentance of sin and faith in Christ Jesus brings forgiveness because of what Jesus did on the cross.

Illustration: News reports of riots and murders within prison walls make citizens shudder. But what doesn’t always make the news is the fact that many prisoners come to know Jesus Christ while in prison. Christian prisoners talk of “the Church inside the walls,” Many hunger for something to believe in, and open up to the faith. State prison systems gladly welcome Christians visiting prisons to share their faith, since the recidivism rate (the rate of return to prison for further crimes) is much lower for prisoners who truly make Jesus their Lord.

2. A thief, a Roman centurion, and two members of the Sanhedrin who had sought Christ’s death all were saved. Anyone can be saved by the blood of Christ Jesus.

• If a thief crucified with Jesus could be saved in his last hours of life, anyone can be saved. • A Roman centurion expressed belief in the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and proclaimed His innocence. • The Jewish Sanhedrin had venomously pursued Christ’s death. Yet Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (who had questioned Jesus at night years before as recorded in John 3), members of the Sanhedrin, were righteous men and followers of Jesus. They helped take Jesus’ body off the cross and laid it in Joseph’s own tomb.

3. The fact that we can accept Christ almost 2,000 years after His death just as these did, shows that anytime is a good time to receive salvation.

• The thief believed before Jesus died; the centurion proclaimed his belief in Jesus as the Son of God after; and people today who believe made their decisions nearly 2,000 years after Jesus’ death on the cross. His work on the cross covers all people for all time.

• The Bible is timeless. If the world continues to exist for thousands of years more the story of Christ’s sacrifice will have the same power to convict and convince that it does today. • God is timeless. His Word will survive throughout history. All those who claim Christ—anyone, anywhere, in any generation—will receive the same promise of eternity.

Illustration: One of the staples of science fiction movies is time travel—the idea that a person can go back in time to change the present by changing the past or go forward in time to see what the future might hold. Of course, humans can’t travel in time, but God is not bound by time. What Jesus did on the cross 2,000 years ago has impact today. He bore the sins of all people in all times during His hours on the cross. Jesus has paid the price for all people.

Conclusion: Simple words, like those of the thief, sufficiently express a person’s faith. This passage underscores that anyone can come to Christ at any time. Some, like the thief, may come just before their deaths or at a time of crisis. Others, like the centurion, may turn from persecuting Christ to believing Him. Yet others, like Joseph, may follow Jesus as a faithful disciple for many years. It is never too late, and no one is ever too far-gone to trust Christ.

Copyright© LifeBibleStudy, 2006: revised 2018. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted. LESSON 43 THE CRIMINALS’ QUESTIONS Biblical Passage: Luke 23:39–56 Memory Verse: John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

SURPRISE FOLLOWERS 1. !e fact that a convicted thief in the process of execution could be saved indicates that a person can be saved ______.

2. A thief, a Roman centurion, and two members of the Sanhedrin who had sought Christ’s death all were saved. ______can be saved by the blood of Christ Jesus.

3. !e fact that we can accept Christ almost 2,000 years after His death just as these did shows ______is a good time to receive salvation. SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Read Luke 23:26–49. What thoughts or feelings occur to you as you read?

• What is the most powerful picture of Jesus’ cruci xion for you?

• What reaction does the story of the cruci"xion stir in you?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT . . . “When we turn to Christ for salvation from our sins, we are simultaneously turning away from the sins that we are asking Christ to save us from.”—Wayne Grudem

ANY TIME, ANY SITUATION LUKE 23:50–56 & LUKE 23:33–43 LUKE 23:44–49 JOHN 19:38–42

Who accepted Christ or made his faith public?

What did he do that tells you that he accepted Christ or made his faith public?

Was it too late for him to believe in Jesus and trust in His sacrificial death?

STEPS TO SALVATION

1. What was the difference between the kinds of salvation the two criminals who hung on either side of Jesus asked for? ______

2. In verse 41, what does the thief say that shows he recognized his sin? ______

3. In verses 41 and 42, what does he say that shows he recognizes Christ as the sinless King? ______

4. In what simple way do we see the robber ask Jesus into his heart in verse 42? ______

5. From verse 43, how do we know that Christ received him, forgave him, and saved him? ______

Young people today receive so many mixed messages. On TV shows they often hear stars say that in order to have success in this life (and get to where they are) they have to believe in themselves. Our culture doesn’t question faith, but rather it questions what we place our faith in. Hollywood would have us express faith in ourselves. Educational institutions would have us express faith in our intellect and wisdom. Society would have us express faith in government. Culture would have us express faith in our customs and traditions.

Read Luke 23:39–56. If we ever thought that salvation had come to humanity in any way other than through the expression of faith and belief, we have only to read these verses to find the truth. In one moment in time, both the thief on the cross and the Roman centurion expressed their faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

The only expression of faith that really matters in this life is the kind that we place in Jesus Christ. After that, everything begins to fall into place and make sense as we realize the foolishness in expressing faith in anything else.

Teenagers can sometimes struggle with faith issues. Sometimes they doubt whether their belief in Jesus as the Son of God is enough for their salvation. We can help them see and understand that this is all that He requires of us. He has done everything else on the cross. So faith is enough.

CONNECTION QUESTIONS:

• How has your expression of faith in Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, transformed your life? • Do you ever express doubt in your faith? • How has God worked through your doubt to bring you to another level of faith? • What does your faith in Christ make you certain of?

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