Last Words: “Paradise”
We continue our Lenten worship series, “Last Words,” as Associate Pastor Jesse explores Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This fourth message of the series draws from both Luke’s gospel as we examine not only Jesus’ words but also the often-overlooked conversation between the two thieves who hanged on either side of him. We’ll learn how these conversations reveal profound truths about the nature of God’s grace and learn that true power isn’t found in dominance or vengeance, but in Christ’s boundless grace.
Sermon Reflections:
- How do you respond to grace when you feel you don’t deserve it, like the criminal who recognized Jesus on the cross?
- Associate Pastor Jesse tells us that “true power is showing grace and mercy.” Where in your life might you be equating power with control or dominance rather than with grace?
- In what ways might you be like the first criminal, deriding others who are suffering alongside you because you believe they are somehow worse than you?
- The sermon presents a choice between “cynicism or hope, arrogance or humility.” Where in your life do you find yourself at this crossroads, and what helps you choose hope and humility?
- How does the image of Jesus as our “tree of life” change your understanding of the choices you face daily?