Bible Studies

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The Gospels
Luke 23:33-43 - Christ is King
Key Verses: (NIV)

• 33: "When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals–one on His right, the other on His left." - On Christ the King Sunday, it can be important to reflect on how He became king. Think of these verses as His ordination.
  
  
• 34: "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." - This phrase is restated each time one of us turns to Christ for forgiveness.
  
  
• 38: "There was a written notice above Him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." - This bit of irony was meant to show to those around a defeated king but instead emblazoned for all time that Jesus is king of all creation.
  
  
• 39: "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: 'Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!'" - Words of one hopelessly lost.
  
  
• 40-41: "But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? ⁴1We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'" - Words of one destined for salvation.
  
  
• 42: "Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." - The crowning touch of Jesus' ordination.
  
  
• 43: "Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" - A promise for us all.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Is Christ your King? On Christ the King Sunday, the last day of the liturgical year, take time to think back through your faith journey this past year and highlight the key Bible verses that brought new understanding and insight as to who Christ is in your life. Were you able to grow in your faith even through difficult times of struggle and pain? Did you hear more clearly God's spoken word and feel the Holy Spirit's faithful guidance? Were you renewed in spirit as you gazed upon His majestic creation? Is your mouth filled with His praises?
  
  
• Why are we studying the crucifixion on Christ the King Sunday? "How can one look at the cross and call it a throne?"¹ Do you see the promise of Easter revealed in these verses of death? Do they show you that Christ is quickly ready to forgive you of any sin no matter how deep? Do you see that access to His glory and eternal life is gained through the cross? Do you also see through the illustration of the two thieves that you have choices to make? As you gaze up at Christ from the foot of the cross, what path will you take? Will you continue to struggle with life's circumstances; pointing fingers of accusation and slinging words of hate and malice? Or, will you accept Christ as your king, receive His grace and forgiveness, and live with Him forever in the gardens of paradise?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Many people look upon the crucifixion as a time of defeat, sorrow, and pain. The Roman soldiers and the Jewish leaders had finally achieved their objective. Jesus was ridiculed and killed. Even though Jesus is suffering greatly and His resurrection is still three days away, the promise of glory is clearly visible in Luke's story. Christ's kingship is defined. In spite of His pain; He forgives. In spite of His suffering; He promises paradise. He provides hope for a glorious tomorrow when today is filled with darkness and hopelessness. As we approach the cross through the struggles in our lives, we can look into Jesus' eyes, filled with pain and sorrow, and see the glory of His kingdom revealed. At that moment we have a choice to make: We can turn away and reject the promises of Christ, scorning and ridiculing Him as defeated mortal. Or, we can cry out in faith: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

¹UNTIL THE KING COMES, THEODORE F. SCHNEIDER, C.S.S. Publishing Company, 1991, 1-55673-316-X

FUMC Devotionals

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