Faith Promise - What's Next - Day 03
Day 03 - Wednesday, November 08
Read Luke 23:26-43
Highlight
This conversion story focuses on “the thief on the cross.” However, mere thieves didn’t face crucifixion. These men were more likely to have been insurrectionists who had stirred up rebellion or some other far more extreme criminal (in Rome’s eyes). This short interaction with two criminals offers us amazing insights into Jesus’ identity and power.
Verse 39 is often translated as “hurled insults,” but the Greek word is eblasphemei, where we get our word “blaspheme.” These weren’t just cruel words, they were denials of Jesus’ power and divinity and insults against God Himself. In addition, the other accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion mentions that originally both criminals were mocking Jesus. The reason this is worth highlighting is that Jesus prays in verse 34 that God would forgive those who were torturing him because of their ignorance. Biblical scholars point out that the response of the second criminal can be seen as an answer to Jesus’ prayer - the second criminal has come to a realization of the true identity and power of Jesus. The criminal has been shamed and tortured. He has been put in the lowest place and he knows that reflects the truth of his life. But he looks at Jesus, who has been shamed and tortured, yet the criminal knows He is still a king with divine power.
Jesus says in John 10:18 that “No one takes my life from me. I give my life of my own free will. I have the authority to give my life, and I have the authority to take my life back again…” The second criminal sees this, somehow, in a way the other criminal can’t. In fact, the other criminal’s demand is actually something that Jesus cannot do: “Save yourself and us.” (v39) Jesus couldn’t do both, which is why he gave his life of his own free will so that we could be with him in paradise.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8
Read Luke 23:26-43
Highlight
This conversion story focuses on “the thief on the cross.” However, mere thieves didn’t face crucifixion. These men were more likely to have been insurrectionists who had stirred up rebellion or some other far more extreme criminal (in Rome’s eyes). This short interaction with two criminals offers us amazing insights into Jesus’ identity and power.
Verse 39 is often translated as “hurled insults,” but the Greek word is eblasphemei, where we get our word “blaspheme.” These weren’t just cruel words, they were denials of Jesus’ power and divinity and insults against God Himself. In addition, the other accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion mentions that originally both criminals were mocking Jesus. The reason this is worth highlighting is that Jesus prays in verse 34 that God would forgive those who were torturing him because of their ignorance. Biblical scholars point out that the response of the second criminal can be seen as an answer to Jesus’ prayer - the second criminal has come to a realization of the true identity and power of Jesus. The criminal has been shamed and tortured. He has been put in the lowest place and he knows that reflects the truth of his life. But he looks at Jesus, who has been shamed and tortured, yet the criminal knows He is still a king with divine power.
Jesus says in John 10:18 that “No one takes my life from me. I give my life of my own free will. I have the authority to give my life, and I have the authority to take my life back again…” The second criminal sees this, somehow, in a way the other criminal can’t. In fact, the other criminal’s demand is actually something that Jesus cannot do: “Save yourself and us.” (v39) Jesus couldn’t do both, which is why he gave his life of his own free will so that we could be with him in paradise.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8