Thorns for a Crown a Cross for a Throne

Scripture Passage: Luke 23 : 26-43 (NIV)
(Parallel passages Matt 27; MK 15; John 19)
Background
•Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem a few days earlier was celebrated
•But the religious establishment was not too impressed, it threatened their identity
•The temple incident was ‘the last nail in the coffin’
•Jesus has been called in to stand trial with a ‘Kangaroo Court’
•He has faced Herod and Pilate
WALKING THE VIA DOLOROSA TO GOLGOTHA
•Jesus needed help!
•The Wailing Women of Jerusalem (Hosea 10:8; Rev 6:16)
•A casual days work at Golgotha (Ps 22:18…Mk 15:34 and Jn 19:30)
•The Mocking Crowd (Ps 69:19-21)
•A Criminal who spoke of justice! (Is 53:6-9)
3 Trials, 3 Opportunities, 3 Temptations
•At the  wilderness…avoid obedience and avoid the Cross
•Satan enticed him with political power, spectacular religious demonstration and some miraculous appeal to the hungry masses
•3 different groups one common enemy…Religious Rulers, Roman Soldiers, The Thief
THE PARADOX OF POWER AND SALVATION
•Jesus at the center of it all is all powerful…surrendering
•He could only save them who were asking to be saved by not saving himself!
HOPE AND ASSURANCE 
•“ Father Forgive…”
  (Lev 19:18; Deut 32:35; Is 2:9; Jer 17:18;
  Ps 69; Maccabean Revolt)
•“ Remember Me…”…“Today you will be with me in Paradise”
TAKE AWAY: 
CLING TO THE CROSS OF CHRIST IN ITS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE AND ITS OUTER DISPLAY