Jesus, Remember Me

Sermon: What Side of the Cross Are You On? … Jesus, Remember Me

Part One: Luke 23: 37-43

… and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸There was also an inscription over him,^[c] “This is the King of the Jews.”
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,^[d] saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴²And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” ³Two criminals are to be crucified along with Christ. One is on His left; the other on His right. Each criminal is tied to his cross with ropes. They endure no physical punishment. In contrast, Jesus is nailed to the cross with large nails. But before He is nailed to the cross, He is whipped, beaten, spit upon and a crown of thorns is forced on His head.

Isaiah 53: 3

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

One of the criminals says to Jesus to save Himself and them, too. Similarly, Satan tempts Jesus after He is baptized by John the Baptist.

Matthew Chapter 4 recounts Jesus being led of the spirit into the wilderness. He was there 40 days and nights. When Jesus was weak and hungry Satan came to him.

Matthew 4: 2-3

And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”

Jesus’ response is very clear. In Matthew 4:10, Jesus says, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

Satan tried to tempt Jesus, fully knowing that He is God’s Only Begotten Son. So, if He would approach Jesus to tempt Him, what chance do you have?

I am here to tell you, you have no chance unless you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You must be under the covering of God’s grace.

Read the entire chapters of the Scriptures referenced:

Luke 23

Isaiah 53

Matthew 4

Read Part Two of the Sermon, What Side of the Cross Are You On?

Do You Recognize God’s Voice?

Do You See Yourself Clearly?

Scripture: Luke 6: 36-37, 42

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:(36-37)

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.(42)

Scripture Commentary:

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most blessed of all? Is it I or is it him or her? Have you looked in the mirror and clearly seen yourself?

What do you really see? Be honest! Do you see who you are, or who you would like to be? Can you see your own shortcomings or do you see other people’s wrongdoings?

We often rationalize our sins by pointing out the same mistakes in others. Jesus reminds us that the way we live reveals our true underlying beliefs, attitudes, and motivations.

If you are to serve Jesus, you must forgive.

Treat others generously and with compassion and this will come back to you in full measure. Love others; don’t judge them. God is the judge.

So, what do you see in the mirror?

Read the Entire Chapter:

Luke Chapter 6

The True Christian Has Good Stored in His Heart

Scripture: Luke 6: 45-47

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.

Scripture Commentary: Is good stored in your heart?

Do you say something good to appear good, but in your heart you are saying something that is completely different? You can’t live a double life before God. Jesus reminds us that our speech and actions reveal our true beliefs, attitudes and motivations.

The good impression you try to make won’t last if you hold deception in your heart. In time, what’s in your heart will come out in your speech and behavior.

If we ‘act’ like Christians but don’t have God in our heart, then we are hypocrites.

The hypocrite is the one who takes on religious behavior to gain attention, approval, acceptance, or admiration from others.

But if we try to live and do God’s work (even though we will at times fail), we aren’t hypocrites.

If you follow Christ, you have faith in him, love him, and are obedient to him. And you give love to others.

If you call upon God to help you but you don’t do as he asks of you, what then are you?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 6

The Seed Is the Word of God

Scripture: Luke 8: 11-14

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Scripture Commentary: Have you let the seed of God germinate in your heart and life?

The seed is God’s Word and you are the soil. In what type of soil is God’s seed being planted? Are you one who points to others and does nothing? Do you read or hear the Word but have not changed your lifestyle?

God has given His Word through the Bible. The Word is for us to live by but we do not always listen to what we are told.

Is God’s seed planted in good soil, bearing solid fruit?

Is the seed on a “path” where it is being trampled down by you living for yourself, refusing to believe God’s message? Or are you a “rock” who believes but does nothing? Or are you a “thorn patch” overcome by the materialism of the world and therefore has no room for God?

If you believe that Our Lord Christ and Savior Jesus gave his life for your sins, giving you the way to eternal life, then bring forth good fruit.

God has planted the seed but what type of soil are you?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 8

What Is the Price of Being Tempted?

Scripture: Luke 4: 1-3

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, if thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

Scripture Commentary: Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days.

Don’t let yourself be temped, for temptation can come at a high price. Are you ready to pay the price? I lost my job and my friend has offered me a quick, but illegal, way to make some money. A loved one left me, but I know I can buy them back even though it’s not moral. These are some of the ways Satan’s temptation can manifest in our lives.

If Satan thought he could tempt Jesus, and he knew who Jesus was, then what does that say about us?

Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel. He is not a symbol or a figment of our imagination. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God.

Satan succeeded with Adam and Eve, and he is hoping to succeed with each of us.

Knowing, studying, and obeying God’s word is an effective weapon against Satan. When he tempted Jesus, Jesus used Scripture to counter Satan’s attacks. So can you if you study the Word.

Obeying the scriptures is more important than simply having a verse to quote. Read to understand. Then you will know what Jesus is telling you, and you will know how it fits into your life.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 4

Follow Jesus and Become Fishers of Men

Scripture: Luke 9: 57-59, 61-62

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” (57-59) Jesus said to him, “let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still, another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”(61-62)

Scripture Commentary: Are you willing to follow God?

Jesus wants total dedication, not halfhearted commitment. We can’t pick and choose among Jesus’ ideas and follow him selectively. We have to accept the cross along with the crown, judgment, and mercy.

Will you count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given you security?

Focusing on Jesus means nothing else distracts us from the manner of living God set out for us. Our motives become pure and our actions are for the kingdom of God. A wholehearted commitment means putting all of our faith in God. It means making sacrifices that he knows we can make. It means trusting that whatever cost we have to pay is part of God’s plan for us.

We must make sacrifices for our salvation.

In this scripture, Jesus doesn’t teach us to forsake responsibilities to family. He perceives the real motives and excuses behind the men’s words. They were not willing to give themselves over to Jesus fully, and Jesus would not accept them partially.

God gives us eternal life, and in return, he asks for our absolute dedication. In return for his love, he asks for ours. There is a cost to following Jesus. As Jesus sacrificed his life for the forgiveness of our sins, we must make sacrifices for the kingdom of God and for our salvation.

Will you follow God?

Will you walk with God? How dedicated are you to your relationship with Christ?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 9

Ask, Seek, and Knock on God’s Door

Scripture: Luke 11:9-10

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Scripture Commentary: Ask and God shall give it to you.

But, what are you asking for? It seems like we constantly ask God for things. To name a few, we want him to give us houses and cars and money … and forgiveness. How often do you stop and reflect on what God has given you instead of asking him for more?

Before you ask God to forgive your transgressions, make sure that you don’t harbor ill feelings toward others in your heart. Jesus taught his disciples to forgive. But if we cannot forgive others for their transgressions, then how can we expect God to forgive us? Forgiveness is the cornerstone of a relationship with God. Therefore, God has forgiven our sins over and over, so in turn, we must forgive those who have wronged us.

We are all God’s children.

Some are good; however, everyone needs help. As members of God’s kingdom on earth, it is our job guide others to Christ. Ask God to guide you. Let him strengthen your light so that he can enable you to lead others out of the darkness.

God prepares to give us what he knows we need. When we ask, seek, and knock, we receive, find, and open.

Open the door. Find what God has for you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 11

Be a Reflection of the Light of Jesus

Scripture: Luke 11: 33-35

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body is also full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Scripture Commentary: What type of light are you?

Today we have different types of light. We have colorful lights, black lights, halogen and fluorescent lights, just to name a few. If someone were to look at you what is the light that they would see? Would there be any light at all?

We all have a light that represents who we are. If we have Jesus Christ in our lives, then the light is bright. Living a life with Satan leaves no light, and we are dark. If we have nothing, then we are neither light nor dark. We are nothing.

Open the doors of your heart and let the light of Jesus Christ shine through

The last one might sound funny, but if you have nothing to show then you do not make any impression on anyone. There are plenty of people that we meet but remember nothing about. We might remember their name or their face, but we don’t remember their job, their hobbies, whether they are good or bad. We don’t remember if we liked them or not.

When you live a Christian life, people will see and know you for who and what you are. By spreading God’s word people will know what you have done. When you open the doors to your home they will know where to find you because your Christian light will be on!

Read the Entire Chapter
Luke Chapter 11

God’s Mercy Extends to Those Who Fear Him

Scripture: Luke 12: 4-5

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Scripture Commentary: Fear him who has the authority to throw you into hell.

Jesus told his disciples to watch out for hypocrites who appear good, but their hearts are far from God. If you please our Lord Jesus Christ first, you may not please other people. If you fear opposition or ridicule, you weaken your witnessing for Christ. How can you cling to peace and comfort at the expense of your walk with God?

Do you set up finish lines for yourself? Maybe if you please this person, or acquire this object, or make a large amount of money, you will have it made? This is the path of someone who is lost.

God provides everything you need.

What have you given God in return? When your earthly life is over, you cannot ask God for another chance. God gives you another chance every day that you are alive!

Jesus reminds us to fear God.

God controls eternal, not merely temporal, consequences. Our true value is God’s estimate of our worth, not our peers’. People evaluate and categorize you according to how you perform, what you achieve, or how you look.

Jesus takes you for your love of Him, not for the people around you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 12

God Separates Light from Darkness, Good from Evil

Scripture: Luke 11: 34-36

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Scripture Commentary: Turn on the light, and open your eyes to the life you are living!

What do you do when you enter a dark room? You find the light switch. You turn the lights on to see so that you don’t bump into things and risk hurting yourself. Satan is associated with darkness because with him you don’t know where you are or what you’re really doing. Evil desires and actions blur the light of Christ and make it hard to see the path of righteousness.

Jesus can bring you out of darkness if you let him. If you wish to remain in darkness, then you choose Satan over Christ. Without Jesus as your savior, you stumble in life and remain lost. God won the battle over Satan when Jesus rose from the dead.

Why be on the side that already lost?

Come out of the darkness and enter the light of Christ. Feel his love and warmth. He promises to meet all your needs and desires.

Is the Holy Spirit leading you or is Satan working in you?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 11

Other Scripture Commentaries on the Book of Luke:
Save Yourself Through Belief; Save Others Through Discipleship
I Once Was Lost but Now I’m Found
Lord, Remember Me When You Come Into Your Kingdom