The due reward of our deeds
Augustine called him, “Latro laudabilis et mirabilis,” that is to say, a thief to be praised and wondered at. He is among the most unknown and enigmatic characters in the Bible. He appears, unnamed, in one narrative alone, and everything we know about him fits into a few brief verses. He was a convicted and confessed criminal being executed along with another of his kind and, providentially, Jesus of Nazareth. In the six hours that the three of them hung on their respective crosses, two spiritual transactions were made. One resulting in despair and death and the other in hope and eternal life.
As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we will examine the encounter between Jesus and these two criminals, and we’ll hear the gospel message of hope proclaimed unencumbered by anything but grace on God’s part and faith on ours. In the end, we’ll see that the whole thing is something to be praised and wondered at.
Message: The due rewards of our deeds
Text: Luke 23:39-43
Todd Dugard
Harvest Bible Chapel
April 15, 2022
He detested Jesus (Matthew 27:44; Luke 23:39)
He appealed to Jesus (Luke 23:40-42)
He was saved by Jesus (Luke 23:43)