F O O T H O L D
READING
53 AMAZING LOVE
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PRAY Help me to come to your
word with awe, reverence and
thanksgiving, holy God.
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READ Luke 23:26-56.
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THINK As you read this
account of the crucifixion, what hints do you
find about the relationship
between God's plans and human
actions? Look also at what
Peter said on the day of Pentecost
(Acts 2:22-24).
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FOCUS The Jewish rulers
seemed to have achieved victory. Jesus, whom
they hated, was dying in
agony on the cross. They thought they
were seeing the last of him
and as they watched they sneered
(35).
But it was not that Christ
could not but that he would not save
himself. It was the
salvation of people like you and me that kept
him on the cross.
Up to the point of Christ's
death human evil seemed to be
winning. But God was there
and he was in control. So we notice
some signs of change.
* THE PEOPLE'S CONSTERNATION
(48). They were bold enough in verse
23! What do you think has
made them change their minds?
* THE CENTURION'S CONFESSION
(47). This man said what was
probably in everyone's mind.
No wonder thousands were converted
when the gospel was preached
seven weeks later.
* THE THIEF'S CONVERSION (43).
A rough, hard man, was the first
of that long list of people
who have found salvation through the
Christ of the cross.
* THE COUNCILLOR'S COURAGE (50-53).
Joseph of Arimathea, a
leading Jew with money,
position and influence, had a lot to
lose. Up to now he had been
too scared to admit that he was a
believer in Jesus (John 19:38)
but he found the courage to take
am open stand.
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PRAY Lord Jesus, you came to
seek and to save the lost. I pray today
for all who do not love you;
for those in distant lands and those
next door. Turn their hearts
to yourself, and use me as you will.
