The Three Wooden Crosses: A Story of Judgment, Mercy, and Grace
Main Text: Luke 23:32–43
Point: On Calvary stood three crosses—one of rebellion, one of repentance, and one of redemption. Every soul must choose which one defines them.
Opening Scripture
“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”
—Luke 23:42–43 (ESV)
Introduction
Three crosses.
Three men.
Three eternal destinies.
On a hill called Golgotha, the greatest moment in history unfolded—not just the crucifixion of Jesus, but the intersection of judgment and mercy. The two men crucified on either side of Jesus were not there by accident. Their presence paints a picture of every heart in this world.
Today, we’ll examine each cross:
- One rejected Jesus.
- One received Him.
- One redeemed us all.
The Cross of Rebellion — The Unrepentant Thief (Luke 23:39)
“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’”
This man was dying, yet he mocked Jesus.
Even with nails in his hands and breath fading from his lungs, he refused to humble himself.
He wanted rescue, but not repentance.
Modern Application:
There are many today who want God to fix their problems but not rule their hearts. They cry out for deliverance, but they resist surrender.
This is the cross of rebellion—where pride wins and the soul is lost.
The Cross of Repentance — The Penitent Thief (Luke 23:40–42)
“But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God…? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’”
This thief knew he was guilty. He didn’t deny it.
He feared God. He confessed his sin.
And then he turned to Jesus:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He didn’t ask for a miracle. He asked for mercy.
And mercy was given.
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Modern Application:
This is the cross of repentance—the soul who owns its sin and casts itself on the grace of Christ.
It reminds us that no one is too far gone. Not in prison. Not on a deathbed. Not even on a cross. Salvation is still possible.
The Cross of Redemption — Jesus Christ (Luke 23:33–34)
“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him… And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’”
Jesus hung between two sinners—but He wasn’t dying for His own sin. He was dying for ours.
He bore the weight of the world’s rebellion so He could offer eternal paradise to the repentant.
He didn’t answer the mocker.
He didn’t condemn the penitent.
He prayed for the very ones who nailed Him there.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”
—1 Peter 2:24
This is the cross of redemption.
The only cross that saves.
Conclusion: Which Cross Defines You?
Three crosses stood on Calvary:
- One man died in sin—rejecting Jesus.
- One man died to sin—repenting and receiving grace.
- One man died for sin—redeeming all who believe.
Every human heart falls into one of these categories.
Which cross are you closest to today?
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
—1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
There’s still room at the cross for you.
Jesus waits with open arms.
All you have to do is what the second thief did: Confess, believe, and receive.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for dying in my place and bearing the weight of my sin.
I confess that too often I have lived like the unrepentant thief—demanding blessing but refusing surrender. Forgive me.
Today, I want to be like the penitent thief—I acknowledge my sin, I believe You are the Son of God, and I ask You to remember me in Your Kingdom.
Help me to live with a heart of repentance and faith, always remembering the price You paid.
Let my life be a testimony to Your grace, and my words always speak of Your mercy.
Thank You for the three crosses—especially the one in the middle.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.