~ LISTENING CENTER ~

Date: March 24, 2013 Title: The Cross of Compassion Passage: Luke 23:13-49 Speaker: Bob Corbin Sermon Note Sheet (PDF Format) Download Message Audio

* Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Lk 9:23) * Jesus could say that because He Himself set the example by taking up the cross. * The cross was an instrument of torment and tribulation ... it was no different in the life of Christ. Yet, as Jesus bore His cross of sacrifice, torture and torment (not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well) ... He exhibited the "mind of Christ" ... He was other-focused and turned the cross into an instrument of compassion and completion. * Today, as we celebrate Palm Sunday and look toward this coming week considering His death, burial and resurrection, we consider His cross of compassion. Lord willing, next week, we will consider His cross of completion. * We will observe this compassion as we consider His interaction with three different groups: the women, the mockers, and the thief.