November 23, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Paradise at the Cross" (Luke 23:33-43)

Lectionary Readings — Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost — November 23, 2025

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 23:33-43)

Leader: When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there—along with the criminals, one on His right and one on His left.

People: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Leader: The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

People: But we know that He came not to save Himself, but to save us.

Leader: One criminal hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

People: But the other criminal rebuked him and said, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Leader: Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

People: Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Leader: Even on the cross, Christ offers mercy. Even in suffering, He extends grace.

People: This is our King—the One who saves to the uttermost, who welcomes the broken, who remembers us in our need.

All: Let us worship the crucified and risen King, who opens paradise to all who call upon His name!

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Opening Prayer (based on Jeremiah 23:1-6)

Let us pray:

Holy Father, We come before You this day acknowledging that You alone are the Good Shepherd of our souls.

We confess that we are prone to wander, prone to scatter, prone to seek our own way rather than Yours. We have not always followed the shepherds You have placed over us with wisdom, nor have we always been faithful shepherds to those in our care.

Yet even in our wandering, You have not abandoned us. You have promised to gather Your people, to watch over us with tenderness, and to lead us in paths of righteousness.

We praise You for sending the Righteous Branch, Jesus Christ our Lord, who executes justice and righteousness in the land. In Him, we find our safety. In Him, we find our salvation. He is our righteousness—not our own works, not our own merit, but Christ alone.

As we gather in worship today, be present among us. Speak Your word of truth into our hearts. Shepherd us with Your strong and gentle hand. Lead us not into fear, but into the confidence of Your steadfast love.

May we leave this place today more aware of Your faithfulness, more committed to Your kingdom, and more deeply rooted in the One who is called “The LORD Our Righteousness.”

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd and King.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "PARADISE AT THE CROSS"

Based on Luke 23:33-43

Introduction:

• Set the scene: The crucifixion at Golgotha

• Three crosses, three men, three destinies

• In humanity’s darkest moment, grace shines brightest

• Preview the three movements of this passage

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I. REJECTION AND RIDICULE (vv. 33-37)

A. The Place of Ultimate Rejection

B. The Prayer of Forgiveness

C. The People Who Mocked

II. REPENTANCE AND RECOGNITION (vv. 39-42)

A. Two Responses to the Same Jesus

B. Rebuke and Reality

C. Request and Relationship

III. REDEMPTION AND REWARD (v. 43)

A. The Response of Grace

B. The Radical Promise

C. The Reach of Salvation

CONCLUSION:

A. Three Crosses, Three Choices

B. The Invitation Still Stands

C. The Promise Remains

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Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers