Victorious in Defeat

·38 min·3 clips

How can a man's public execution be called his greatest victory, and what does that mean for your guilt today?

The episode is a sermon from CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin, focused on Luke chapter 23, verses 26-49. The speaker begins by reading the biblical passage describing Jesus' journey to crucifixion, his execution alongside two criminals, his statements from the cross, and the events surrounding his death. He notes that the church began studying Luke's gospel in November 2024, building toward this climax. The central thesis is that the crucifixion, while appearing as defeat, is actually Jesus' victory that solves humanity's fundamental problem of separation from God due to sin. The speaker structures the sermon around four statements Jesus makes from the cross. First, Jesus tells mourning women not to weep for him but for coming judgment on Jerusalem, demonstrating his authority even while condemned. Second, Jesus prays for God to forgive his executioners, revealing his mercy toward his enemies. Third, Jesus promises a repentant criminal that he will be with him in paradise that very day, showing salvation given freely by grace. Fourth, Jesus commits his spirit to God, indicating his work is finished. The speaker explains accompanying supernatural signs: darkness at noon symbolizing God's judgment borne by Jesus, and the temple curtain tearing to show access to God is now open. He connects this to the Garden of Eden, stating Jesus restores paradise. The sermon addresses listeners who feel guilt, hopelessness, or unlovable, asserting the cross answers these. It contrasts Jesus' mercy with sometimes merciless Christians, urging listeners to look to Jesus instead. The conclusion calls for recognizing Jesus and relying on him through faith, not works, illustrated by a C.S. Lewis quote about asking for 'bleeding charity.' The episode ends with a prayer of praise and a request for clearer vision of Jesus.

As heard by us

Luke 23 is framed as the victory of a king whose mercy saves through dying.

Jesus hangs on the cross in Luke 23, yet this Crossway sermon finds its center in what he does there: he prays for his killers and opens paradise by grace.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play when you want Luke 23's cross held close: a prayer for killers, a warning against bystander sorrow, and a promise of paradise by grace.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from CrossWay Community Church | Bristol, WI