The Jesus Story: Tried, Crucified

A 5-Day Devotional from Luke 22–23

Day 1 – Love and Justice Meet

Summary

The cross is not just a moment of suffering—it is the place where God’s love and justice perfectly meet. What seems like contradiction is actually the foundation of our salvation.

Read

Luke 23:32–38
John 3:14–16
Romans 6:23

Background

As Jesus is led to the cross, the full weight of God’s redemptive plan comes into view. From the beginning, God has revealed Himself as both loving and just. These are not competing attributes—they are perfectly united in His nature.

At the cross, sin must be punished because God is just. Yet sinners are saved because God is love. Jesus becomes the substitute who satisfies both.

Key Words

Justice – God’s perfect righteousness that requires sin to be punished.

Love – God’s self-giving nature that seeks to save sinners.

Substitution – Christ taking the place of sinners and bearing their penalty.

Theological Truths

1. God cannot ignore sin because He is perfectly just.
2. God chose to save sinners because He is perfectly loving.
3. The cross satisfies both justice and love through Christ’s sacrifice.

Wayne Grudem writes:
“God always acts in accordance with what is right and is Himself the final standard of what is right.”

Questions for Reflection

1. Why is it important that God is both loving and just?(MULTILINE)
2. How does the cross help you understand God’s character more clearly?(MULTILINE)
3. In what ways does knowing Jesus took your place deepen your worship?(MULTILINE)
4. Who in your life needs to understand the meaning of the cross?(MULTILINE)
5. How can you intentionally reflect God’s love and truth to others this week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Spend time thanking Jesus for taking your place on the cross—meeting the justice of God so you could receive His love.

Day 2 – The Cost of Sin

Summary

The cross reminds us that sin is not small—it carries a real and devastating cost. Jesus endured that cost so we could be forgiven.

Read

Luke 23:39–43
Isaiah 53:4–6
2 Corinthians 5:21

Background

As Jesus hangs on the cross, two criminals are crucified beside Him. Both are guilty, both are dying, and both are equally close to Jesus—but only one turns to Him in faith.

This moment highlights both the seriousness of sin and the power of grace.

Key Words

Sin – Rebellion against God’s authority and holiness.

Atonement – Christ paying the penalty for sin.

Faith – Trusting in Jesus for salvation.

Theological Truths

1. The penalty for sin is death.
2. Jesus bore our sin in our place.
3. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone.

John Stott wrote:
“The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.”

Questions for Reflection

1. How does the cross reshape your understanding of sin?(MULTILINE)
2. Why do you think one thief believed while the other rejected Jesus?(MULTILINE)
3. Have you personally trusted Christ for salvation?(MULTILINE)
4. Who around you needs to hear that forgiveness is available through Jesus?(MULTILINE)
5. How does remembering the cost of sin motivate you to live differently?(MULTILINE)

Application

Confess any sin the Holy Spirit reveals and thank Jesus for paying the full price for it.

Day 3 – Grace Is Available Today

Summary

The thief on the cross shows us that God’s grace is truly amazing—it reaches anyone, anywhere. But it must be received before time runs out.

Read

Luke 23:39–43
Ephesians 2:8–9
Hebrews 3:15

Background

The criminal who turned to Jesus had no time to clean up his life or prove himself. He simply trusted in Jesus—and that was enough.

Yet the urgency of the moment is unmistakable. His opportunity to respond was limited.

Key Words

Grace – God’s unearned favor toward sinners.

Repentance – Turning from sin to God.

Salvation – Being rescued from sin and its consequences.

Theological Truths

1. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone.
2. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
3. The opportunity to respond to grace is limited by time.

Alistair Begg famously summarized this moment:
“The man on the middle cross said I could come.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What does the thief’s story teach you about grace?(MULTILINE)
2. Are you tempted to delay obedience to God? Why?(MULTILINE)
3. How does the urgency of “today” impact your spiritual decisions?(MULTILINE)
4. Who in your life needs to hear the gospel right now?(MULTILINE)
5. How can you actively participate in God’s mission this week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Do not delay obedience. Take one step today—whether that is trusting Christ or sharing Him with someone else.

Day 4 – Access to God

Summary

When Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn, opening the way for direct access to God. Through Christ, we can now approach Him freely.

Read

Luke 23:44–46
Hebrews 10:19–22
1 Corinthians 3:16

Background

The temple curtain separated the Holy of Holies—the place representing God’s presence—from the rest of the people. Only the high priest could enter once a year.

When Jesus died, the curtain was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing that access to God was now open to all who believe.

Key Words

Holy of Holies – The innermost part of the temple where God’s presence dwelt.

Access – The ability to approach God directly.

Indwelling – The Holy Spirit living within believers.

Theological Truths

1. Jesus’ death removed the barrier between God and humanity.
2. Believers now have direct access to God through Christ.
3. God’s Spirit dwells within His people.

R.C. Sproul wrote:
“The veil was torn, not by human hands, but by God Himself, declaring the way open.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What does it mean to you that you can approach God directly?(MULTILINE)
2. Do you take your access to God for granted?(MULTILINE)
3. How can this truth reshape your prayer life?(MULTILINE)
4. How might your life look different if you were constantly aware of God’s presence?(MULTILINE)
5. Who can you encourage with the truth that God is near and accessible?(MULTILINE)

Application

Set aside time today to pray—not out of obligation, but as someone who has been invited into God’s presence.

Day 5 – A Changed Life

Summary

The cross is not just something we believe—it is something that transforms us. Those who understand what Jesus has done cannot remain unchanged.

Read

Galatians 2:20
Hebrews 12:1–2
2 Corinthians 5:17

Background

Jesus’ sacrifice calls for a response. We are not only forgiven—we are made new and called to live differently.

The cross ends self-reliance and begins a life of faith, worship, and surrender.

Key Words

Transformation – A radical change brought about by God.

Faith – Trusting in Christ daily.

Sanctification – Growing in holiness over time.

Theological Truths

1. The cross produces new life in believers.
2. Christ’s sacrifice calls us to live by faith.
3. The Christian life is marked by ongoing transformation.

John Calvin wrote:
“We are not our own; therefore, let us forget ourselves and all that is ours.”

Questions for Reflection

1. How has the cross changed your life personally?(MULTILINE)
2. Are there areas where you are still living in self-reliance?(MULTILINE)
3. What does it look like to live daily in light of the cross?(MULTILINE)
4. How can your life point others to Jesus?(MULTILINE)
5. What step of obedience is God calling you to take right now?(MULTILINE)

Application

Identify one area of your life that needs to change in light of the cross—and take a concrete step toward obedience today.