8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Mark 15:16-32 (NIV) 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the courtyard of the palace known as the governor s headquarters, and they called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They dressed him up in a purple robe and twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on him. 18 They saluted him, Hey! King of the Jews! 19 Again and again, they struck his head with a stick. They spit on him and knelt before him to honor him. 20 When they finished mocking him, they stripped him of the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means Skull Place. 23 They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he didn t take it. 24 They crucified him. They divided up his clothes, drawing lots for them to determine who would take what. 25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The notice of the formal charge against him was written, The king of the Jews. 27 They crucified two outlaws with him, one on his right and one on his left.
29 People walking by insulted him, shaking their heads and saying, Ha! So you were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, were you? 30 Save yourself and come down from that cross! 31 In the same way, the chief priests were making fun of him among themselves, together with the legal experts. He saved others, they said, but he can t save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the king of Israel, come down from the cross. Then we ll see and believe. Even those who had been crucified with Jesus insulted him.
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, He saved others; let him save himself if he is God s Messiah, the Chosen One. 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself. Luke 23:32-37
ENEMIES a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
43 You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Matthew 5:43-47
We are called to respond differently Who are our enemies? Who am I? 1)Human 1)Human 2)God s creation 2)God s creation 3)Sinners 3)Sinners Romas 3:23 (NIV) for ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God
Our Response: 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God s wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. [e] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Stephen s Example Acts 7... Lord do not hold this sin against them Christ is the difference maker
Saul to Paul ACTS 9
Love of Christ Am I showing the love of Christ to my enemies? Am I showing the love of Christ to my church family?