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#1257. Salvation - No matter how dark things become, Jesus’ love reaches there! (18/4/25)

  • Writer: Matt Beaney
    Matt Beaney
  • 1 day ago
  • 5 min read

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we journey through our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series. 


From Luke 22-23, we reflect on how Jesus saves those who have lost all hope in themselves. 


You can listen to this devotional below:


‘“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”’ (Luke 23:43)

Hope in a Place of Despair

The cross is the most unlikely place to find hope. Luke 22–23 paints a picture full of betrayal, denial, injustice, mockery, and violence. And yet, it’s here—amid failure and suffering—that salvation shines the brightest.

Jesus brings redemption not in spite of the brokenness, but through it.


A Thief’s Simple Faith (Luke 23:39–43)

Two criminals hang beside Jesus. Both are guilty, both are dying. One joins in the mocking. The other sees something more:

“We are punished justly... But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” (Luke 23:41–42)

It’s a moment of raw, honest faith. He has nothing to offer—no record of good works, no second chances—just trust in the dying King beside him. And that’s all Jesus needs.

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

This is salvation: immediate, undeserved, and certain. Jesus will save anyone who turns to Him—even with their final breath.


Peter’s Bitter Tears and the Promise Beneath Them (Luke 22:31–34, 60–62)

Peter, too, has a moment at the edge of collapse. Hours before, he boldly declared his loyalty.

“Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

But Jesus knew better:

“I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:34)

And so he does—just as Jesus said. But the detail that follows is deeply personal:

“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” Then Peter remembered... and he went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61–62)

That look wasn’t to shame, but to restore. Earlier, Jesus had said something Peter might not have fully understood at the time:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31–32)

Jesus knew Peter would fall—but He had already made provision for his return.

Peter’s story isn’t over. His failure is not final. Jesus doesn’t give up on those who falter—He redeems them.


Salvation Through the Cross

Jesus is betrayed, denied, arrested, mocked, beaten, and crucified—not because He lost control, but because He chose the path of suffering to bring salvation.

The cross is not a mistake—it’s the method. His betrayal becomes the doorway to our forgiveness. His service becomes the sacrifice that saves us.


Reflection

  • Have you ever felt like the thief—unworthy, at the end of yourself? Know that Jesus welcomes all who trust Him, no matter their past.

  • Have you ever felt like Peter—ashamed, aware of your failure? Remember: Jesus has prayed for you, and His mercy is deeper than your worst moment.

  • Rest in this truth: Salvation comes not through our strength, but through Jesus’ suffering, service, and grace - we have betrayed Him! We have failed to love and serve Him! But, “Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” 


Let’s be comforted or humbled by the truth that Jesus saves those who have lost all hope in themselves. No matter how dark things are, Jesus’ love reaches there!


Prayer

“Lord Jesus, Thank You that You bring salvation even in the darkest moments. Thank You for the thief who reminds us it is never too late, and for Peter who shows us that failure is not the end. Teach me to trust not in myself, but in Your mercy. And help me to live each day as one who has been rescued by grace. Amen.”

 

Community Group Notes


1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

Please ensure that everyone is aware of the details of our Good Friday Walk. 


2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 


3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.


4. Study and pray together


Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.


On Sunday, we explored aspects of Luke 22-23. I encourage you to read this section carefully in your own time and use the devotionals in order to reflect on the important teaching of these chapters. In summary, these two chapters cover:


Luke 22

  • The plot to kill Jesus (Luke 22:1–6)

  • The Last Supper (Luke 22:7–23)

  • Who is the greatest (Luke 22:24–30)

  • Jesus predicts Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31–34)

  • Preparation for trouble ahead (Luke 22:35–38)

  • Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39–46)

  • Jesus is arrested (Luke 22:47–53)

  • Peter denies Jesus (Luke 22:54–62)

  • The guards mock Jesus (Luke 22:63–65)

  • Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66–71)


Luke 23

  • Jesus before Pilate (Luke 23:1–5)

  • Jesus before Herod (Luke 23:6–12)

  • Pilate sentences Jesus (Luke 23:13–25)

  • The crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:26–43)

  • The death of Jesus (Luke 23:44–49)

  • The burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56)

  • 4–49)

  • The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56)


In this study, let’s briefly reflect on the salvation of the thief on the cross. Like Him, we’re encouraged to: Put our faith in the one who has true power in life and death. 


Discussion: 

  1. How is Jesus, even in his desolate state, revealed as Lord over all that’s happening?

    Look at examples like Luke 22:10–12, 17–23, 31–34, and 23:44–46. What do these moments show us about his authority and control, even in suffering?

  2. Read Luke 23:32–43. What does the salvation of the thief on the cross reveal about how a person is saved?

    What stands out about this moment of grace? What does it teach us about faith, repentance, and Jesus' power to save?

  3. In what ways is your faith in Jesus being tested or shaken right now?

    How can the events in Luke 22–23 help to steady and restore your faith? What do these chapters remind us about who Jesus is and what he’s done for us?


SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

  • Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything from Luke 22-23, which teaches and inspires us in our mission and our approach to it? 

  • Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us. 

  • Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.


Let’s pray together: 

  • Let’s pray for our Easter Service this coming Sunday.

  • Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.



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