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Pentecost Season · Christ the King · Year C

Luke 23:33-43

The Criminal on the Cross

November 26, 2028

Christ on the Cross, Rembrandt van Rijn
Christ on the Cross, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1631
A small early canvas, the body lit from the front against total darkness, the head thrown back and the mouth open in the middle of a cry.These readings are the crucifixion itself, and Rembrandt painted the sound of it rather than the composure.Rembrandt van RijnRembrandt (1606-1669) painted scripture as if it had happened in a room he had been in, and returned to the same stories across forty years, changing his mind about them in public.
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 23:33-43Lk 23:33-43
EpistleCol. 1:11-20Col 1:11-20
Old TestamentJer. 23:1-6Jer 23:1-6Alt. OTJer. 23:1-6Jer 23:1-6
PsalterLuke 1:68-79Lk 1:68-79Alt. PsalmPs. 46Ps 46

Overview & Insights

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:42)

Luke closes the Gospel's year with Jesus crucified between two criminals, mocked with the very title that is true of him, King. One dying man asks only to be remembered, and Jesus promises paradise that same day.

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Take it further: Luke 23:33-43

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 23:33-43Commentary on Lk 23:33-43 Working Preacher

Argues the crucifixion itself is Luke's final testimony to how Jesus reigns.

Luke 23:33-43 CommentaryLk 23:33-43 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Preaching notes on the irony of the mocking titles nailed above the cross.

Luke 23 Commentary: Jesus' Trial, Death and BurialLk 23 Commentary: Jesus' Trial, Death and Burial Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the crucifixion narrative.

Luke 23:33 CommentariesLk 23:33 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on the Skull and the two criminals.

Luke 23 CommentaryLk 23 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse-by-verse study notes on the trial, crucifixion, and the two criminals' exchange with Jesus.

Luke 23:33 InterlinearLk 23:33 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek interlinear text for the place called The Skull and the plea for remembrance.

Background & Word Study

Luke 10-24Lk 10-24 BibleProject

Video overview covering Luke's journey to Jerusalem through the crucifixion.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Luke 23Catena on Lk 23 Catena

Patristic comments assembled verse by verse on the crucifixion scene.

Sermons & Reflections

King of mercy The Christian Century

Essay on a kingship defined by serving and forgiving rather than winning.

Worship & Prayers

Christ the King, Proper 29, Year C The Lectionary Page

Full set of appointed readings and collect for the last Sunday of the church year.

Podcast

Sermon Brainwave #692 - Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday Working Preacher

Luther Seminary faculty discuss preaching angles on the full set of Christ the King texts.

Art & Music

Christ the King, Year C Vanderbilt

Curated art images keyed to this Sunday's full set of readings.

Study Hub

Christ King C Textweek

Sunday-wide link list of commentary, art, and sermon resources for Christ the King.

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