What do you do when Jesus doesn’t show up the way you expected?

Sometimes, we miss Jesus because He’s not the Savior we want Him to be.

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” —Luke 23:39

• Salvation doesn’t always look like victory in the moment – but faith sees Jesus for who He truly is, even when He’s hanging on a cross.

God’s grace moves first—softening hearts, opening eyes, and drawing us to Him.

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” —Luke 23:40-42

• He saw that God is holy and worthy to be feared.
• He saw that he was justly condemned for his sin.
• He saw that Jesus was completely innocent.
• He saw that Jesus was the true King, reigning from the cross.
• He saw that his only hope was to appeal to Jesus for mercy.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, ⁸ do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion… —Hebrews 3:7-8

• The second criminal received a Messiah who saves through suffering, and placed his hope not in escape, but in Jesus Himself.

Jesus meets us in our most hopeless moments and offers us Himself.

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” —Luke 23:43

• Because of the cross, we live with one eye fixed on eternity and the other focused on today.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

Jesus was crucified between two criminals—both mocked Him at first. But then one recognized Him as the true King, admitted his guilt, and asked for mercy. Jesus promised he’d be with Him in paradise. What do you do when Jesus doesn’t show up the way you expected? Or when He doesn’t look like a Savior—but He still is? Salvation may not always look like victory in the moment, but faith sees Jesus even in suffering. He meets us in our most hopeless moments and offers us Himself. Because of the cross, we live with one eye fixed on eternity and the other focused on today.

Luke 23:39-43; Mark 15:32; Matthew 27:38, 44; Hebrews 3:7-8; Isaiah 55:6

Discussion questions:

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
• When did you experience Jesus working in a way you didn’t expect? How did it shape your faith?
• Read Luke 23:39-43. How can we trust Jesus even when our circumstances don’t look like victory? What are some ways we can remind ourselves of His presence in difficult times?
• What expectations or fears keep you from fully trusting Jesus, and how can you let Him reshape your perspective?
• Read Hebrews 3:7-8 and Isaiah 55:6. What do you think caused the second criminal to change his perspective on Jesus? What does Jesus’ response teach us about the power of God—His salvation, mercy, and grace?
• What would it look like for you to live with one eye fixed on eternity and the other focused on today?

Take a Step

• Where in your life are you focusing on the temporary instead of the eternal, and how can you surrender that to Jesus today?
• How is Jesus inviting you to see Him in your struggles, and what step can you take to trust Him more today?

Here’s My Prayer

Jesus, help me see You even when life doesn’t go as I expected. Teach me to trust Your plan, knowing that true victory is found in You. Fix my heart on eternity so that I can live faithfully today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.