Sermon Recap+ Nov 23, 2025

Life has a way of putting us under pressure. Whether it's a difficult relationship, financial stress, health challenges, or unexpected circumstances, we all face moments when we feel squeezed by life's demands. The question isn't whether these moments will come—it's what will be revealed when they do.

The Orange Juice Principle

What happens when you squeeze an orange? You get orange juice. It's that simple. No matter how hard you squeeze, you'll never get apple juice from an orange. The fruit can only give what's already inside.

Why do we blame others for our reactions?

Here's where it gets challenging for us as humans. When life squeezes us and we react poorly—with anger, bitterness, or cruelty—we often blame the person or situation applying the pressure. But just like the orange, what comes out of us is simply what was already inside.

If we explode in anger when someone cuts us off in traffic, the traffic didn't create our anger—it just revealed what was already there. The pressure doesn't determine our response; our inner condition does.

Everyone Gets a Skull Moment

What was Golgotha? In Luke 23:33-43, we find Jesus at Golgotha, "the place of the skull." This wasn't just Jesus' moment of ultimate pressure—it was a revealing moment for everyone present. When the stakes were highest and the pressure was most intense, each person's true character was exposed.

What did the pressure reveal in others?

The soldiers revealed cruelty—they mocked Jesus and cast lots for his clothing. The crowd showed indifference—they simply stood by watching. The leaders displayed mockery—scoffing and challenging Jesus to save himself. One thief expressed bitterness—demanding that Jesus save them all. But there was another thief whose response was remarkably different.

The Good Thief's Response Under Pressure

What came out of the good thief when squeezed? When pressure mounted, four things emerged from the good thief:

1. He defended the innocent. He rebuked the other criminal for mocking Jesus, standing up for someone who couldn't defend himself.

2. He spoke of his faith. "Do you not fear God?" he asked, revealing his belief in divine justice and accountability.

3. He accepted responsibility. "We indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds," he admitted, taking ownership of his circumstances.

4. He remained open to revelation. "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." No one had told him about Jesus' kingdom—this was direct revelation from the Holy Spirit.

   
   

What About Jesus Under Ultimate Pressure?

What was revealed when Jesus was squeezed? When facing the ultimate pressure of crucifixion, what came out of Jesus? Paradise. "Today you will be with me in paradise," he promised the repentant thief. Even in his darkest moment, Jesus offered hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. The pressure didn't create bitterness or revenge—it revealed the love and grace that filled his heart.

You Are a Vessel, Not a Fruit

What fills your heart? Unlike an orange that's predetermined to produce orange juice, you have a choice about what fills you. You're like a vessel that can be filled with different contents. The question is: what are you choosing to fill yourself with?

How can you prepare for pressure?

Since pressure is inevitable, we can prepare by intentionally filling ourselves with:

• Love that defends the innocent

• Faith that speaks hope in dark moments

• Humility that accepts responsibility

• Openness to God's ongoing revelation

God Still Speaks Today

Does God still reveal himself to us?

While the Bible is God's inspired word, he continues to speak to his people today. Just as the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus' kingdom to the thief, God desires direct communication with you. He reveals things daily that you might not immediately understand, but in time, his purposes become clear.

How can you stay open to God's revelation?

Stay open with your eyes, heart, mind, finances, and hands. Be ready to receive what God wants to show you, even when it comes through difficult circumstances.

Life Application

This week, pay attention to what comes out of you when life applies pressure. Instead of blaming others for your reactions, take responsibility for what fills your heart.

Your challenge: Choose to fill yourself with love, faith, humility, and openness to God's voice. When pressure comes—and it will—let these qualities be what gets squeezed out.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What typically comes out of me when I'm under pressure?

• Am I quick to blame others for my poor reactions, or do I take responsibility?

• How can I better prepare my heart for life's inevitable pressures?

• Am I staying open to how God might be speaking to me through difficult circumstances?

Remember, if you've reacted poorly in the past, today is a new day. God offers you the opportunity to be filled with better things and to experience his paradise—not just when you die, but today.