TGFGF-Thank God For Good Friday~
Today we will look at one final example about coming alongside someone, and Jesus once again is the Hero of the story.
Luke 23 contains the details of Jesus' crucifixion. We learn in verse 32 that two other men who were criminals were also going to be crucified. Verse 39 says one of the criminals "hurled insults at Jesus." But verses 40-42 paint a different picture of the other criminal.
“Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
These two men represent the world today. There are two categories of people--those who want nothing to do with Christ, and those who realize their great need for Him. Has anyone ever told you you had something in common with a criminal? Well, I just did:)
But what I really really love about this passage is what Jesus answers him in verse 43: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
So simple, really. No harsh words about a crime-filled life. No judgment, no condemnation, no criticism. The criminal genuinely wanted to be forgiven, and Jesus gave it. No questions asked.
Let's not gloss over this. Jesus was Himself in agony having just been nailed to that cross--depths of pain we will never comprehend, and yet, even in the midst of His suffering He takes a moment to reassure one of the poor lost souls next to Him.
Would anyone have blamed Him if He would have said, "I've got my own problems; I am busy saving the world?"
No, I wouldn't have.
This is such an inspiring story because it shows that even when we're going through a personal crisis, we can still come alongside others and offer words of encouragement.
And when we do, amazing things happen.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Today we unite our voice with that forgiven criminal and say, "Remember us!" We look forward to being with You in Paradise. In the meantime, thank You that You are with us each step of the way on planet earth. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
These two men represent the world today. There are two categories of people--those who want nothing to do with Christ, and those who realize their great need for Him. Has anyone ever told you you had something in common with a criminal? Well, I just did:)
But what I really really love about this passage is what Jesus answers him in verse 43: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
So simple, really. No harsh words about a crime-filled life. No judgment, no condemnation, no criticism. The criminal genuinely wanted to be forgiven, and Jesus gave it. No questions asked.
Let's not gloss over this. Jesus was Himself in agony having just been nailed to that cross--depths of pain we will never comprehend, and yet, even in the midst of His suffering He takes a moment to reassure one of the poor lost souls next to Him.
Would anyone have blamed Him if He would have said, "I've got my own problems; I am busy saving the world?"
No, I wouldn't have.
This is such an inspiring story because it shows that even when we're going through a personal crisis, we can still come alongside others and offer words of encouragement.
And when we do, amazing things happen.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Today we unite our voice with that forgiven criminal and say, "Remember us!" We look forward to being with You in Paradise. In the meantime, thank You that You are with us each step of the way on planet earth. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
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