Jesus – Words from the Cross #2

 

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 “Today, you shall be with me in paradise” – Luke 23:43

Jesus’ first words from the cross were to ask His Father in heaven to forgive mankind.  His second words from the cross were directed toward an unrighteous, sinful man hanging on a cross next to him on Golgotha.  We don’t know what this man’s history was, other than he was a thief, or do we?

Remember there were two thieves hanging on crosses that day, one on each side of Jesus.  In Matthew 27:44, we see where they were both reviling Jesus and pouring out insults on Him.  Yet, one of these men comes to a point where the reality of death begins to set in and he realizes the redemption he needs to enter into heaven.  His words to Jesus, captured in Luke 23:42, appeal to Jesus as “Lord”.  Followed by his request – “remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.”  These are the words of someone who recognized the Son of God for who He was and recognized His purpose for coming to the world.  His repentance seems authentic as he rebukes the other thief hanging on the other cross that day, “Dost thou not fear God.”

Somewhere in his past, this repentant thief had heard of the Messiah, the Saving One.  Perhaps he had heard him speaking in Synagogue, or perhaps he was in the temple the week before when Jesus threw out the merchants.  Perhaps, he was at the city gate singing “Hosanna, hosanna – blessed is the King, who comes in the name of the Lord.” the previous weekend.  Perhaps, he was in the fortress watching them brutally beat and scourge this man, wondering why they hadn’t beaten himself that same way.  There was definitely something in his past that made a connection with Jesus, the Messiah.

Each of us have a past that is riddled with unrighteousness, sin and choices that have not been in line with God’s plan for our life.  Just like the thief on the cross though, we are given the opportunity for repentance, redemption and salvation from the only one who is worthy to give grace – Jesus Christ.  At the point of death, this thief knew who Jesus was and realized that his own eternal destiny was at the word of this man.  Jesus had forgiven the sins of others before taking up His cross.  The leper, the man with palsy lowered down through the roof, the woman with the constant flow and the woman at the well; just to name a few.  Here, in His final hour, His compassion for saving the lost souls of this world was once again demonstrated.

With His death and resurrection, His blood has become the atonement for our sins.  We are all given the opportunity, just like the thief on the cross, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our soul in life and death.  His grace is sufficient for the redemption of our souls and the washing of our spirit.  It is only by His blood that we can be saved, not by works, material possessions or by might.  As we lead up to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, you should be thinking about your own walk with Jesus Christ in your life.  Is He your Lord, and will you be in paradise with Him one day?

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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