Luke 23:39-43
And one of the ones who was being suspended
on the cross because of doing evil was blaspheming Him, saying, “Are you not
the Christ? Save yourself and us.” And answering, the other said, rebuking him,
“Are you not afraid of God, since you are in the same judgment?” In our case we received justly for it is
worthy of what we did. But in His case
this one did nothing out of place.” And
he was saying to Jesus, “Be reminded of me when you should come into your
kingdom.” And He said to him, “Amen, I
say to you this day you will be with me in paradise.”
Thoughts for Today
First Thought:
This is a very important section of scripture for
Christians. It is in this section of
scripture that we find the fundamental truth of humanity with respect to how we
respond to our sinfulness. In one case,
we can embrace our sinfulness and be self-centered. One of the criminals looks to Jesus and
angrily demands that Jesus save Himself and each of the criminals. That criminal doesn’t care about Jesus at
all! That criminal just wants to be saved
himself! Our human nature wants to be self-centered,
focusing in on ourselves and our own desires and our own ambition.
When are you self-centered?
When do you encourage other people to act selfishly so that you can get
a benefit of their action?
Second Thought:
We turn next to the second criminal. This criminal understands his sinfulness and
repents of it. He acknowledges that they
are getting the punishment that they deserve.
He doesn’t ask Jesus to do anything other than remember him. This is a humble response to sin. Acknowledge our guilt. Remorsefully own our fallen nature. Know that we cannot save ourselves and
therefore we rely fully upon God’s forgiveness.
Where are you willing to humbly acknowledge your sinful
nature? Where are you remorseful about
the sin that you have done?
Third Thought:
Jesus’ response is telling. He doesn’t even acknowledge the demands of
the self-centered one. However, the
humble one is acknowledged. Jesus tells
Him that he has found salvation on this day.
Humbleness leads to repentance; repentance leads to forgiveness.
Where are you forgiven? How does the forgiveness that you receive
influence your life?
Passage
for Tomorrow: Luke 23:44-49
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