Crucifixion - Part: 1 (On the Cross)

As Jesus is being crucified, we see that those physically close to Him are all continuing to mock Him and scoff at Him. The King of Glory, on the cross, offers grace and forgiveness to them by asking the Father, “Forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” With this, one of the two criminals that are being crucified on either side of Jesus has a life transforming moment. He immediately starts to rebuke the other criminal that is hurling insults at Jesus. In a time of repentance, the criminal asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom. Not only does the criminal repent but acknowledges the afterlife by asking Jesus to remember him. Then full of grace, Jesus responds, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Regardless of the life we have lived and the sinful things we have done, Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price. If you haven’t repented of your sin and put your faith in Christ, today is the day. Like the thief on the cross, you can receive forgiveness and have eternal life. The apostle Paul wrote “now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Don’t wait to try and “clean things up” before coming to the Lord. The criminal on the cross didn’t have time to straighten up his life. We can never be “good enough” or “clean enough” to receive God’s gift. God’s invitation is to come to Him as we are. There is an old hymn that describes this well: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.”

Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for the grace that You offer me through Jesus. Thank You Jesus for taking my sin debt and paying the penalty of death that I deserve. God, please forgive me of my sin and help me to follow You more closely. My desire is to live a life that glories You. Lord, please lead me, I will trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.