Christian Reflection and Prayer

Maundy Thursday

Scripture

Read Luke 23:35-43.
TEXT: "Jesus, remember me when You come into
Your Kingdom" (see Luke 23:42).

Now we turn to the two criminals crucified with Jesus.
The first asks, "Are You notthe Christ? Save Yourself
and us!" He wants Jesus to be the Christ, but this is
only for his own sinful purposes. He wants to cheat
justice and escape his suffering and death, but not
to amend his sinful life.

But the second criminal looks at Jesus and sees
something no one else has been able to see. The
Jewish leaders look at Jesus and see a man who
can't possibly be a Savior-He can't even save
Himself! The Roman soldiers see a powerless king.
The other criminal sees a powerless Messiah, but
this criminal looks through the crown of thorns, the
blood, sweat and tears and sees God's Messiah,
the promised King. He asks Jesus to remember
him on Judgment Day and not to bar him out of His
Kingdom because of his life of sin.

As wonderful a confession as we see in the criminal's
rebuke and prayer, we see something even more
wonderful in Jesus' reply. Not only on the distant Day
of Judgment will Jesus remember the dying thief, but
this very day his sufferings will cease, and he will be
with Christ in paradise forever.

The repentant criminal asked Jesus to remember him.
This night in Holy Communion Jesus asks us to
remember Him, to remember the sacrifice He made,
so we may live. He gives us His body, which He gave
unto death for our sins. He gives us His blood poured
out, so we might be forgiven and inherit the paradise
He has opened to all who will believe in Him.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You forgave a despised criminal and
promised him eternal life. Forgive my sins and
remember me when You come in glory. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)