Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Luke 23: 39-43.

TEXT: "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your
kingdom" (see Luke 23:42).

As Jesus hangs on the bitter cross, cruel laughter,
mockery and ridicule are flung at Him from all sides: from
the crowds, the Jewish leaders, the Roman soldiers, and
even the criminals hanging to His right and left. One
criminal shouts, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself
and us!"
 
That taunt brings a surprising response-a lone voice
speaking up in Jesus' defense. "Do you not fear God,
since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward
of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
 
What changed this condemned criminal from mocker to
defender? Has he realized he will not come off this cross
alive-but in a few hours must stand before God his Judge?
Did the quiet, kingly dignity of Jesus' prayer, "Father,
forgiven them" change his mind? One thing is clear; the
Holy Spirit has convinced him of his guilt and given him
faith that Jesus is the innocent Son of God, who alone
can save him from the eternal torments of hell.

Through the eyes of faith the criminal looks beneath the
bloody crown of thorns and sees the King of kings, the
Savior of the world. Turning to Jesus he pleads, "Jesus,
remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

Our Lord replies "Truly, I say to you, today you will be
with Me in Paradise." In the midst of His bitter sufferings
Jesus receives the reassurance His bloody sacrifice is
not in vain. This repentant criminal is just one of a
countless multitude who will turn from their sins, trust in
Him, and spend eternity with Him in Paradise.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for assuring the repentant criminal
and me of Your gracious forgiveness and for promising us
eternal life with You in Paradise. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)