The Crucifixion cont’d

This is a beautifully painful verse. We will see Him. Face to face. Ask Him!

Luke 23:32-43
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

There is nothing that Jesus would not do for us. He did it all. As He bled and was dying on the cross, He forgave me. He forgave all who accept Him. Insults were hurled at Him, rulers gloated about His crucifixion, His friends and brothers were helpless. Jesus watched all of the people gathered round the cross and He spoke to His Father I’m heaven on behalf us you and I. He instructed His Father to forgive us.

So many times in the Bible, Jesus waited on instruction from His Father. This time was different. He did not ask. He said it, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” These words were spoken as blood oozed from Hi every wound and as He died. He died for us. For me.

Ask Jesus today, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” When you do, Jesus will turn to you and say, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Amen.
DK