Abiding in EasterSample

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 44

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “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.”And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:32-43 ESV

This is a long passage, but it is important for us to join the full drama of the Easter story. Much like we memorialize great tragedies in society with the mantra, “We will never forget,” we must never forget what Jesus did for us. One of the most powerful things Jesus ever said is in this passage. In the midst of all the horrific ways they treated Him, after just nailing long spikes into his wrists and ankles and raising His cross into the air, so his body weight would eventually cause exhaustion and asphyxiation, Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Unbelievable!!!!

Then, in a scene that must have been orchestrated by God, we see Jesus interact with two criminals who were being crucified beside Him. One hurls insults at Jesus and sees Him only as a potential way of escape. The other, in humility and reverence, publicly proclaims Jesus’ innocence and His holiness. In one last act of public ministry, Jesus shows that He is the way, the truth and the life as He proclaims eternal life to the worshipful criminal.

APPLICATION:

Are you harboring ANY unforgiveness toward anyone in life? If so, consider Jesus, our model, and how He could forgive the unforgivable. If you won’t forgive, Jesus can’t forgive you. (See Matthew 6:14-15) Love others, forgive others and by doing so, we show we love Jesus, and we will join Him in paradise.