Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)Sample

Golgotha, the place where Jesus and the thieves were crucified, is one of the most vivid and moving images in the Gospels. On one cross hangs Jesus, innocent and sinless, begging for forgiveness for his enemies, and on either side of him hang the thieves condemned for their crimes. While one of them mocks Jesus, bitterly rejecting the mercy offered to him, the other, in his last moment, embraces mercy. The Savior of the world, though crucified and dying, offers salvation.

This encounter with Jesus shows the incredible power of grace, and the power of freedom of choice. The thief with a repentant heart recognizes his powerlessness and relies on God’s mercy. Jesus’ love did not abandon him even in his worst moments. The other thief, however, chooses to remain bitter, rejecting God, his neighbors, and himself.

We, like these thieves, have the freedom to choose. Will we, despite our circumstances, remain bitter, rejecting His love? Or will we recognize our weaknesses and turn to Him, accepting the gift of salvation? Jesus does not leave us in our sins, but invites us to recognize His grace, and love that changes us.

Jesus leaves each of us free to choose. The thieves chose their path. It is up to us to decide whether we will take the path of grace, or bitterness.

Think about whether there are situations in your life when you do not feel ready to accept the grace that Jesus offers, but rather persist in bitterness because of something that has happened to you.