The thief on the cross.

He knew he deserved his punishment. He knew he deserved to die in the most horrific way Rome had ever devised. Death by crucifixion. To struggle for every breath, against the insufferable pain and torture of the spikes driven through his hands and feet, until that final, last, ragged breath left his lungs. He knew he got what he earned for his crime.

Yet…the man in the middle. The man they called the Christ. Messiah. Son of God. The thief was convinced, Jesus did not deserve the unjust punishment. The thief knew Jesus was innocent. The thief understood Jesus to truly be Redeemer. Savior. Lord.

The thief cried out to Jesus. And Jesus answered him, just as surely as he answers us when we cry out to him today.

The debt we owed, but could never pay, was paid in full by Jesus. Our King. Our LORD. Our Messiah. Our Savior. That’s how love conquered death. That’s how Christ’s love won.

Jesus took our place on the cross. He died so we wouldn’t have to. His wounds can heal even our deepest sins. We only need to ask.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. ”Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:40-43 (NLT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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