JesusOnCross_01

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:43

In this series we are taking a brief look at each of the seven statements Jesus made while suffering on the cross.

The series began Friday with a look at Jesus desire to see His enemies be forgiven.
Yesterday we noticed Jesus’ words of care for His mother.

The third statement He made was to a criminal. Earlier, both criminals had mocked Him, yet as time wore on it seemed one of them had a change of heart. This penitent criminal rebuked his associate for continuing to rail on Christ.  He then asked Jesus to remember him when He enters His kingdom.

Based on the question, it seems clear that this criminal, like so many (including the Apostles), failed to understand the spiritual nature of the Lord’s kingdom. He was not establishing a government on earth; He was instituting a spiritual nation comprised of all saved people.

Yet, by asking the question–even if it was from an uninformed foundation–the criminal demonstrated something few on that occasion had: penitence. This criminal asked God for forgiveness, and God in the Flesh granted it.

The great take away from this moment is the fact that Jesus, though He was in excruciating agony, still took the time to minister to one individual. Though He was dying to open the floodgates of Grace to all who would come later, He still took the time to personally extend it to the one with whom He was conversing. This wasn’t the first time Jesus extended saving Grace to another in a personal way, but it is perhaps the most famous. And rightly so, it shows Jesus’ refusal to let the pain of this life keep Him from helping someone find salvation in the next.

What an amazing Person Jesus was! He showed His greatness even in the hour of His death.

Aren’t you thankful for Him?!
have a great day!