Every time the Lenten Season comes, Christians, as well as non-Christians, hear about the love and sacrifice of Jesus for all of mankind. Many people do not understand fully why this historical event had to occur and we are no different from the people at the time when Jesus came here to earth.
The crowd mocked Jesus and shouted “Crucify him.” While Jesus was nailed to the cross, the onlookers continue to taunt him saying “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself now.” But Jesus said “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
Two criminals were crucified with Jesus. One said, “So You’re the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving yourself – and us too, while you’re at it!” But the other one said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Then Jesus said, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
(Paraphrased verses from Luke 23:32-43)
Why would Jesus say to a criminal “today, you will be with me in paradise?” It was obvious that because this criminal acknowledged his sins, repented and believed in Jesus, he was forgiven of his sins and given the grace to be accepted into the Kingdom of God.
This scene emphasizes the urgency of the repentant criminal’s situation. He has no time to lose. His death is near. And he did the right choice of seeking God’s forgiveness and believing in the Messiah.
Though we are not in exactly the same circumstance as that criminal, but just the same, the same urgency beckons us to repent and trust Jesus now for the forgiveness of our sins. We are also in the same standing before God as the criminal. If we have committed any form of sin – a lie, a malicious thought, a gossip, petty stealing – then we all are sinners and deserve the punishment of death.
But Jesus took the fall for us. He loves us and died on the cross for us, for our sins, that we may be forgiven. All it takes is honest repentance and wholehearted belief in Jesus, our Savior.
Would you make the best decision in your life today just like the repentant criminal? Don’t delay because the best time is “Today.”
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