Two Responses to the Cross
Scripture: “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 23.42-43 ESV)
Three crosses stood on Calvary, but only the middle one bore the Savior. The two criminals faced identical circumstances—capital crimes, physical agony, witnessing miraculous signs, hearing Christ’s words. Yet their eternal destinies diverged based on one factor: their response to Jesus.
The first criminal demanded immediate relief, expecting God to prove Himself through earthly rescue. When Jesus didn’t come down from the cross or summon angels, he rejected Him with bitter sarcasm. His response reveals natural human reaction—wanting worldly power, not spiritual salvation.
The second criminal demonstrated saving faith. Despite his agony, he recognized Jesus’ innocence and his own guilt. He didn’t demand proof or seek physical rescue; he asked to be remembered in Christ’s kingdom. This dying thief understood Jesus’ true kingdom was spiritual, not earthly.
Christ’s immediate response—“today you will be with me in Paradise”—reveals breathtaking divine grace. No baptism, good works, or religious ritual—just faith in dying moments, and Paradise opened. Salvation depends entirely on God’s grace through faith.
These men represent humanity’s only responses to Christ: faith or rejection, Paradise or perdition.
Application/Point for Reflection:
How do you typically respond to Jesus? Do you expect Him to solve your earthly problems, or do you trust His mercy for eternal salvation? What keeps you from fully surrendering to Christ in faith?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we confess our sinfulness and trust Your mercy alone. Help us respond to Your Gospel with faith, trusting in Your eternal salvation. Remember us as You have come into Your kingdom. Amen.
Responses