You Are That Criminal
Scripture: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5.8)
MAIN POINT: Like the criminal on the cross, we have nothing to offer Christ except our need—and that is enough.
Let’s be honest about who we are. That criminal had nothing. No righteousness. No good works. No time to prove himself. Just a lifetime of crime behind him and death before him. All he had was a prayer: “Jesus, remember me.”
You are that criminal. Not because you’ve committed the same crimes, but because you stand in the same spiritual position. You cannot save yourself. You have no righteousness of your own to offer. You cannot earn paradise. All you can do is throw yourself on Jesus’ mercy and pray, “Remember me.”
And here’s the glorious truth: that is exactly what Jesus wants from you. He doesn’t need your perfection—He provides that. He doesn’t need your good works—He accomplished salvation. He needs your empty hands, your humble heart, your simple trust. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Not after we cleaned up. Not when we got better. While we were still sinners.
Today—right now—Jesus speaks His promise to you: “You will be with me in paradise.” Not because you deserve it, but because He died for it. Not someday, but today. This is how Christ reigns: by giving paradise to dying criminals who can only pray for mercy.
Reflection: The only requirement for entering Christ’s kingdom is admitting you have no right to be there—and trusting that Jesus makes a way anyway. What do you need to stop trying to offer Christ and simply receive from Him? How does today’s promise of paradise change how you live today?
Prayer: Merciful Savior, I am that criminal. I have nothing to offer but my sin and my need. Remember me. Save me. Speak Your promise to my dying heart. Thank You that Your “today” is enough for me. In Your precious Name, Amen.
Responses