Monday, March 5, 2007
Luke 23:39-43 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
PICTURES FROM THE PASSION -- THE TWO CRIMINALS
It has been said that the picture of Jesus hanging between the two criminals is a picture for Jesus and all the people of the world.
Our Scripture says that at this point one of the criminals blasphemed Jesus in unbelief, but the other criminal rebuked him and displayed faith in Jesus. This man not only saw Jesus as an innocent man who did not deserve to be crucified with the likes of them, he saw Jesus as God, holding the key to everlasting life in a heavenly kingdom. In faith, He asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Jesus assured this believing man that on that very day he would join Him in Paradise. Jesus died on the cross to win salvation for both of these men, but only by faith would they be able to receive the benefits of Jesus' work. As far as we know, one believed and the other didn't.
In this world, all people are criminals who have sinned and violated the Law of God. We deserve to die an eternal death because of our sins. However, Jesus has taken our sins upon Him and has died in place of all people to bring us forgiveness and eternal life. Unfortunately, those who do not believe in Him will never gain the benefits of His perfect life and innocent death; they remain in condemnation, like the blaspheming criminal. On the other hand, by faith in Jesus, we are given the full benefit of all that He has accomplished for us. Jesus assures all believers that we will join Him in Paradise, just as He assured the believing criminal.
Praise God that He has blessed us with saving faith, so that we see Jesus for who He really is!
