Day 11 of 2 Weeks 2 the Cross: Luke 23:39-43

Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”

But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”

While Jesus struggles to bear the weight of His suffering, the two men hanging on crosses nearby begin a conversation. One belittles and hurls insults at Jesus. The other defends Him and believes.

It is the end for this criminal, and the weight of his sin is heavy, indeed. The man cries out to Jesus, who he knows is innocent and has the power to give him eternal freedom. He confesses his sin, and begs for redemption and a home in heaven.

This is why Jesus came. Until His last breath, Jesus continues to seek and to save those who are lost. As His body is in the process of dying, Jesus tells the man that he will be with Him that day in paradise.

Because other events scheduled today, we got up early as a family so we could read our 2 Weeks 2 the Cross Scripture passage together and discuss. What a way to begin the day! Jesus will always have time for us, and is always ready to save us, to make us right with our Heavenly Father.

Redemption is never inconvenient.