The Great Divider
33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[b]"
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Reflection of Bee:
Tonight's devotion is a continuation from that of last night where the fickle followers who had a change of heart wished to crucify Jesus though they could not pin Him down on any crime.
However, one of the two criminals was able to see that Jesus had done nothing wrong (v41). In his faith and humility he asked Jesus to remember him when He comes back again (v42). Jesus confirmed that he would be in paradise with Him (v43).
In the modern day, it is still the same that the number of faithful believers are few. Though many may claimed to be Christians, yet their walk may prove otherwise. But these are the few that will enjoy everlasting life with Christ one day.
Dear Lord,
I pray for more to come to know your love as I share it with those I know. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of the 3 unbelieving friends I invited for the Good Friday drama tonight. May they come to believe in You soon and enjoy Your love in their life.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Reflection of Tommy:
When Jesus asked God to forgive those putting Him to death (v34), it was not merely a normal response coming from a forgiving and humble person. But it was because Jesus truly loves them. He knew God will answer His prayer by opening up the way for salvation even for those who wanted to crucify Him.
Like the Jewish leaders, the soldiers and the crowds, we too are responsible to put Jesus on the Cross as we all have sinned. But because of God’s love and grace for us, He forgives us and gives us a new life through His Son. Be thankful and grateful for what Christ has done for us on Calvary’s Tree.
Dear Father, thank You for Your amazing love to save a sinner like me, for making me whole by exchanging my ruined self for Christ's righteousness. Guide me and use me that others may come to know Christ and accept Your gift of salvation. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
