Two Criminals

A somewhat long scripture to read on here, but please bear with me.

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. When 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. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. The 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."... One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise." - Luke 23:32-35, 39-43

I've read this passage many times before, but when it was read in church this morning I saw it in a new light. I don't think I can say that I had any big revelations or anything, but the verses just meant more to me. The main part that really stuck out to me was the criminal who stood up for Jesus. Everyone else was mocking Him and throwing insults at Him. The one criminal was only thinking of himself and how Jesus could save him. Out of all the people there who could have really understood what was going on, it was least expected to be one of the criminals. And yet, the one criminal acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God and that He didn't deserve to die, while he and the other criminal did. In many ways I think this is the point we come to in our own lives when we realize the truth of Jesus and the reality and fullness of His sacrifice. We are like criminals because we are sinners and while we realize that we deserve to die, we also realize that He didn't, but He still chose to, for us. The choice is there: will we act like the first criminal and think only on how we can save ourselves, or will we ask Him to remember us?

What I'm saying isn't just for people who aren't Christians. Too often we act just like the first criminal, thinking only of how we can satisfy ourselves. But instead we need to act like the second criminal and acknowledge that He is Lord, that He died an undeserving death for us, and that He saved us, even when we scorned Him and mocked Him. What really stood out to me though was Jesus' reply, "Today you will be with Me in paradise." This criminal said one thing and he was able to accept the love of Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life, that's how easy it is! Oh what joy that I will be with Him in paradise! That one man changed the world so greatly just amazes me. I encourage you to read this portion of scripture.