The Glimpse of Grace
Have you ever felt that you messed up too much? You’ve hurt or have been hurt in a relationship too much? In those times of trouble, how do you respond? Are you looking for self-preservation? Or for something else? Toward the end of Jesus' life on earth, He encounters two thieves from either end of this spectrum. Luke records this profound moment at the crucifixion of Jesus.
Luke writes, One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? 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, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43 NIV).
Two criminals hang beside Jesus on the cross, each responding to their situation in vastly different ways. One hurls insults at Jesus. The other, in a moment of humility and insight, acknowledges his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence. This second criminal, recognizing the true identity of Jesus, makes a simple yet powerful request: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42 NIV). Jesus’ response offers a powerful testament to the universal reach of the Gospel.
What it shows us today is infinitely more. The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their past. The criminal on the cross didn’t have a perfect moral track record. In fact, he admitted his guilt and acknowledged that he was receiving just punishment for what he had done. Yet, his humble recognition of his sin and his sincere plea to Jesus opened the door to paradise. This interaction is at the heart of the Gospel's universality.
We are not required to provide a perfect moral track record in order to be accepted into heaven. All that is required is the open acknowledgment of sin and our genuine trust in Christ (Crossway Daily Devotionals). The criminal's story illustrates that salvation is not about our merit but about God's grace. It’s not about what we’ve done but about who He is and where we put our trust.
The message of the cross is for everyone. It’s a message that breaks down barriers, heals brokenness, and welcomes all into the loving arms of Jesus. No matter where we are or what we've done, His promise remains. It’s a message and promise that we are called to share. Who do you know today that needs a glimpse of grace?
Luke writes, One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? 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, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43 NIV).
Two criminals hang beside Jesus on the cross, each responding to their situation in vastly different ways. One hurls insults at Jesus. The other, in a moment of humility and insight, acknowledges his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence. This second criminal, recognizing the true identity of Jesus, makes a simple yet powerful request: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42 NIV). Jesus’ response offers a powerful testament to the universal reach of the Gospel.
What it shows us today is infinitely more. The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their past. The criminal on the cross didn’t have a perfect moral track record. In fact, he admitted his guilt and acknowledged that he was receiving just punishment for what he had done. Yet, his humble recognition of his sin and his sincere plea to Jesus opened the door to paradise. This interaction is at the heart of the Gospel's universality.
We are not required to provide a perfect moral track record in order to be accepted into heaven. All that is required is the open acknowledgment of sin and our genuine trust in Christ (Crossway Daily Devotionals). The criminal's story illustrates that salvation is not about our merit but about God's grace. It’s not about what we’ve done but about who He is and where we put our trust.
The message of the cross is for everyone. It’s a message that breaks down barriers, heals brokenness, and welcomes all into the loving arms of Jesus. No matter where we are or what we've done, His promise remains. It’s a message and promise that we are called to share. Who do you know today that needs a glimpse of grace?
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