Inspiration
When it seems that everyone has turned away, a crook places himself between Jesus and the accusers and speaks on his behalf.
"We receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong" [Luke 23:41].
The soldiers look up. The priests cease chattering. Mary wipes her tears and raises her eyes. No one had even noticed the fellow, but now everyone looks at him.
Perhaps even Jesus looks at him. Perhaps he turns to see the one who had spoken when all others had remained silent. Perhaps he fights to focus his eyes on the one who offered this final gesture of love he'd receive while alive. I wonder, did he smile as this sheep straggled into the fold?
For that, in effect, is exactly what the criminal is doing. He is stumbling to safety just as the gate is closing. . . .
As he looks into the eyes of his last hope, he made the same request any Christian has made.
"Remember me when You come into Your kingdom" [Luke 23:42].
No stained-glass homilies. No excuses. Just a desperate plea for help.
At this point Jesus performs the greatest miracle of the Cross. Greater than the earthquake. Greater than the tearing of the temple curtain. Greater than the darkness. Greater than the resurrected saints appearing on the streets. He performs the miracle of forgiveness. A sin-soaked criminal is received by a blood-stained Savior.
"Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" [Luke 23:43].
Wow. Only seconds before the thief was a beggar nervously squeezing his hat at the castle door, wondering if the King might spare a few crumbs. Suddenly he's holding the whole pantry. (From Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado)
Taken from The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible
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