The depth of sin

Today’s passage appears only in the Gospel of Luke. Picture this scene. Roman soldiers stand around three crosses. The Jews are shouting, “Crucify Him!” There are women weeping and crying out. Some people stand by as mere spectators. And on either side of Jesus hang two criminals, crucified with Him. As we look upon the human drama unfolding among these people, we begin to see the depth of human sin. One of the criminals who was crucified hurled insults at Jesus, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” He was on the cross as punishment for what he has done. Yet even in the midst of his miserable end, he continued to add sin upon sin. Looking at him, we realize that being under judgment does not necessarily lead a person to repentance. The Bible teaches, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:23-24). Are you underestimating the sinful nature of humanity? If so, your gratitude for the cross of Jesus may also remain shallow. Let’s take time to meditate on how wonderful it is to be declared righteous freely by His grace.

The depth of God’s love

The other criminal spoke to Jesus, saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” At the final stage of his life, this man came to his senses. When he did, he began to see the true nature of Jesus. Faith in Jesus suddenly arose in his heart, and prayer overflowed from his lips. To him, Jesus promised, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Here we see the depth of God’s love. No matter who a person is, if they offer a sincere prayer of repentance, they can receive God’s forgiveness. This man became the forerunner of all the saints who, at the moment of death, believe in Jesus and enter heaven. Do you think it is enough to believe in Jesus only at the end of your life? Needless to say, it is far more wonderful to believe in Jesus in your youth and live a life walking with Him.