Luke 23; John 18-19

Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023;%20John%2018-19&version=NIV

How can one event cause such overwhelming feelings of both joy and grief at the same time. When I reflect on the crucifixion of Christ, I am torn between these emotions. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy that Jesus paid the price for my sins. He made it possible for me to be united with Our Father in heaven for an eternity. He didn’t ask me to do anything in return, except follow Him and His father in love. I in no way deserve this perfect and wonderful gift. At the same time, my heart is filled with sadness when I consider the suffering that Christ went through for me. Completely without sin, completely innocent, He experienced the tortuous pain and humiliation of a lowly criminals’ death. He didn’t have to do it. He could have acted outside of God’s will. In fact, He even prayed in agony three times that the Lord would take the cup of wrath away from Him. Jesus suffered that day. I think sometimes we forget that because of who He is.

While Jesus was suffering on the cross, two others were suffering there with him. They represent the two types of responses to our own suffering. We can blame God and question why He doesn’t rescue us or we can acknowledge that we are sinners and don’t really deserve to be rescued and cry out for mercy in our time of need.

The words of the first thief appear in Luke 23:39: “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

Here’s how John Piper describes that thief “The thief had no spirit of brokenness, or guilt, or penitence, or humility. He could only see Jesus as a possible power by which to escape the cross. He did not see him as a king to be followed. It never entered his mind that he should say he was sorry and should change.”

The other thief, however shows a completely different heart condition in Luke 23:40: “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.”
This thief shows a healthy fear and respect of God. He knew better than to go off against the Lord God Almighty. He recognized that what he had done was wrong and that his punishment was just. He also acknowledged Jesus’ innocence and His authority as King. Then he pleads for mercy. “Remember me when you come into your kingdom”

Both thieves wanted to be rescued from death, but their hearts were in completely different places. Not a word in response was mentioned toward the first thief, but to the second, Jesus replied “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). We all struggle and suffer at some point in our lives; actually, at many points in our lives. I pray that each and every one of us has a heart like that second thief during those times.

Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe