Read Luke 23:32-43
With Humility I say, “Father Forgive Me!”
Jesus and two other men, both criminals, were all led to Golgotha, the place called “the Skull.” All three were executed on a cross. Jesus was in between the two men. Both had hurled insults at him.
Many people around Jesus, including the religious leaders, and the soldiers, sneered and mocked Jesus. At one point, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
One of the criminals rebuked Jesus, and when he did, the second criminal rebuked him saying, “Don’t you fear God? You and I are punished justly. We are getting what we deserve. But this man Jesus has done nothing wrong.” Then the second criminal said to Jesus. “Remember me when I come into your kingdom.” Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, today you’ll be with me in paradise.”
Of all the people that were around Jesus mocking, sneering, and rebuking him, only one realized their sin and turn to Christ for forgiveness.
The power of the cross is for forgiveness of sins. One criminal said to the other, “Don’t you fear God? We are getting what we deserve.”
Why does it take so long for people to come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior? If people really knew who Jesus was, and really loved him, they would be broken in spirit and humbled. They would turn from sin and turn to Christ.
Just as one of the criminals who mocked Jesus, later gave his life to Christ, may we also humble ourselves, turning from our sins and turning to Christ, saying, “Forgive Me.” And then follow him!
Do you understand the power of the cross? Do you understand what Jesus did for you specifically? You have two options:
1. Don’t fear God and stay in sin and get the judgment you deserve. Or,
2. Fear God, and humbly ask for forgiveness of sin. And then follow him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
