Luke 23:33-43 “ 41 “We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man has done nothing wrong.”
Jesus asked the Father to forgive them. The soldiers gambled for his clothes. The crowd watched; the leaders scoffed. The soldiers also mocked Him and called Him names. One of the criminals jeered at Him, save yourself, and us whilst you’re at it! But the other criminal saw the light and asked to be remembered ’when you come into your kingdom” And Jesus reassured him that today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus was obviously in pain on the cross. Did Luke describe in detail his bleeding body? The agony of pain on his face? No, he described Jesus’s actions, and the impact they had on those around Him. In our faith journey our goal is to be more like Jesus. So even if you don’t feel like it, be nice to someone today. See beyond your own hurt to the person close to you who is trying to do things better. Don’t stand by and watch an injustice. Don’t call someone names. Don’t magnify your own deserving self to be saved. Reach out in love to someone today. Follow Jesus’s good example, and you too will be in paradise with Him today.
Prayer: Holy God, who forgives all, cherishes all, guide us to be more like your Son, Jesus. Amen.
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