Tag: Luke 23:39-43
Extravagant mercy for the asking!
Scripture reading for April 12th: Judges 9-11, Psalm 17, Luke 23
Luke 23:39-43 “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?” And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.””
Jesus was crucified, an innocent man, to pay for the sins of all mankind. On His right and left, were two guilty criminals receiving what was due them under Roman law. As they hung there knowing death was immanent, one of the criminals mocked Jesus, ridiculing His claim to be Christ. The other criminal simply called out to Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom, indicating that he believed Jesus was a king and would be receiving a kingdom. Jesus gave an amazing response: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” This response gives hope to all lost sinners. If we will come in faith believing in Jesus, He will give mercy in abundance, just for the asking!
Psalm 17:1-2 “Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! From Your presence let my vindication come! Let Your eyes behold the right.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your abundant mercy. We can trust You to forgive, heal, and deliver if we simply ask. You have done everything necessary for our salvation. Help me to simply ask and rest in Your provision and trust You to do whatever seems good to You. Open doors to share this simple truth and good news with those under the sentence of death.
Judges 10:13-16 “Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods; therefore I will save you no more. Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.” And the people of Israel said to the Lord, “We have sinned; do to us whatever seems good to You. Only please deliver us this day.” So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord, and He became impatient over the misery of Israel.”
Remember Me Lord Jesus!
Scripture reading for April 3rd: Luke 23, Psalm 67, Proverbs 5
Key Scriptures: Luke 23:39-43 “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong. And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.” And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.””
As Jesus hung on the cross, crucified between two criminals, a discussion between them took place. One criminal mocked Jesus as the “Christ” and made fun of His ability to save them or Himself. The other criminal rebuked the mocker and reminded him that they were really getting what they deserved but Jesus was innocent. Then the second criminal made a faith confession. He asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom! Jesus immediately answered that that day he would be with Him in Paradise!
Faith Confession: Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, The Christ who alone can save me from my sins, and not only me but all who repent and believe in You. I look forward to Your return!
Proverbs 5:21-22 “For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.”
Grace for the humble!
Scripture reading for April 3rd: Ruth 3-4, 1st Sam. 1-2, Luke 23
Key Scriptures: Luke 23:39-43 “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.””
Luke records a conversation between those crucified on Calvary that day. One thief mocked Jesus and His claim to be the Christ. The other pleaded with Jesus for mercy. One got no reply, but Jesus promised the second a trip to Paradise. Ruth, appealed to Boaz, and received her eternal reward!
Ruth 3:8-9 “At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
The simplicity of faith!
Scripture reading for April 4th: Luke 23
Key scriptures for over-comers: Luke 23:39-43 “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 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.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
Two criminals were crucified with Jesus. A sign had been placed over Jesus’ head which read, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” One criminal mocked Jesus in unbelief: “Aren’t You the Christ?” He mockingly asked Jesus to save himself and them, never believing that anything would result. The other criminal rebuked him for not fearing God. He acknowledged his guilt and the just punishment that they were receiving and recognized that Jesus was innocent. Out of that humble spirit, he simply asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. What comforting ‘Truth’ Jesus spoke in return! A great reversal would take place that very day by faith!
Observations for over-comers: The fear of the Lord and a humble heart that simply believes brings life, salvation, and eternal reward. “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.” (Proverbs 16:6)