Behold Jesus’ Salvation
It's Good Friday - the holiest of days for us Christians, as we behold the Lamb of God dying on the cross. Let's read from Luke 23 again: "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the Messiah? 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, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:39–43 NIV11)
Jesus' grace is real. But notice: only one of these two men received it. It was the one who repented and trusted in Jesus.
The other man missed it! He cried out to Jesus for salvation - he said "save yourself and us!" - but with no sense of trust in Jesus. It was just an angry taunt.
Two Criminals, Two Responses
For the one who said "this man is innocent, and has a kingdom awaiting," and asked Jesus to remember him, salvation was granted.
Behold the man upon the cross, offering life after death for those who die with their faith in Him.
Notice - this man next to Jesus:
Never became a church member
Never was baptised
Never took communion
Never prayed the sinner's prayer
Never sang a worship song
Never did any "Christian" things
But what he did do was recognise Jesus as his Saviour and trust in Jesus alone. And eternal salvation was promised him.
What Will Your Cry Be?
One day, your time on earth will be done. One day will be your last day alive. One day you too will be next to Jesus - not hanging on a cross, but face to face with Him.
What will your cry be? Will it be, like the first man - "save me, I don't deserve punishment... I've been a basically good person and so here I am"? Or will it be, like the second man - "save me... I deserve nothing from You, but I throw myself on Your mercy"?
When He died, Jesus said "It is finished." That phrase was used in business transactions at the time to say "the deal is done and paid for."
Here's the good news today: Jesus paid the price. The deal is done. When we see Him one day we have nothing to offer based on our own lives or goodness, but we have only His grace which paid our way.
Behold the man upon the cross, who paid the debt we owed to God for our sin, and throws open the doors of heaven for those who trust in Him alone.
Two criminals hung beside Jesus on the cross, but only one received salvation - the one who repented and trusted in Him. On this Good Friday, consider where your trust truly lies.