T H E O P H I L U S

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

Luke 23:39-43

The most humbling and most disturbing part of this passage is not the fact that Jesus was being insulted, but that he was up on that cross with the likes of criminals. In order to be crucified – a most dishonorable and humiliating death by any measure – meant that one must have committed the worst of crimes. It was a punishment for the most heinous of crimes, and also were for criminals that were slaves, pirates, and enemies of the state. Jesus was put at the same level as those who were considered the worst of the community.

But something happens in this moment – one of the criminals next to Jesus is repentant of his sin. He acknowledges his brokenness and asks Jesus to remember him in mercy. This man had every right to be on the cross, and deserved to die in every measure of this world’s judgement on him, but yet Jesus makes no judgement on either of the criminals souls. Jesus dies alongside the sinner, and promises to be with him in paradise. It is almost as if Jesus was going to walk with him through the gates of heaven.

When Jesus looks at us, he looks at us not with eyes that condemn, nor does he count the past of the criminal next to him who asks of his mercy. Instead, he looks at him with a heart of compassion, of acceptance, of Grace. He redeems and keeps him right by his side. No matter where we have been, and no matter how much we have messed up in the past Jesus is right by your side, and he intends to keep you there and does not fall back on his promise of salvation for you.

Today, do not be afraid of whether or not Jesus will throw you out if you fail. He will never abandon you, though we may abandon him. When we have failed, repent and come back to the Lord. He will receive you today and walk with you to heal as he did with the criminal. May you be assured of His Grace and the depth of his love for you today.