Words from the Cross Pt. 2

Luke 23:39-43 NLT 
"One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

The scene at the cross contrasts with two criminals and two responses. One scoffs, challenging Jesus to prove His power. The other humbly acknowledges his guilt, recognizes Jesus' innocence, and makes a simple but profound request: "Jesus, remember me." I love Jesus' response;

He doesn’t hesitate, give him a long lecture, or demand proof of repentance. He assures the man, "Today, you will be with me in paradise."

This moment shatters every idea that salvation is something we earn. The thief had no time for good deeds, no ability to make amends, and yet Jesus welcomed him into eternity. This is the essence of grace—it’s not about what we’ve done but about who Jesus is.

No One Is Too Far Gone
The thief on the cross had lived a life of sin, yet in his final moments, Jesus extended salvation. No matter your past, God’s grace is still available. If you’ve been struggling with guilt or feeling unworthy, remember that Jesus is ready to welcome you.

A Simple Prayer Changes Everything
The thief didn’t have a long, rehearsed prayer; he said, "Remember me."You don’t need fancy words to approach Jesus. A sincere heart is enough.

Recognize Jesus for Who He Is
While one thief demanded a sign, the other saw Jesus for who He was: the Savior. In our daily lives, do we seek proof of His goodness or trust Him even in suffering? Ask God to open your eyes to His presence, even in difficult circumstances.

Grace is Available Now
The thief didn’t wait until it was too late to acknowledge Jesus, nor should we. If there are areas in your life where you've been putting off surrendering to God, today is the day to invite Him in.

If you haven't already, click the video below and watch "Words from the Cross Pt. 2" on our Total Life Church YouTube channel. This video has a special message that we believe will deeply resonate with you. We encourage you to share this message of hope and comfort with your family and friends.

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