Day 2
Today we get to identify the second person that helps us understand the truth about Easter. He is known as the dying thief.
This is the no hope man. His life is fast running out of time. He is the guy that is being crucified at the very same moment on a cross just to the side of Jesus.
He is already nailed to the cross, so if going to Church was the answer then there is no hope for this man. If being christened, baptised, confirmed, volunteering at his local charity, meditating, or just being a better person was the answer, then his chances have run out. He has no time left for self improvement.
Now Jesus is dying for the whole world, but He is still interested in this helpless thief; it is in the very last moments of his life that the veil is lifted from his eyes and he confesses that he fears and believes in God. He admits he’s wrong and he knows he needs forgiveness and a saviour.
With his closing breath he asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. In response, Jesus whispers to him…”today you will be with me in paradise”. (Luke 23:43)
What an offer of eternal life, to an undeserving person that Jesus had never met before.
That very same offer is extended to you today if you’ll trust in Jesus, admit you’re wrong and call on His name to save you.
The dying thief teaches us that though you’ll never deserve it, never be worthy of it, never be good enough, holy enough or righteous enough, you can come JUST AS YOU ARE.
Jesus is still the friend of sinners and the message that the dying thief sends out to you this Easter is that JESUS CHRIST TOOK MY PUNISHMENT.
Look at what the Bible says in the New Testament…
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God”. 1 Peter 3:18
On the cross, an incredible EXCHANGE took place — He took your sin in exchange for His righteousness.
Not only can you now understand that with your head, you can also receive it with your heart by asking Jesus to forgive you of all your sins and invite Him to come into your life and be the leader and Lord of your life.
This is the no hope man. His life is fast running out of time. He is the guy that is being crucified at the very same moment on a cross just to the side of Jesus.
He is already nailed to the cross, so if going to Church was the answer then there is no hope for this man. If being christened, baptised, confirmed, volunteering at his local charity, meditating, or just being a better person was the answer, then his chances have run out. He has no time left for self improvement.
Now Jesus is dying for the whole world, but He is still interested in this helpless thief; it is in the very last moments of his life that the veil is lifted from his eyes and he confesses that he fears and believes in God. He admits he’s wrong and he knows he needs forgiveness and a saviour.
With his closing breath he asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. In response, Jesus whispers to him…”today you will be with me in paradise”. (Luke 23:43)
What an offer of eternal life, to an undeserving person that Jesus had never met before.
That very same offer is extended to you today if you’ll trust in Jesus, admit you’re wrong and call on His name to save you.
The dying thief teaches us that though you’ll never deserve it, never be worthy of it, never be good enough, holy enough or righteous enough, you can come JUST AS YOU ARE.
Jesus is still the friend of sinners and the message that the dying thief sends out to you this Easter is that JESUS CHRIST TOOK MY PUNISHMENT.
Look at what the Bible says in the New Testament…
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God”. 1 Peter 3:18
On the cross, an incredible EXCHANGE took place — He took your sin in exchange for His righteousness.
Not only can you now understand that with your head, you can also receive it with your heart by asking Jesus to forgive you of all your sins and invite Him to come into your life and be the leader and Lord of your life.