Luke 23:32-43 (NRSV)
Read Luke 23:32-43 on biblegateway.com
Verse 32Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. Verse 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Verse 34Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. Verse 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" Verse 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, Verse 37and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" Verse 38There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Verse 39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" Verse 40But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? Verse 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Verse 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Verse 43He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Devotion
This Friday heaped contempt and ridicule on Jesus. This is the day of bitter death on the cross. On this day, Jesus entered into the depths of our deaths. He became our saving death. To his enemies, he offered forgiveness. To a criminal, he offered the ultimate pardon. Now at the hour of our death, we know the great mercy of knowing that he has promised that we will be with him in Paradise.
Prayer
God of the living and the dead, put to death all that is death-dealing in our lives and raise us to newness of life in Jesus. Amen.