Luke 23:33-43 (NRSV)
Read Luke 23:33-43 on biblegateway.com
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
There is familiarity and a distinctive comfort level with the places that are special to us. For many persons, a particular place—be it their home, farm, church, school, etc.—gives this sense of place. Two weeks ago I stood in Jerusalem at the place tradition tells us was the site of the crucifixion. In the weeks and months leading up to this trip I wondered how I would feel being physically in that place, pondering what my impressions, emotions, or reactions to being at this site of Christ's execution would be. The starkness of what the landscape would possibly have looked like struck me most. The participants would have been outside, truly in a place dedicated to death. Yet in the midst of his suffering in that place Jesus promises to the criminal a place in paradise, in the kingdom where this suffering servant is enthroned in glory. In a place dedicated to death Jesus promised life and hope. And because of his death, to which we are joined in baptism, we can also have hope of a place with God in God's kingdom.
Prayer
Forgiving Christ, you offered a place in your kingdom to the suffering criminal on the cross. We give you thanks that in baptism we are given a place with you as well. Help us to trust in your promises, serve your people and reach out to those who feel lost. In Christ our Lord. Amen.