This Holy Week we will be considering the 7 things Jesus said at the Cross, as recorded in scripture. We will seek to understand what this shows us about Jesus and how we can walk in His way as redeemed and loved children of God.
*We will be pulling out these 7 sayings, one per day. If you want to read the full crucifixion accounts you can find them here: Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:26-49, and John 19:17-37
Day 2
Read from Luke 23: 32-43
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Consider these ideas and questions. Make observations of your own. Journal your response.
- On one side of Jesus is a mocker and on the other side a seeker. They are both actual criminals, rebels, rightly placed on a cross to die. Two criminals who become unlikely bookends to the sinless Savior. The mocker is hurling insults toward Jesus, while the seeker rebukes those insults. The seeker, traditionally know as Gestas, has realized who Jesus is and he makes a request of the King he knows is in his presence: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus shifts His attention to this faith-filled question from a criminal seeker, who likely hadn’t done much in his life to deserve a thing, much less eternity in paradise. Yet, Jesus meets this repentant heart of Gestas with “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
- Gestas is essentially first person we know of to have responded to the cross of Christ. What does his inclusion in the Kingdom of God tell you?
- Have you ever written anyone off because they seem too far gone to come to Jesus? How can the story of Gestas remind us of God’s heart for ALL people?
- What does your personal faith story look like? When did the gospel message click-in for you? Remember those details that God orchestrated in your life when He brought you to Himself. Celebrate all of it. Spend some time thanking Him for loving you.
- If you do not have a faith story yet…what is stopping you from believing in Jesus as the Son of God, asking Him to forgive you, and becoming a follower of His way?
- If you want to learn more about this and let us know you are on this journey please GO HERE.
- Who is someone you are praying might come to know Jesus? If you do not have anyone in mind begin to pray that God would bring someone into your life who might share the gospel with.
Respond:
Read the scripture passage again. Consider what you journaled. Consider what you noticed about the passage that wasn’t mentioned above.
Find quiet and slow your mind and your breathing. Ask God to meet with you exactly where you are and just be with Him.