Daily Devotional for Friday, May 22

The Conversion on the Cross

“But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss,” Luke 23:40, 41.

It was very convenient for the Jewish leaders that two criminals were scheduled for crucifixion the next day. Not only was it convenient, but it was also part of God’s plan for His Son Jesus and our forgiveness. Luke 22:37 repeats a prophesy about the crucifixion from Isaiah 53:12, “He was reckoned among the transgressors.” Jesus spent His ministry forgiving sinners and now He was destined to be crucified between two of them.

The two men on either side of Jesus were bona fide criminals. They were thieves deserving execution. They were receiving expected punishment for their crimes. One was obstinate and cruel. He mocked, ridiculed and blasphemed Jesus with hateful words. To his last breath, he stewed and spewed. The other criminal joined him in his railings (Matthew 27:44; Mark 15:32), but after a time, he stopped. Maybe it was after he heard Jesus ask the Father to forgive His murderers, or after he watched Jesus suffer silently, not angrily spewing curses. Surely, he heard the words of Jesus’ followers and maybe he then realized this truly is the Son of God. Luke alone included this change of heart, and it brings hope during a very dark time. While the one raged and ridiculed, the other rebuked him with questioning his fear of God. They deserved their punishment. They were criminals. They were receiving their due reward for their deeds, but Jesus was suffering the same condemnation and punishment as they were, and He did nothing wrong.

The thief’s change of heart changed his eternity. He begged Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom, and Jesus made his day! He would see Jesus’ kingdom for himself within hours!

THOUGHT

King Jesus remembers those who trust Him.

Kelli Reynolds