Daily Devotional for Wednesday, May 20

The Criminals Alongside of the Cross

“And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left,” Luke 23:32, 33.

At Calvary, Jesus was not crucified alone. On either side of Him hung criminals—men deserving of their fate by human law. Yet, even in this grim setting, the cross divides humanity. One malefactor mocked, blinded by bitterness and unbelief. The other, however, saw with eyes of faith and cried out for mercy: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Both were equally close to Christ physically, but only one was drawn to Him spiritually. The difference was not in their crimes or their circumstances—it was in the posture of their hearts. One chose ridicule; the other chose repentance. One died in his sin; the other died forgiven. 

This picture at Calvary reminds us of the daily choice we face. Every heart must answer the same question: what will I do with Jesus? Will I reject Him in pride, or will I cling to Him in humility, asking for grace? 

Jesus, even in His own agony, extended salvation to a dying sinner. No one is too far gone, too broken, or too late to be reached by the mercy of Christ. The thief had only a few breaths left—and that was enough time for Jesus to change his eternity. The criminals alongside the cross show us that salvation is near to all who will believe. Even at the door of death, the Savior still saves. 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY   

You are never too lost for Christ to find you. Choose today to respond to the mercy He offers.

Steven Ridings