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Day 98 Luke 23:32 Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 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. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou come into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. 44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. 47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. 48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. 49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. 50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: 51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. 54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulcher, and how his body was laid. 56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. What is the sum of your life? Can you look back on it and see the difference you made with your children, your friends, your acquaintances? Jesus began preaching as soon as he left the desert after being tempted by Satan, and he didn’t stop even on the cross. He never stopped loving people. It was people he came to redeem. Therefore, he could say, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Even with all the mockery and condemnation thrown at him by those who came to watch him die, and one of the criminals also mocked him, Jesus could forgive them. They really didn’t know what they did. The sign over Jesus’ head told the story of who Jesus is: the King of the Jews. Jesus’ death was the reason he was born in a stable and laid in a manger and clothed in swaddling clothes. He was swaddled when he was born, they swaddled him when he died. Jesus’ entire life led up to that one significant moment. He had told his disciples: When I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me. From first breath to last, Jesus preached the kingdom of God and told the one criminal, he would be with him that day in paradise. Jesus saved souls even on the cross. When Jesus died, the centurion at the base of the cross recognized he was a righteous man. As Christians, the single most important event was not the day Jesus was born, but the day he died. Your salvation took place on the cross. The redeeming blood of Jesus was poured out for you and covers you, washing you clean of every stain of sin. Before Jesus breathed his last, before he commended his life to God, he said, It is finished. John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (KJV) Jesus completed God’s purpose. Your salvation, should you accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, was complete. You don’t need to do anything. Jesus did it all. Every debt you have, Jesus paid it all. Your sins are forgiven. Satan has no hold over you, your chains are broken and you are set free. Just as Jesus told the criminal, he would be with him that day in paradise, you will be with Jesus in heaven the moment you pass from this life to eternity. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die on a cross. Thank you that I am forgiven, washed clean by the blood of Jesus. Thank you that my life is complete in you. Help me live in the victory of the cross. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 29 November 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay