Jesus Forgives Sinners on Calvary
“From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, ‘If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.’ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat, and he said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’” (John 19:13-14)
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:39-43)
Beaten and bloody, Jesus was nailed to the cross as Jerusalem’s final blow against the man who had claimed to be the Son of God. After hours of torture and mockery, this Jesus of Nazareth had finally been conquered. Never again would he threaten the authority of the Pharisees. Never again would he speak of a strange kingdom that they could not find. No more would he blaspheme God by claiming to forgive sins. Or so they thought. Rather, one of Jesus’ last acts was of forgiveness and a promise of entrance into his kingdom. Not only did he declare forgiveness for those who took part in his crucifixion, but also for an unlikely individual who had a divine appointment with the Messiah that day.
Two criminals were also being crucified with Jesus that day, hanging on each side of him. James andJohn, two disciples, had asked Jesus for places of honor when he came into his kingdom, but they truly did not know what they were asking. (Mark 10:35-39)As Jesus was preparing the way for the entrance of his kingdom, instead two criminals, one at his right hand, and the other at his left, were positioned next to him.
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article courtesy of Joy105.com
