Remember the Gift

“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.” (Luke 23:33)

Together three men travelled the same road up to Golgotha, yet the two travelled a very different road to get there from the One. Two criminals hanging on either side of Jesus lived a life worthy of this death. However, when Jesus, the Son of God, left heaven and put on human flesh, He walked a sinless path. He came to this world to seek and save the lost, to provide man forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Though innocent, mankind said He was guilty, and He took a path to the cross.

In quiet submission, He endured scorn, shame, blasphemy and the mockery of soldiers and the crowd. Even these two dying criminals at his side offered insults through their pain.

But there on the cross, He spoke.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34a)

Forgiveness, there on the cross Jesus offered the purpose for which He came.

Quietness came to one criminal as the other demanded for Jesus to prove He was the Christ and save them. Somewhere these two criminals no longer shared the same road. Somewhere in Jesus’ gift of forgiveness, one criminal recognized his sin and the separation created between him and a holy God. He understood the dying man next to him alone could give him life – eternal life. There on his cross, he believed the whole gospel. There on his cross he accepted the love, mercy and grace extended to him as Jesus died for the sins of mankind. There on his cross, the repentant criminal placed his sin on Jesus and was saved.

Both thieves witnessed Jesus’ death, His forgiveness, His love, mercy, and grace. Both experienced Jesus as they shared in the same death He died. They deserved death. Jesus did not. The path led them all to the same end, yet even on the cross, the criminals changed roads. One responded with ridicule and scorn, the other in repentance. Accepting Jesus’ gift of grace, the heart of the criminal was transformed, and he accepted the forgiveness God was just about to provide through the death of His Son.

“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Luke 23:42-43)

The repentant criminal travelled the final road together with Jesus to eternal life.

No greater suffering was endured than what Jesus experienced as He hung on the cross. While he felt physical, emotional, and mental anguish, the greatest suffering was when He bore all sin and was separated from His Father. Yet in the midst, Jesus extended forgiveness, grace, and love. One thief accepted His grace, the other rejected it.

Isn’t that the same in some of the difficulties we face when dealing with people? We know we need to offer God’s forgiveness when we’ve been wronged. But sometimes I think love and grace may be the more difficult. When the heartache, the meanness, the difficulty continues, wouldn’t it be easier to back away, defend yourself or find a place of protection? Forgive, yes, but love them and show them grace while in the difficulty? Jesus did. He quietly took the scorn, the heartache, the pain, because He knew the death He died was necessary to provide forgiveness and life. Jesus extended love and grace in the difficult, which led to change and paradise with Him in the life of a repentant criminal.

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return” (Luke 6:35a)

Jesus loved His enemies, which led to one becoming His friend. He calls you to do the same. Maybe the gift of love and grace you extend will trigger change, maybe it won’t. When circumstances do not change, when difficult relationships continue, when discouragement sets in and causes you to question your choice of offering love and grace, look to the cross. Remember the gift Jesus offered as He endured intense pain and suffering. One thief did see and received a transformed heart and eternal life. The mercy and grace He extended to you at the cross can be extended to others through you. As with the criminals at Jesus’ side, the acceptance of your gift is up to them. Offer His love and grace, just as He offered it to you. What have you got to lose? Except a friend.

Who am I to withhold what You did not withhold from me?

In His Love,

Susan