Wednesday, 6th. April. Day 213
Consider
Jesus is led out to the “place of the Skull” to be crucified between two bandits. Even by the standards of the day Crucifixion was regarded as the most horrific way to die and was reserved for political rebels and slaves. It is impossible for us to enter into this scene and come to terms with the sheer agony and brutality of it all. Even the gospel writers can only bring themselves to record the bare facts and make no attempt to describe its harrowing barbarism. Luke mentions that Jesus’ executioners divided up his clothes and cast lots for them indicating that he was naked, something deeply shameful in Jewish thought and adding ignominy to excruciating pain.
Contemplate the two men on either side of our Lord; his companions in the last agonising hours of his earthly life. Are they hardened criminals? Freedom fighters? Or maybe they had been decent people driven to steal to feed their family in the only way they could.
Neither criminal claims to be innocent. One is defiant to the end; the other senses something mysterious and asks, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Reflect on life with God.
Are religious rituals or good works a necessary part of salvation?
No! The criminal suffering next to Jesus simply asks to be remembered by him when he enters his heavenly kingdom. He has no time to take part in any rituals and no opportunity for good deeds. All he can do is ask for mercy and that is what Christ promises him. When all hope seems gone, he earnestly seeks God and finds eternal life!
Pray
Thank God that it is never too late and that there is always hope.
Repeat over and over, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
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