Easter ReflectionsSample

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be "numbered with the transgressors" upon his death (Isaiah 53:12). His prophecy found fulfilment in the Saviour's hanging on a cross between two thieves during that first Easter.

The Son of God did not only endure mocking from the Jewish council and Roman soldiers, but he was also mocked by the thieves crucified beside him (Mark 15:32). It is incredible how deep sin runs in us. One marvels that anyone could still possess the strength to insult the world's Saviour while facing death.

But one criminal would turn around and defend Jesus's innocence while acknowledging their guilt (Luke 23:40-41). Jesus takes this as a confession of his sin. He then asked Jesus to remember him once he entered his kingdom (Luke 23:42), an expression of faith in Christ.

The repentant criminal's plea for salvation was grounded in neither good works nor extraordinary knowledge of Jesus. Instead, he appealed to the mercy of Christ. He said, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Perhaps it helped that there was hardly any time left for the repentant thief to suppose that he could do anything to earn the Messiah's pleasure in him. All he could do was cast himself into the hands of Jesus.

None of us is saved any differently. Good works don't save; only the grace of God through Christ can save us (Ephesians 2:8-9). Praise God for this grace.

At his most vulnerable, Jesus forgives the one whom the world condemns. It didn't matter that the criminal had lived a sinner nearly to his very last breath. However sinful, none who repents could ever be turned away by this Saviour. "Today, you will be with me in paradise," Jesus assured, showing that he had indeed come to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the grace you showed the thief on the cross beside you, showing me that even I, the vilest of sinners, can find forgiveness in you. Amen.