It’s Never Too Late

When Jesus was sentenced and sent to the cross, two criminals were also doomed to the same fate. Death!

Luke 23:32 NIV: “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.”

Luke 23:39-43 NIV: “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Hanging on each side of Jesus are actual representations of humanity!

First, we see a depiction of a man in his selfish form! The people who never take accountability for their actions! The blame everyone else: groupies! The individuals that hurl their anger on God and expect the get-out-of-jail card for free! To be rescued from consequences without any effort on their part!

But we find on the other side of Jesus a man in the same precarious position, for the same reason, some form of criminal act. Charged guilty and sentenced to death, however, this man takes full responsibility for his actions! He fears (respects) the majesty of the Lord in his spirit and confesses with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and humbly asks to go with Jesus where he’s going! Done!

What did Jesus tell him? Today you will be with me in paradise!

Jesus, didn’t tell him to jump through a series of hoops! He didn’t tell him he hadn’t served enough throughout his life! He didn’t tell him he hadn’t carried the load of guilt around his neck long enough! He didn’t tell him he didn’t have enough money! He didn’t tell him, too bad, so sad!

No, he forgave him, spiritually reached out his hand, and held it as he passed into eternity! The same way he will hold ours!

Which man do you represent? At any given time, we’ve probably represented both, but which character did you keep?

There is no weight you bear nor cross so big that you can’t look toward Jesus, reach out your hand, and ask for forgiveness.

He is always there and It’s Never Too Late! 😌