My husband really enjoys this Cajun restaurant not far from our home. The first time I went with him I didn’t like what I ordered, but I thought it must have been just that dish. Since Wayne likes the place, I decided I should give it another try. In fact, I tried it a third time for good measure. Three strikes and that restaurant is out for me.
How could two people – who usually agree on most things – form such a different opinion from the same basic experience? I don’t understand it, but I really don’t understand how the two criminals that were crucified on either side of Jesus witnessed the same Savior and made such drastically different decisions.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43, NIV
The two criminals both saw Jesus’ response to the crowd, the soldiers, and the Jewish leaders. They both had heard of His miracles and teaching. Yet in their dying moments, one rejected Him and one recognized Him as King. With his last words, the repentant sinner accepted Jesus as his Savior. Then he opened his eyes in paradise.
Don’t wait until your last breath to give you life to Jesus. Do you know Him as Lord and Savior?
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