Have you ever thought back on your life and wondered if you’ve strayed too far from God’s forgiveness? It’s a thought that can weigh heavily on the soul.
Feeling like you’ve sinned too much to be forgiven can be compared to someone standing at the edge of a vast ocean, overwhelmed by the waves crashing all around you. The sea may appear endless and frightening, but your feelings of guilt can feel overwhelming. Just as the sea is full of countless drops of water, each of which symbolizes a moment of grace and mercy, so too, the possibility of forgiveness can be found even in the darkest moments of our lives. Sometimes, taking a step back can show you that the tide can turn and bring peace.
In Luke 23, we encounter the horrific events surrounding Jesus’s crucifixion. The story begins with the betrayal orchestrated by the religious leaders—the Pharisees and the Sadducees—who bore deep animosity towards Jesus. Their disdain for Jesus was not because they were ignorant of His identity; instead, it was rooted in their awareness that He posed a threat to the foundations of their authority and beliefs. They plotted against Him out of fear of His influence, ultimately persuading the Roman authorities to carry out the death sentence.
The story takes a somber turn, as we learn that Jesus was not alone in His fate. Alongside Him were two other men who were both identified as criminals and who were likewise sentenced to death. As they traveled to the grim location known as the Skull, they arrived at the site where the unthinkable was about to take place. In the oppressive heat and anguish of that desolate location, Jesus was crucified on the Cross, with two criminals beside Him—one on His right and the other on His left.
This moment, marked by brutality and despair, serves as a witness to the profound love and sacrifice that are captured in the story of the crucifixion. Yet, even as the darkness descended, it was clear that this was not the conclusion of the story. The narrative describes the exchange between Jesus and the two criminals who were crucified beside Him. One criminal insults Jesus. This person disobeyed God’s moral and spiritual laws throughout his life and engaged in continuous pattern of wrongdoing throughout his life. He lived his life pursuing his own ambitions and interests without regret or remorse. He chose to live a selfish life rather than seek redemption or understand the consequences of his choices.
But the second criminal acknowledged Jesus’ innocence and corrected the unrepentant sinner, admitting that they deserved punishment for their wrongdoing. He recognized his need for forgiveness. When the repentant criminal then asks Jesus to remember him when He returns into His kingdom, Jesus answers, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
His words promised grace and forgiveness for a lost soul without hesitation or limitations. In that divine moment, the sinner felt the shackles of guilt fall away, replaced by the promise of redemption and everlasting life with his Savior.
This passage demonstrates Jesus’ boundless mercy and grace, offering salvation even in the final moments of life to those who sincerely repent. It serves as a reminder that redemption is always possible, regardless of our past mistakes, and challenges us to show forgiveness and grace to others.
Sin renders the soul spiritually dead, creating a complete separation from God. However, Jesus sees us in our brokenness when we humbly call out to Him and acknowledge our desperate need for redemption. He didn’t hold back with promises of a distant tomorrow; rather, He boldly stated, “Today you will be in paradise with me” (Lk. 23:43).
In the final moments before His death on the Cross, Jesus forgave all our sins—those of the past, present, and future. All that remains for us is to accept this precious gift He offers and embrace salvation through grace. We are loved, forgiven, and redeemed. There is nothing else we need to do except to live our lives rooted in the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. Will you reach out your hands to the Savior and accept His gift of love and redemption? Remember, it’s never too late to repent.
Reflection and Takeaway:
- Have you ever felt lost and unworthy of God’s forgiveness and redemption? Picture yourself as one of the sinners hanging on the Cross alongside Jesus. What would your response be? Would you react like the first criminal and mock Jesus, or would you be like the second criminal and take a moment to look into your heart, acknowledge your sins, and recognize your desperate need for a Savior?
- In your personal journeys or quiet moments with Jesus, have you experienced feelings of shame or doubt, wondering if He could truly look at you and say, “I forgive you. You will be with me in paradise”? Reflect on how you would answer these profound questions.
- If you have already had this meaningful conversation with Jesus, take comfort in knowing that you are truly forgiven. As you reflect on this precious gift of grace, what will you do with it? Will you choose to keep it hidden away, nurturing it quietly in your heart, or will you follow the example of the Samaritan woman? She chose to abandon her past and her worldly burdens, eager to share the powerful transformation that had taken place in her life. Will you, like her, boldly step forward and embrace your role as a witness to the incredible work He has done for you? (See John 4:1-42)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You filled with gratitude for Your steadfast faithfulness and limitless love that has surrounded us since the beginning of time. We truly appreciate the gentle nudges and thought-provoking questions You offer, leading us to delve deep into our hearts and uncover the strongholds that bind us, trapping us in a cycle of doubt and fear. Thank you for the many opportunities you’ve given us to draw closer to you and to repair our relationship, even when we falter and stray. As we navigate the complexities of everyday life, we pray for the sensitivity to recognize Your guidance and the courage to reflect on the questions You set before us. Help us to earnestly seek Your presence and to find stillness in our hearts as we wait upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reference
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Ross, Tammy. Photograph (hopitribe22@Pinterest)
