Turn to Him

Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left… In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Priests, teachers, elders, and those passing by hurled insults and mockery at Jesus.  The two guys hanging by him also “heaped” insults on him. 

Have you heard the phrase “add insult to injury?”  Well, Jesus experienced this!

Jesus, in his darkest hour, after being ridiculed and beaten, blood running down his body, now sits atop a cross in a place where he’s still surrounded by mockers. 

In Luke’s account of this story, he tells how one of the thieves turns to Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

This statement is loaded with faith.

And that’s all it took for Jesus to take this man with him, forgiven, and whole.

As amazing as Jesus was, to suffer all that he suffered, now he demonstrates amazing love by forgiving a man who had no time to show that he was truly sorry, live a life of holiness, or prove that he was worthy – all things that we often try to do.

This man simply turned from his insults, recognized the deity of Jesus, spoke it out loud with his mouth, and asked Jesus for mercy.

That’s an amazing Savior who has amazing love that is still present for us today, and every day, when we turn and acknowledge him as Lord.