Scripture Reading(s)
Luke 23:33-43
23:33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
23:35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!”
23:36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine,
23:37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
23:38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
23:40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
23:41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”
23:42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
23:43 He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Reflections
Jesus was mocked and scorned by those who deemed themselves pious a righteous. He came to the earth humbled as a baby and lived the life of outcast. Yet, the poor, lowly, and outcast of society saw who Jesus really was. They knew jesus was the Messiah, not because they were wise but because they were humble. Even the thief on the cross saw who Jesus was and was rewarded for his humility.
In our own lives we will have to humble ourselves to see what God has us. We cannot walk the path of righteousness while trying to esteem ourselves. But if we humble ourselves God can use us to do the work of Jesus. The Lord said of the Israelites in their time of disobedience,
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
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