Jesus' First Words from the Cross Say it All

Luke 23:33-34a, 39-42, ESV

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 

…

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

These first two statements made by Jesus from the cross reveal what it was all about—forgiveness and salvation. He forgave (and interceded for!) the ones who were crucifying Him, and He offered salvation to the one who (after previously mocking Him) had chosen to believe in Him.

The heart of our Savior for people is astounding. 

The heart of our Savior for every single person is astounding. 

It was not a coincidence that this open-hearted criminal was crucified next to his Savior—it was a divine appointment. 

Jesus will put Himself in the proximity of those He knows will choose Him. There is nothing we—or the ones we love—can do that our Savior cannot forgive. There is nowhere we—or the ones we love—can be where our Savior will not go.

So this week, as we remember the sacrifice and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, may we be awed anew at His deep love for all people—and His eyes to see the one. May our hearts be aligned with His, and may we be filled with hope for those we love who are far from Him.

Oh Lord, thank you for your sacrifice for us! Thank you that you paid the ultimate price to make a way of forgiveness and salvation for all people. Align our heart with yours, and bring home the ones who are far from you. Amen.