So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8
The King of the Universe hangs on a cross. The weight of his body is suspended from a few nails. Catching a breath by expanding his lungs would make him drop on the nails with every breath. Speaking would nearly be impossible. Flanked to his left and right are two condemned criminals. One of them looks over to Jesus and says, “I know who you are. You’re the Christ! Use your power to save yourself and us.” The other rebuked him and said, “don’t you fear God? You’re under the same condemnation as he. We deserve this. Jesus doesn’t.” And then under excruciating pain, he tells (not asks) Jesus: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And then this condemned criminal hears what he was hoping Jesus would say, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” One criminal was looking for a way out of his just hell. The other was looking for a way into his undeserved heaven. It’s to this criminal, recognizing his own guilt and unworthiness, that Jesus says, “I know who you are and what you’ve done. Come with me. You will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus turns to us and says, “I know who you are. I know what you’ve done. And I know what you deserve. But I hung on the cross to pay your penalty. I experienced abandonment by my holy Father so you wouldn’t have to. I know who you are but come with me. I want you with me in paradise.” May this (Easter) rekindle afresh a love for the One who died our death and rose for our justification.
