Read the Book: Fall Bible Planনমুনা

Your Response to Jesus

Luke 23:32-43

Every person, when trying to answer the question of who Jesus is and who He claimed to be, will have one of two responses. Two criminals hung beside Jesus, one on either side. Verse 39 states, “One of the criminals ... railed at him” (ESV). But the criminal hanging on the other side of Jesus actually rebukes the first by saying, “We are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” (v. 41).

Though both thieves initially mocked Jesus, the second thief had a change of hearepentant criminal could do for Jesus to be worthy of going to Heaven. He couldn’t give to the poor, he couldn’t serve in the temple, and he couldn’t get baptized. But the repentant criminal had faith that Jesus was who He said He was, and that through Him, he'd be saved.

Father, we are reminded of Your sacrifice on the cross for our sins. We are reminded of Your love for us, even while we were running from You. We ask that You anchor our hearts in the fact that we can’t offer You anything but a repentant heart to secure salvation. We’re not saved by works, only by faith in You. Thank You that no one is too old or too young to put their faith in You. Amen.

Family connection: Jesus forgiving the criminal on the cross is a beautiful picture of grace. This week be intentional to breathe grace to your family in the mess-ups and frustrations. As you do, remind them of the beauty of the gospel—that we are all people who miss the mark, but out of His loving kindness, God still chooses us.