Advent Devotional: The Gospel of Lukeಮಾದರಿ

*Written by Hilbert Alexander

1. The Scene of the Crucifixion (Luke 32:32-43).

In the days the New Testament was first written, the practice of crucifixion needed no explanation. Today, most people do not know what a person experienced in execution by crucifixion.

• The Romans did not invent crucifixion, but they perfected it!
• It was designed to produce a slow death with maximum pain and suffering.”
• When the nail was driven through the wrists, it severed the large median nerve, which caused excruciating bolts of fiery pain in both arms and often gave the victim a claw-like grip in the hands.
• Beyond the pain, the major effect of crucifixion was to restrict normal breathing. The person’s body weight would cause the respiratory muscles to constantly be in a fixed state, hindering breathing. Each effort to get a proper breath would be agonizing and exhausting and lead to a sooner death.
• Death from crucifixion could mainly be caused by being too exhausted to breathe any longer, dehydration, or stress-induced heart attack. If the victim did not die quickly enough, the legs were broken.

The reason why Luke paints a vivid picture of the crucifixion and the fact that Jesus is placed between two criminals. This was to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 53:12,” … and was numbered with the transgressors…” Jesus, who was innocent and sinless, took His place among sinners — a powerful symbol of His mission to save humanity.

2. Jesus on the cross (Luke 32:34-38).

• The love of Jesus never fails. Even on the cross, He prayed for His executioners, asking God the Father not to hold this sin against them (Luke 32:34). In this, Jesus fulfilled His own command to love your enemies (Matthew 5:44).
• “For they do not know what they do.” Jesus recognized the blindness of His enemies in His prayer. This did not excuse the guilt of those who put Jesus on the cross, but Jesus set His enemies in the best possible light in His prayer to the Father.
• “And they divided His garments and cast lots.” On the cross, Jesus had no material possessions. Even the clothes on his back were taken and divided by the gambling.

This shows that Jesus came all the way down from Heaven to accomplish our salvation. He let go of absolutely everything – even His clothes – becoming completely poor for us so that we could become completely rich in Him, demonstrating His (agape) love that defines both His ministry and mission.

3. A criminal on a cross finds salvation (Luke23:39-43).

The scene here is a striking contrast of responses to Jesus:

3.1 The Mocking Criminal:

• One of the criminals joins the mockery of the crowd, challenging Jesus to save Himself and them if He is truly the Messiah. “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:39
• His words are full of bitterness and self-interest; they also reflect pride, cynicism, and a refusal to recognize who Jesus is.
• This man reflects the attitude of those who reject Christ, focusing on temporary concerns and refusing to acknowledge their need for a Savior.

3.2 The Repentant Criminal:

• The other criminal takes a different path. He rebukes the first man, acknowledging their guilt and the justice of their punishment. Then, with humility and faith, he turns to Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
• In this simple request, we see a profound understanding of who Jesus is — a King whose kingdom is eternal.

3.3 Jesus’ Response:

• Jesus’ reply is one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” It reveals the heart of the Gospel—salvation is a gift of grace, not something we can earn. The thief had no opportunity to perform good deeds or prove his worthiness, yet Jesus assured him of eternal life because of his faith.

In conclusion, how can we apply what we’ve learned from these verses?

The repentant criminal acknowledges his guilt and the justice of his punishment, saying, “We are punished justly” (Luke 23:41).

• Be honest about your shortcomings and acknowledge your need for God’s forgiveness. Spiritual growth begins with humility and the recognition of our dependence on Christ.

Jesus, in his final moments, assures the thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This demonstrates the depth of God’s grace — salvation is available even in the eleventh hour. So don’t give up on yourself or others. Share the Gospel even with those who may feel it’s “too late” for them to change, and trust that God’s grace is sufficient for anyone at any time.

The thief had no time to perform good deeds or earn his salvation. His faith in Jesus alone secured his place in paradise. So rest in the truth that salvation is a gift from God, not something you have to earn. Share this message of grace with others who feel unworthy or burdened by the idea of “earning” God’s love.

Finally, the repentant thief’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and salvation is available to anyone who turns to Jesus in faith.

Let's pray: Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your incredible grace that reaches us in our darkest moments. Thank You for showing mercy to the thief on the cross and for reminding us that by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: but it is the gift of God: Help us to live with the humility and faith of the thief who repented, recognizing our need for Your forgiveness and trusting in Your promise of eternal life. Teach us to extend Your love and grace to others, reflecting Your heart in all we do. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to pray for forgiveness for His executioners rather than condemning them? What does this teach us about His character?
2. What do the two criminals reveal about the different ways people respond to Jesus?
3. The repentant thief admitted his guilt and turned to Jesus in faith. Are there areas in your life where you need to admit your need for God’s mercy?
4. How does the assurance of salvation, even at the last moment, challenge your understanding of God’s grace?
5. Is there someone in your life who feels like it’s “too late” for them to turn to God? How can you share the hope of the repentant thief’s story with them?
6. How can Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness inspire you to forgive others who have wronged you?
7. This week, reflect on what it means to “remember Jesus” in your daily life. How can you live in a way that honors His sacrifice and shows others His love?