Daily EncouragementSample

This is the conversation between our Lord and the criminal on the cross. The incident is bright with gospel light.

The criminal’s condition reflects that of every man. He was a sinner in the eyes of men, let alone before God. He was a rebel sinner to begin with, joining the other criminal in heaping insults upon the Lord. He was powerless to help himself, for dying on a cross is the end of the road. All men are like him - guilty, rebellious, dying sinners.

The criminal’s condition could not be alleviated by any fake gospel. A message of good works would have been useless - what could he do, and how could he undo what had been done? A message consisting of religious rules - for example, one claiming that baptism is essential to salvation - would have done no good. Mastering a philosophy, practising rituals - all of that would have been in vain.

The criminal’s condition called for the only Saviour there is. He was there, beside him on the Tree. His presence caused conviction and a call for mercy. In his dying, Jesus was bearing the man’s sin and making that mercy possible. The gospel of Jesus Christ meets man’s need immediately, opening the door to heaven.