God So Loved the World
March 21st, 2008one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting,
“He saved others. Let’s see him save himself!
The Messiah of God – ha! The Chosen – ha!”
The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: “So you’re King of the Jews! Save yourself!”
Printed over him was a sign:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!”
But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him.
We deserve this, but not him –
he did nothing to deserve this.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”
He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”
By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours – a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly,
“Father, I place my life in your hands!”
Then he breathed his last.
(Luke 23:33-46, The Message)
Today is Good Friday and all of Christendom looks to the CROSS. Jesus, the Savior of the world, died for our sins. Take time today to reflect, remember and be thankful for the Atonement. I look forward to seeing you in one of our three Easter services this weekend. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, and at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Pastor Ted Traylor