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Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Desires to Save Me
How Do I Allow Jesus to Act Freely in Me?
The Unexpected Invitation
Luke 23:32-43
Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God. Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine. They called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Grace Prayed For
Humility to recognize our need for Him: Like the good thief, pray for the grace to acknowledge your own failings and need for redemption. Ask for the humility to turn to Jesus, not with demands or expectations, but with a simple plea for remembrance.
Reflection
Even in His final moments, nailed to the cross, Jesus’ heart was focused on union, on bringing humanity back to God. This scene from Luke’s Gospel, amidst the agony and humiliation of crucifixion, reveals a profound truth: even in our brokenness, even at our worst, Jesus desires to unite with us.
He is crucified between two criminals, a stark visual of the spectrum of human response to God. One criminal mocks, demanding proof and a rescue from earthly suffering. The other, however, recognizes his own sinfulness, acknowledges Jesus’ innocence, and simply asks to be remembered. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
This plea is not a demand for earthly salvation, but a yearning for connection, for a place in the eternal presence of Christ. And Jesus, in His infinite mercy, responds with an immediate and unconditional promise: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Think about that. In the midst of His own unimaginable suffering, Jesus extends grace and offers paradise to a convicted criminal. This is the depth of His desire for union with us. He doesn’t wait for us to be perfect, to be worthy. He meets us where we are, in our brokenness and vulnerability, and draws us to Himself.
The inscription above Jesus’ head, “This is the King of the Jews,” takes on new meaning in this context. He is a King who reigns not with power and might, but with love and compassion. His throne is the cross, and His kingdom is open to all who, like the repentant criminal, turn to Him with a humble and contrite heart.
This passage invites us to reflect on our own relationship with Jesus. Are we like the first criminal, demanding proof and focusing on earthly concerns? Or are we like the second, recognizing our need for grace and simply asking to be remembered by Him?
Jesus’ response to the repentant criminal is a powerful reminder that He desires union with each of us, no matter our past. He longs to forgive, to heal, and to welcome us into His eternal kingdom. All He asks is that we turn to Him with a sincere heart and acknowledge our need for His grace. In that moment, like the criminal on the cross, we will find ourselves united with Him in paradise.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
The thief’s simple request, “Remember me,” is met with an immediate and overwhelming promise of paradise. This scene assures us that no matter how far we may have strayed, Jesus is always ready to forgive and welcome us back into His love. This knowledge fosters trust and allows us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He desires our salvation.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post