Day 23 Reflection

No matter how many times I read this chapter its always a tough chapter to read. I know the story and you think it would be easier to read the more times that I read it, but the fact is I know what sent Jesus to the Cross, My SIN. Knowing that and know a little about Crucifixion the pain and what His body went through on the Cross it's a tough read. That being said the interaction on the Cross with the two other criminals is a favorite picture of mine to read and think about. What is cool is that Jesus was impacting and changing lives during this horrible event that turned into a beautiful event because of the Gift he was giving to us, A fitting thing to think about this time of Year. The interaction takes place in Verses 26-43, there are 2 other criminals next to Jesus, one mocking Jesus, and who Jesus is claiming to be. The other realizing the situation that he is in, and watching what Jesus has gone through makes a couple of realizations, first what he has done to find himself on the Cross was a fitting punishment for the crimes he committed, and the Man next to him named Jesus did nothing wrong, there was not guilt. The second thing that he realized next to Jesus on the Cross was that Jesus was who He claimed to be the Savior of the World. Asking Jesus for forgiveness, Jesus replies to him " Today you will be with me in Paradise" What a must have been going through the Thief's mind as he was taking his last breath after Jesus said this to him must have been of deep gratitude and peace. What Gift Jesus was to us on this Christmas Holiday.