“I tell you the truth; today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Station 2 - Paradise
Luke 23:35-43
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the King of the Jews.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
As Jesus was dying he was worried about other people. He wanted this thief to know the love and life that is found through following God.
Take a moment to think about the thief’s perspective: as he was also dying on his cross, he saw Jesus next to him dying for no logical reason. Perhaps it was in that moment the thief saw his own sinfulness?
As you walk to the next station reflect on and discuss:
- Jesus was so quick to forgive the thief on the cross even as He was dying for that thief’s sins. What does this say about Jesus’ character and nature?
- Ask God to help you be quick to forgive as he has forgiven you
Walk to the next station: 240 Bradley Ave
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