Accepting Simple

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After years of remembering ‘Good Friday,’ certain aspects of the day can fade from my memory. Yet one scene took a front seat in my mind as I watched a passion play with my in-laws.

While hanging on the cross next to Jesus, one of the criminals is acutely aware of his own depravity in light of the goodness of Jesus. He proceeds to rebuke the other criminal sentenced to die with them for the insults he throws at the Son of God:

“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.[d]”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23: 40-43, New International Version, 2010)

And I’m struck by the simplicity of the story.

This man didn’t know the doctrine of the Trinity. He didn’t formulate his position on the ideas of predestination versus free will. He didn’t state his preference for infant versus adult baptism. And he didn’t recite an eloquent ‘sinner’s prayer’ highlighting each key tenant of the Christian faith.

He simply knew that he deserved death for his sins, and he turned to Jesus.

And thankfully, that story is just as simple for me.
Remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Remember me, a sinner. You didn’t deserve death, but you died so that I wouldn’t have to.

It’s that simple.

Journeys

What strikes you about ‘Good Friday’? Share in the comments below, or link your own post describing a spiritual journey. And have a Happy Easter!

 

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Published by jenvdavis

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7 thoughts on “Accepting Simple”

  3. I'm so glad you linked up with me today! Your link is not showing, however. I think I'm going to have to use a different service next time because another person had trouble a couple of weeks ago. Would you like me to add your link, or do you want to try again?Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

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  4. I deserve death just like the criminal on the cross next to Jesus but I have received mercy from the King. I think of all the years that I've been a sinner and still sinning because of our miserable human nature. How it hurts my Lord!! I have to keep that in mind, always because it's the only way I can become more of what Jesus expects from me. I can think of the many good thngs I have done and continue to do but when I think of my sins, my good deeds pale in comparison. Now you know I'm not an axe murderer or wife beater (Mom keeps a baseball bat under the bed) but in God's eyes all sin is sin, (James 2:10).

    My goal is to be more like Jesus Christ. I read somewhere that if you don't make a goal, you actually did and that's to stay the same. That's not for me.

    Love,
    Dad

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