Friday Of Fridays

I thought I might do a little Easter flavor.

Most of us know what went on during the day we call Good Friday. Mel Gibson's take was pretty graphic and caused quite a stir a couple years ago.

There is a story that I really like that occurs during the crucifixion. Two criminals were crucified next to Jesus that day:

Luke 23:32-43

³²two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
³⁵The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
³⁶The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
³⁸There was a written notice above him, which read: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

³⁹One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
⁴⁰But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
⁴²Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
⁴³Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

This exchange with the two thieves and Christ is a favorite of mine. Everyone is quick to join the crowd: "Crucify Him!" "If you are the Christ, save yourself!" "Behold the King of the Jews!"

The world was against Him and this thief next to him says, "Jesus, I believe in You. Please remember me when you come into your kingdom."
If there was a ray of hope in anything that happened this day, it was this conversation. A repentant heart, a friend, a brother, next to Him on the cross.

More on my take on the "paradise" comment tomorrow.