November 21st - Reflection

Christ the King
Luke 23:33-43 (NRSV)
Jesus crucified with two thieves

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Reflection
Here is Jesus taking on the humiliation and suffering that we all deserve for our sin. Jesus, the sinless one, taking on our sin. Jesus, putting up with the arrogance of the very people he came to save. Jesus, mocked by those he is saving. All in contrast with each one of us as criminals to the law.

And the criminal, serving the sentence deserved. You and I can be placed in that place of the criminal. Yet Jesus talk is of Paradise. Paradise, the resting place of the very saved people Jesus is dying for. The resting place of the redeemed before the final judgment. Jesus, opening Paradise to the criminal.

You and I are the criminals. Jesus, remember be, when you come into your kingdom. Recognize Jesus, with the kingly power he is and will demonstrate upon his return. Recognize, and open your heart to Jesus, and rest assured in Paradise that Jesus is the Redeemer. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom. --- Amen