Can It Be That Simple?
Two thieves hang on crosses on either side of Jesus. There is no going back. The only path is death.
One thief scolds and makes demands of Jesus. The other humbly asks Jesus to remember him. Jesus replies to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)
Death swallows all three. Physical death. The mystery that is life leaves all three bodies behind. Two of the three enter Paradise together, or so we are told. But how can we know?
We know because One of them returned. He had come once before in the miracle of His virgin birth. Everything He told us is true, and we know it because He lives.
Is it really that simple? What about all the rituals and requirements of religion? What about all the things I am supposed to do? What about how good I am supposed to be? What about all that stuff I don’t understand?
Behold the thief on the cross, but don’t waste too much time lingering there. Recognize that you, too, are facing death, as we all must. Turn now and behold the living Jesus, who will be as gracious with you as He was with that thief. Ask Him and see. (Matthew 11:28-30)
He is risen indeed!
I read each of these a dozen times. It is something that my mind directly connects with. Thank you so much for your efforts. Few people that I know can summarize the gospel so easily: you are him, you accept him, or you reject him. How powerful it is right on death’s bed to trust him.