Dear Family and Friends,

I had an unexpected but memorable conversation recently.

What I mean is, who goes to the dentist and ends up conversing with the dental hygienist, while she has sharp instruments in your mouth.

It was also memorable because I learned first hand why today’s young adults have so much anxiety. 

Our conversation shed light on what might be behind the revivals and movements of God that churches and colleges across America are talking about.

Perhaps many young people are turning to Jesus as their last resort.

Great… right?

Yes, but it’s important that those who are new to the faith – and us as well – understand what believing in Jesus really entails.

Today, let’s look at another unexpected conversation. One that took place on Good Friday.

One that is curiously mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. Curious because they involve two unlikely characters – the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus.

“Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.”  Matthew 27:38 NIV

The story of the rebels begins with them mocking Jesus, along with the passers by, chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders, while hanging from their crosses.

“In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”  Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭44‬ NIV

As the story unfolds, both thieves ask Jesus to save them. But in very different ways.

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.

But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭39‬-‭43‬ NIV

Let’s start by looking deeper into the words of the second criminal.  

He rejected the ways of the world when he rebuked the taunting of the first criminal. 

He admitted to being a sinner and accepted the consequences of his sin – death.

He believed Jesus was sovereign and righteous and thus wrongfully sentenced.

He believed in the coming kingdom of Christ Jesus.

He humbled himself, asking Jesus to remember him in the life to come. In other words, he accepted Jesus as His Lord – – before Jesus saved him.

In summary, by repenting, admitting to his sins, accepting the cost of his sins, believing in the coming kingdom of Christ, and approaching Lord Jesus as a humble servant, the second criminal showed us what believing in Jesus entails. 

The scriptures do not reveal what happened during the short time he was with Jesus, why he had a change of heart.

But the second criminal clearly became a new person. He was not the same man who had earlier heaped insults on Jesus.

And as we all know, Jesus assured him of his salvation.

Meanwhile, the first criminal asked Jesus to save him in a totally different way.

He essentially said – show me that you are the Messiah. Save me and prove who you are.

The scriptures never mention this criminal again…

This is a story that has given so many people hope.

It’s a story of forgiveness and mercy and grace beyond imagination. 

It’s a story made possible only through the love of God and His Son. 

It’s a story that, in reality, is not about two criminals. 

This is a story about each and every one of us. 

That said, let’s spend this week reflecting on the goodness of that Friday and what it means to us.

Allow the joy of being with Jesus in paradise one day fill your heart. 

And as we welcome new people into the church, let’s never forget that Jesus does not cheapen His grace by giving it to just anyone who asks. 

But He gave it to us, because we believe as the second criminal did.

And He offers it to all who are willing to do the same. 

In case you were wondering how my conversation with the hygienist ended, her heart now carries the seed of hope. 

In love always,