First Step - day 6

Page 1

Today’s Bible Reading

Luke 23:32-43

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. 33 When 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. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. 35 The 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.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If You are the king of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above Him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “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.” 43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

Applying God’s Word in My Life:

1. What did Jesus pray to the Father from the cross? (v.34). Why did Jesus pray this prayer, and who was it for?

2. What was Jesus’ promise to the second criminal? (v.43).

3. As someone who trusts Jesus, where will you be the moment you die?

Today’s Key Verse:

Luke 23:43

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

14

Great Divider

WhenJesus died on the cross, He paid for the sins of the human race. Only those who believe in Him, however, can receive His loving forgiveness. The sacrifice of Christ is enough for all of us, but only if we place our trust in Him.

As the Lord Jesus hung on the cross, two criminals were crucified next to Him. One of those men is now lost in hell, separated from God and His love forever. The other is with Christ in heaven, safe for all time.

Their attitudes towards the Man on the centre cross made all the difference.

One of the criminals mocked Jesus in unbelief. The other, in desperate need, cried out for mercy, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). To him, Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (v.43).

We are all represented by one of those two men. We either believe on Christ or we reject Him. Our eternal destiny depends on our decision. Jesus said of Himself, “Whoever believes in Him is not [judged], but whoever does not believe stands [judged] already” (John 3:18).

As we think about the cross, let’s thank Jesus for paying for our sin. If you haven’t trusted Him, do it today! When He died on the cross, Jesus became the Great Divider of humanity. Each of us must choose our side. —Richard

We may not know, we cannot tell What pains He had to bear; But we believe it was for us He hung and suffered there. —Alexander

At the cross, we stand at the crossroads to heaven or hell.

15
The
Day 6 Knowing Christ

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.