Stations of the Cross (11)

 Jesus promises his Kingdom to the good thief (Luke 23: 39-43)

Luke 23:39-43 (NIV84)

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.”

Jesus hanging in severe pain,

each breath an agony on the cross,

yet Jesus did not respond to the mockery,

but freely offered salvation to the other.

Do we still mock Your ways and You Yourself?

Yes, we do in our words and deeds daily,

when in our pain we lash out in anger,

and live in constant fear.

Lord, give us eternal life.

Lord, give us eternal life.

Do we repent of our evils and sins?

No, we don’t.  But only by Your Word,

Living in obedience to them,

reaching out to others, loving them,

do we repent and received Grace.

Lord, give us eternal life.

Lord, give us eternal life.

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