Station 11, Day 2

Jesus promises his kingdom to the repentant thief

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. Luke 23:33-34

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.” Luke 23:39-43

Meditation

            One of the criminals hanging beside Jesus mocks him, saying if he is the Messiah he should save himself. The other criminal admonishes his colleague in crime by confessing that they are getting the punishment they deserve for their crimes but affirms that Jesus has done nothing wrong. The second criminal then asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus assures him he will be remembered.

            Clearly, the second criminal is repentant. He accepts his fate as one he deserves, even as he recognizes that Jesus has done nothing to earn such an end. Therein is the key to our salvation – that we confess and repent of our sin and seek forgiveness.

Spiritual discipline

Meditate for 10 minutes on this scene. Picture Jesus nailed to the cross, showing compassion for the repentant criminal. How do you feel about the unrepentant criminal? Hold the picture in your mind and pay attention to the sights and sounds.

Prayer

            Forgiving Lord, you showed mercy and forgiveness to the repentant criminal, as well as for those who crucified you. I ask for the same mercy and forgiveness today, understanding these are gifts I have neither earned nor deserve. Amen.

This is the 38^th in a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes.Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.