Jesus on the Cross: The Head of All Creation

Friday, November 22nd: Luke 23:35-43

Bible Verse:

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

— Luke 23:42 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this story, Jesus is on the cross, and next to Him are two criminals. One of them makes fun of Jesus, but the other one believes in Him. This man says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Even though this man had done wrong things, he knew that Jesus was the Savior. And Jesus told him, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

This is an amazing story of forgiveness and hope. No matter what we’ve done, if we trust in Jesus, He promises that we will be with Him forever. Jesus loves us and forgives us, just like He forgave the man on the cross. When we believe in Jesus, we know that we will be with Him in heaven one day.

Questions to think about:

1. Why did the man on the cross ask Jesus to remember him?

2. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus forgives you, no matter what you’ve done?

3. What can you do to show that you believe in Jesus?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for forgiving me and loving me, no matter what I’ve done. Help me to always trust in You and to remember that I will be with You in heaven. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus on the cross, forgiving the man who believed in Him.

Full Bible Reference:

“The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews. 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 23:35-43 (EHV)