Lesson 3489

 (Lesson 3489)(07-23-21) Luke 23:32-46

    “And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is The King Of The Jews. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus was further tortured and crucified between two “malefactors” who spoke to Him before they too died. The first challenged Jesus to free them all, the second scolded the first for insulting the Son of God. 

    After asking to be remembered in the kingdom of God, Jesus promised the second man that, indeed, that day, they would be together in paradise. 

    There are those today who erroneously contend that in order to be admitted into the kingdom of God, one must first be baptized in water. Today’s quote proves that one can be eternally saved simply by believing that Jesus has the power to save.~