Today we commemorate an event that divides all of mankind into two distinct groups.
Journey back with me to Golgotha, a hill just outside Jerusalem, to watch the scene unfold. As we approach the hill, we see three crude, wooden crosses. On the two outside crosses are criminals, hanging in intense agony as payment to society for their crimes. But on the middle cross hangs an innocent Man. His pain has come through no fault of His own. He is suffering for others. He is Jesus.
As we watch the three men, one of the criminals begins to mock Jesus. But the other one rebukes this mocker. Then, turning toward the Man in the middle, he pleads, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom,” to which Jesus replies, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (vv. 42-43). The dividing line is drawn: One man finds forgiveness and hope; the other dies in his sins.
Jesus Christ is still the dividing line between two segments of humanity. We have but two choices: Reject His sacrificial death for our sins and be lost for eternity, or trust in His work on the cross and receive eternal life.
The cross has only two sides. On which side are you? – J. David Branon
When Jesus died upon the cross,
He took our sin and shame;
He offers us His righteousness,
A gift for us to claim. – Sper
God’s love crossed out man’s sin at Calvary.
- March 29, 1991, Our Daily Bread
For You 