From Luke 23:33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing. 35 The people were standing around watching, but the leaders sneered at him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself if he really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one." 36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came up to him, offering him sour wine 37 and saying, "If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself." 38 Above his head was a notice of the formal charge against him. It read "This is the king of the Jews." 39 One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40 Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, "Don't you fear God, seeing that you've also been sentenced to die? 41 We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 Jesus replied, "I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise."
I hate to do this to you, but I have three (3) songs in my head and I wanted you to bear the burden with me. The first was Steve Taylor's "Whatever Happened to Sin?" It's from the early days of Christian rock music, catchy tune, but asks the honest question of sin. The second is the title of todays' devotional, a song the youth sang and sang and sang and sang, each time getting faster and louder! Great memories of that song. And the last is a more peaceful one that we sing, usually during Easter, "Jesus, Remember Me." Today's text is a powerful one and a sad one. In the midst of Christmas decorations being up way too early and many turkeys still alive, comes this reminder of what it took for Jesus to become King of Kings. Bam!
You know the story all too well. The other evening Nellie asked if I knew "Sacred Head, Now Wounded." I found it on YouTube with one of our favorite hymn singers, Fernando Ortega. The hymn is beautiful, but the photos that accompany that video I could have done without. I believe he took still photographs of "The Passion," one of the most bloodiest movies ever about Jesus' death and resurrection. This passage reminds us of what Jesus suffered for you and me. At a place called The Skull, others believe to be the trash heap outside of Jerusalem, Jesus was nailed to a cross between two men more commonly called "Thieves." The first pronouncement over those crucifying Him and over these thieves is Jesus' plea to God to forgive them. "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." Only a king can pardon, and here the King of Kings pardons everyone present, especially "the bad guys." The ones doing it made a mockery of it, by having a gambling contest to see who would get what of what Jesus was wearing. The crowd only added to the mockery by clamoring, "He saved others. Let Him save Himself if He really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one." Roman soldiers got in on the act as well mocking Jesus with sour wine instead of water, but they taunt, "If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself." They then added a written mockery, "This is the king of the Jews." Notice the challenge. Which of the Jewish kings had supernatural power, and why would the Roman soldiers make such a challenge? I believe it was because of Jesus' reputation of having powers to heal, make whole, and even raise the dead. They knew what was said about Jesus, they may have wanted to see it for themselves.
It is the criminals who speak next, the first "insulted him: Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (v. 39b). The other speaks harshly to the first, "Don't you fear God, seeing that you've also been sentenced to die? We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then turning to Jesus says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." The promise from Jesus, "I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise."
The coronation of this king went against all common logic. The crown was not made of gold like other kings. This was one was made of thorns and it made Jesus' head bleed. The royal robes were His everyday clothing, stripped and divided by chance among those killing Him. His throne was a wooden one, where He was not seated but nailed. Yet, His kingdom and His power is unmatched by any king before or since Jesus. Those kingdoms have a shelf life; Jesus does not. No king has nor will die for me, Jesus did. No king has sought to do for others to the point of death, but Jesus has. Jesus is my king, and He should be yours, too.
PRAYER: Jesus, I remember all You did for my sake and the sake of the world. Remember me today as I seek to share You with others. You have many subjects who have yet to come to kneel before You; I need to reach them. It is in Your name that I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
