"Three Men of Calvary"

 

Luke 23:39-43 "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, To day shalt thou be with ME in paradise."

     Calvary . . . "a place of a skull" (Matthew 27:33 pictured above) - what images that name brings to mind ! JESUS, condemned to die, made HIS way to that place of execution just outside the city of Jerusalem; the religious leaders finally had what they wanted: the means to rid themselves of this MAN forever, or so they thought. The trials led by Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate were ended. As far as the enemies of CHRIST were concerned, it was all over save the shouting. Others condemned to die were with JESUS. Two men who were guilty of crimes against the state and against humanity were also moving toward that hill where all three would face the ignominious death of crucifixion.

     Three men of Calvary - one was the CHRIST, the MESSIAH of Israel, the GOD-MAN, unjustly condemned through the testimony of false witnesses; the second we have come to know as the impenitent thief; the third was the penitent thief. One had been declared "not guilty" by the Roman Governor, Pilate; one went to his death spewing words of accusation against JESUS; one was brought to repentance and trusted in CHRIST that day. One MAN died for redemption; one man died rejecting; one man died believing (Luke 23:43 pictured above). The love of GOD was fully displayed at Calvary. The supposed place of defeat became, instead, the place of victory. On that cruel Roman cross, between two thieves, JESUS CHRIST became sin for us and fulfilled the work of redemption, crying, "It is finished !" as HE bore our sins. Yes, three men of Calvary: one MAN died for sin; one man died in sin; one man died saved from sin. In sin or saved from sin - which one are you ? If you have not done so already, be the one who trusts CHRIST and is saved from sin today (see below to find out how) ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation