Mercy for Sinners

When we repent in faith, we, too, can receive mercy for sinners.

“Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”—Luke 23:42–43 NKJV

A man was hanging on a cross, being crucified for his mistakes. The Bible calls him a “criminal” (v. 39) but the Greek word means a malefactor or evildoer. We don’t know his crime, but he was deemed worthy of the painful death of crucifixion.

He recognized that he was receiving “the due reward” for his deeds (v. 41). Yet, when a second criminal “blasphemed” Jesus, this man defended Him (v. 39). Even though his situation appeared hopeless, the man turned to Jesus and asked for help, calling out, “Lord … Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

When he cried out, Jesus assured him, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” He was giving him something better than just temporary help; Jesus gave him eternal life because he asked in faith.

Many times, we feel that our situation is hopeless. We are conscious of our own mistakes and feel so overwhelmed by our sins that we don’t feel we deserve God’s mercy. We feel we can never be truly forgiven. But if Jesus could forgive this condemned worker of evil, certainly He hears and forgives us.

You may face situations that seem hopeless. You may be overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, or worry. You may have made mistakes that seem unforgivable. But God gives you a fresh start to be forgiven and renewed. Jesus died for you and is ready to hear your prayers and set you free.

Reflection Question: Reflect on hopeless situations that you need to turn over to God.