'
Among the Criminals' — Mark 15:27Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
Key ThoughtJesus came to earth and lived as one of us. He made his home among real people — he wasn't tucked away in some neat and tidy place protected from the dirt, sin, and filth of our world. So it is not surprising that when he was killed on the cross, that he was crucified between two criminals. (The Greek word translated as
"revolutionaries" is robbers, bandits, or criminals in some other translations.) Jesus placed God's love where any of us, no matter how great or how small, no matter how spiritual or how vile, could find him.
Today's PrayerDear God, I am truly saddened that Jesus had to die among the worst of us in the most horrible of conditions and in a horrific manner. At the same time, dear Father, I am truly thankful that your love is shown so clearly and offered in a place so dreadful that none of us could ever legitimately think we could not find its grace. In Jesus' name, I praise and thank you. Amen.
Related Scripture ReadingsPhilippians 2:5-11John 1:10-18Colossians 1:13