The Best Offer You Will Ever Get

It was “Good Friday”, the day that Jesus the Christ was crucified just outside the city of Jerusalem on a hill called Golgotha, "The Place of the Skull". Jesus was nailed to one cross and two criminals were crucified on either side of him. This whole story is found in Luke 23:32-43.

In Luke 23:39-43, we can read about and visualize the dramatic scene as it unfolds as the three of them are dying on their crosses next to each other:

One of the criminals beside Jesus scoffed at him and said, "So you're the Messiah are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you're at it."

But the other condemned criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man has done nothing wrong."

The he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

And Jesus replied, " I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Why were these two criminals even mentioned in the Easter story? They appear out of nowhere. We don't know their names or even what crimes they committed. We only know they were dying next to Jesus for six long hours on that Friday.

Why would the Gospel writers even bother to mention these two guys? Two reasons I believe they were pointed out in this dramatic part of the Easter story.

One. It was true. They were really there. It's part of the accurate telling of the history of the crucifixion.

Two. The two criminals represent us. They represent the two kinds of people. And I believe all of us, at the end of the day, are one of these two kinds of people.

One of the criminals was humble, repentant and had an open heart and mind to what Jesus had to offer. And this criminal accepted Jesus' offer.

The other criminal was arrogant, rebellious and had a closed mind and heart to what Jesus had to offer. Sadly, he rejected Jesus and his offer.

What was it that got the attention of this convicted offender on the cross who accepted the offer of Christ? As he hung there next to Jesus, what was it that made him want to be with Jesus in eternity and accept his proposal?

Maybe it was Jesus' presence. His charisma. The power of his personality.

Maybe it was his reputation as a prophet and Rabbi. After all , Jesus was the most famous person in the region at the time.

Maybe it was the look in Jesus' eyes. Maybe he saw the unconditional love of God for himself in the eyes of Christ as they looked upon each other as they hung there.

Maybe it was Jesus' gracious words from the cross as he prayed for those Roman soldiers and the self righteous religious leaders who were killing him, “ Father forgive them, they know not what they are doing."

We don't know what got his attention and changed his outlook toward Jesus. But we do know that Jesus communicated to him that he would be with him that day in paradise. That criminals' eternity was changed in a moment as he took Jesus up on his offer. He accepted it.

So, what is it that Jesus is actually offering?

1- He is offering a changed life. A new beginning. Second chances. In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus he can be born again. Born afresh and anew.

2- He is offering an abundant life. A life full of adventure with your creator. Jesus explains in John 10:10, I have come that you may have abundant life. A rich life. A full life.

3- He is also offering eternal life. To live with him forever in paradise. In John 3:16, Jesus claims, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in him shall have eternal life."

So, I would ask you. Who can beat that offer? What greater offer could Jesus extend to us?

Therefore, as we move toward Easter Day and the celebration of our Resurrected Lord, which one of these two types of people are you? Have you humbled yourself and opened your heart and mind to Jesus? Have you accepted his offer? Are you open to accepting his offer?

Or

Would you have to be honest and say you really haven't been very open in your heart or your mind to what Jesus has to offer? In fact, you may have been arrogant or rebellious and declared, "I don't need God. I can do this on my own."

Or

Maybe you have never really considered Jesus’ offer. Are you ready to consider it now that you know what it is he is actually offering?

Good Friday is the remembered the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a sober reminder that, at the end of the day, and it was literally the end of the day for these two criminals, we all have to make a choice. We will either accept Jesus' offer or reject it?

This incredible story of the thief on the cross who accepted Jesus' offer reminds us that the Lord extends this gracious offer to all of us. No matter the sins of our past, the problems of the present or the worries about the future, the Easter story shouts out to all of us that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can experience a changed life .... a new life...an abundant life...and eternal life!

The Offer. Accept it. It is the greatest offer you will ever receive! And, once you accept it, remember Paul's words, the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead is available for your life everyday! (Ephesians 1:19-20)

Remember, Jesus’ offer is the best offer you will ever get!

There is no Happy Easter without a Good Friday!

Dr. Lester Spencer

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.