Luke 23:39-43

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save Yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.’ “

Cebus had lived his life as a career criminal. In his adult years he delighted in targeting the wealthy as his victims. He was forced to steal more and more to support his life of sin and dissipation. There was one group which became his favorite targets–the Pharisees. They were usually rich, pompous and it gave him great delight to relieve them of their precious money.

In the course of his thievery, he became aware that these Pharisees had a particular hatred of a teacher named Jesus. He was a common man who put on no presumptuous airs as the Pharisees, but taught with great authority and even was known to heal the sick and afflicted.

Mingling among the Pharisees as he sought to steal from them, he was impressed by the teaching of this man, Jesus. There was something in the heart of Cebus that was drawn to listen and follow him. He had become so entranced by the words of Jesus that he failed to use his ordinary caution in dipping into the money pouch of a Pharisee. He suddenly felt a rough hand on his back and as he turned, he stared into the face of a Roman soldier.

His fate was sealed. The trial was more of a formality than anything. Three men were to be hanged. Cebus, another thief named Demus and of all things, Jesus–the man who had so touched his heart. All three prisoners were flogged prior to being forced to carry their crosses to the place of crucifixion, but Jesus was tortured so much, Cebus wondered if He would live to be crucified.

As Cebus felt the cruel nails being pounded through his hands, near the wrists to support his weight, he cried out with pain and agony. As Cebus was lifted up and the cross dropped into the hole dug for it, his screams were echoed back from Demus who hung on the other side of Jesus.

Demus was especially vile in his curses. He cursed the Romans who had done this to him, the crowd that gathered to watch, but especially he poured out his hatred toward Jesus. Like Cebus, he had heard Jesus as He taught, but it was evident that his heart had not been open to Jesus as Cebus’ heart had been.

Cebus had a choice—as all of us do. He could either ridicule Jesus or accept Him into his heart. He chose the later. In my mind’s eye I can imagine the scene later that day when Cebus passed from pain and suffering to life and eternal joy. As his eyes caught sight of Jesus, He was not a man on a cross, but the King of kings and Lord of lords and he, Cebus was at home with his Lord!

We all have a choice to make. It is not enough to know about Jesus or even to support His teachings. Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3, that a new birth is required. You have to be born again! There is no other way we can gain eternal life. Not by being good enough, but by simply trusting in His name. Cebus believed and received. Jesus saw his heart and knew that it was sincere.

How about you? Have you made that choice? Has there ever been a time in your life when you confessed that you are a sinner and invite the Lord to come into your heart? If not, here is a prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and without You I am lost. I invite You to come into my heart and make me the kind of person I ought to be. REMEMBER ME! Without You I am lost! Amen.

Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.

- - - Pastor Cecil