Reflecting on Luke 23:32-38“Along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left.” (Luke 23:33)
During His ministry Jesus was accused of being with the wrong people.
He associated with tax collectors and ate with sinners.
It is fitting then that he also died with criminals.
Everyone knew that ‘bad company corrupts good character.’ (1 Corinthians 15:33)
What is important to see is that Jesus breaks this pattern.
He does not become what His companions are, but breaks the mold.
They spit out mockery, but He speaks out mercy and forgiveness.
As we will soon see, one of the criminals is impacted by His Way.
Jesus overcomes evil with His goodness, and now works goodness out through us.
His love infects us, and now it infects others through us.
Now with Jesus, His good company cleanses our bad character.
We do not mock Jesus as a criminal, we cling to Him as our king.
His good influence changes us, making us both forgiven and forgiving.
Jesus is still surrounded by sinners, on His right and on His left.
I want to be near Him, so that my character can be more like His!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are a king worth loving and serving. Help me not to mock sinners, nor to ignore and abandon them. Help me to stand with You and with them, that Your goodness can transform us together.