Luke 23:33-43 (NRSV)
Read Luke 23:33-43 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Verse 34Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. Verse 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" Verse 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, Verse 37and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" Verse 38There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Verse 39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" Verse 40But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? Verse 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Verse 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Verse 43He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Devotion
It was the last temptation of Christ: “Save yourself!” Of course, in order to save others he cannot save his own life. That’s the Godly irony; but such irony makes the temptation to cling to power no less real.
We are called to follow Jesus. As we follow, we too hear voices from within and without saying, “Save yourself!” It is tempting; always tempting to hang onto power – my life. And, speaking for myself, that’s often what I wind up doing – desperately trying to save myself when I’m supposed to be saving others. Even when I think I am being selfless the truth is that there is usually something in it for me.
And so we follow not as we ought but as we are able. And we follow trusting that the Christ who would not save himself will save us all.
Prayer
Christ Jesus, we are always tempted to save our lives rather than lose them for your sake and the sake of the Gospel. Save us from our fears so that we may follow you in lives of service. Amen.