A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Thursday, March 23, 2023

A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Day 26

Matthew 27:43-44

He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults.

Soul Sisters, the scene today is still the same. Today we read that the two rebels who were crucified with Jesus are the last to throw out the final insults as they all hung there. BUT THEN… It seems that one of them has a change of heart.

(What I am sharing today if from digging deeper into other sacred texts; the Book of Nicodemus and the Gospel of Luke.)

Gestas was the man on the left and Dismas was the man on the right. From Monday’s post we learned that Gestas died IN sin, and Dismas died TO sin. So it was Dismas who had a change of heart.

Dismas rebuked Gestas and said “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 turned toward Jesus and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” and Jesus promised, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:40-43) BEAUTIFUL!

Isn’t it amazing that we can ALWAYS learn more about God and our faith in all parts of scripture-the good, bad and ugly? Dismas repented of his crimes in the final moments and went to heaven that very same day. His brand new faith saved him because in that moment he recognized that Jesus was the Son of God and truly his Savior. And because Jesus knew his repentant heart, He extended His eternal life-saving grace and invited him into His kingdom. I see through examining this event, Dismas’ life teaches us that regardless of the gravity of sins, anyone can be saved by His grace through faith.

Did you know that today there are several prison ministries named after Dismas? And on the grounds of a maximum security prison in New York state, is the only free standing church named ~ St. Dismas Church. What stood out to you today?

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 5 Act of Kindness

“I was sick and you looked after me” Matthew 25:36b

This week, help someone who is sick or in the hospital.