Services were held. People gathered to remember and worship. Celebrations were had. New outfits were worn and coordinated pictures taken. All of this by some, but not all.

As is the annual practice, churches everywhere took time this past week for Holy Week and Easter services. We often wave palms on Palm Sunday, remembering the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, days before His death. We come to the table remembering the Passover and the Last Supper, reminded of Jesus’ body and blood shared with us and the gift of grace and forgiveness that comes with it. We stand before the cross on Good Friday, stepping closer and closer through experiencing each of His ‘seven last words’. We wait and trust in the silence of Saturday. We celebrate His victory over death on Sunday with praise and joyous music and shouts of “Hallelujah, He is Risen!”

All of that is one part of a faith and being a Christian. Maybe you reminded family members, “we’re definitely going to church this weekend” or perhaps even invited another church friend or neighbor to come along. And just like the many services, those are all good things. But what if it’s about so much more than that?

This week’s passage is from Luke 23:39-43, recalling Jesus and the others crucified with Him:

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – LUKE 23:39-43

All are crucified together, criminal and innocent. Death is imminent for all of them. But even in this moment, one man is still slinging harsh words at Jesus as many did throughout His earthly ministry, and especially in the days and hours leading to this moment. But the other, though he knows what he has done and that he also is at the point of death, turns to Jesus with a repentant spirit, recognizes who He is, and asks for His forgiveness – “remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

And though surely in utter pain and agony there on the cross, He responds in a way contrary to how the world did. Jesus invites Him in and assures Him a place in His kingdom. He demonstrates invitation, love, grace, and opens the door to a relationship with God through Him. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

We may not be subject to death on a cross – Jesus was that once-for-all perfect sacrifice who paid the debt of our sin with His life. But for each and every one of us, it will come.

Do we live as the first criminal, in the sense of “I know of that guy, Jesus, but I’m going to do what I want anyway and hope for the best”?

Do we live as the second criminal, in the sense of “I’ve lived outside of the ways I know God says to live, but now I’m seeking His forgiveness – I want it to be different”?

Do we live as Jesus shows us to – following God’s will (even to and through hard things, like the cross), showing love and grace to others, opening a door to relationship with God and inviting others into the kingdom?

We did celebrate Easter and Jesus’ victory over death, which is good and important and amazing. But, ALL were not a part of that celebration. How much more amazing would it be to have even more people living life for Jesus and welcomed into His kingdom? That would be paradise.

So many people around the world don’t yet know Jesus, or they have “heard of the guy” but haven’t truly met Him. Even more, there are so many in our own community. You are an important part of making Him known. Won’t you take that step to fully live out your faith? As you grow in your relationship with God through Jesus, who else can you show love and grace to and invite into relationship with Him also? Be encouraged and take the next step.*

*This June, you have a tremendous opportunity to put this into practice through the next Love217 serve – VBS at Fairview Park (June 13-15). Go to SPLDECATUR.ORG/VBS to learn more about it and sign up now to serve as a part of this team, ready to make a difference for Jesus in the lives of kids and families in our community.

Connect with more information about the Love For All Weekly Devotion and additional resources at SPLDECATUR.ORG/LOVEFORALL and SHARE your thoughts, questions, and prayers with us HERE.