What Jesus Did! 'Between Two Thieves' — John 19:16-18

Thursday, November 29, 2018

So Pilate gave Jesus to them to be killed on a cross. The soldiers took Jesus. Jesus carried his own cross. He went out to a place called "The Place of the Skull." (In the Jewish language the name of this place is "Golgotha.") At Golgotha they nailed Jesus to the cross. They also put two other men on crosses. They put the men on each side of Jesus with Jesus in the middle.
— John 19:16-18 NLT
Illustration of John 19:16-18 NLT — "The Place of the Skull." —— "Golgotha."

Key Thought

Jesus came to earth to live among us and to pay the ransom price to buy us out of sin and death. So where should we expect to find him in his death? In between two sinners offering forgiveness and grace! Jesus entered our world in humility as a baby placed in a manger. Jesus died in humiliation placed on a cross between two thieves. In between the two events, Jesus ministered, served, blessed, taught, and called all sorts of different people so that we could know that he wants to save, serve, and bless us. No matter where you have been or what you have done, God wants you to know that Jesus' grace is close to you.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for making sure that I can see that you can love someone that is a sinner like me. I know that Jesus was perfect in every way; but in his death, between two sinners and before an angry mob, I can see that his love triumphs over every other virtue in the moment of horror. Thank you for your gracious love. Help me as I try to display that same love with those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Peter 3:18
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • 1 John 4:7-12

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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