The Power Of Right Choice

April 13, 2026

LUKE 23:41-43 NLT – (41) We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” (42) Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” (43) And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Three men died that day. They were crucified side by side outside the walls of Jerusalem at a place called Golgotha (“skull hill”) where the Romans did their killing.

Who were the two men? The words used to describe them ... “Thieves, robbers, malefactors, bandits.” One of the criminals hanging beside Jesus scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Let’s take a closer look at the man who wanted forgiveness. Was any man ever in a more desperate situation?

Brutally crucified, he is dying in agony for crimes he had committed. He is a guilty man justly punished. He deserves to die and he knows it. By sundown, he will be dead. Nevertheless, he made the right choice and Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

If you haven’t made the right choice, make it now! Experience the power of doing the right thing.

SCRIPTURE READING

EZRA 9:13

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

We all have messed up in some kind of way or another. Jesus is just waiting for us to realize He loves you, you are forgiven and to make the right choice.