Which choice do you make?

Today we celebrate Good Friday when Jesus was crucified and then buried in a tomb. Doesn't sound like such a good day does it? However, for us who have made the choice, this was the first of one of the most important days in history. What is this choice? Look at what God's Word says in Luke Chapte 23 as Jesus hangs upon the cross:

39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?

41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

43Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (NIV)

Last Sunday, we discussed these verses in our Sunday school class. These two criminals are facing the same punishment as Jesus. They are undergoing the same agony and pain as Jesus. Both are crucified as Jesus is crucified. However they are not innocent. The Bible tells that they are ciminals. They had committed some crime. What it was we do not know. But it was a crime worthy of death.

The two criminals who were with Jesus represent the choice that all of us have to make. We
may choose to be like the first criminal. Notice how he hurled insults at Jesus. He chose to mock Jesus. He mocked Jesus' title of Messiah as did the soldiers. Do you make that same choice? Do you reject Jesus as the Son of the living God? Do you consider him as a false king?  Do you mock him and insult him?

The second criminal represents the other choice we have. The choice to realize that Jesus is the Son of God. The choice that Jesus was an innocent man who did no wrong. This criminal recognized something that even Jesus' closest followers did not grasp, even though Jesus told and taught them. Look at the last words spoken by this criminal: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." What did this criminal realize that so many others did not? That this kingdom would be the Kingdom of God but not in the way that so many were expecting the Messiah to come. They were looking for a king to free them from oppression. They were looking for a mighty army. They were not looking for a sacrifice. They did not realize in their pride that this King would be a lamb. This criminal realized that to believe is to be with Jesus where He is. Look at Jesus' response: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

What is your choice? To be as criminal number one? Where is he today? Or do you choose to be as criminal number two? One who believes in the Messiah. One who chooses to follow Him. One who upon leaving this body will be present with Him in Paradise? (2 Corinthians 5:8)