Discovering Your Place in the Crucifixion Story
When we think about the crucifixion of Jesus, we often picture three crosses on a hill. We know the story—Jesus in the middle, two criminals on either side. But have you ever considered that you and I are represented on one of those crosses? The choice of which one is entirely up to us.
The Two Criminals: Two Different Responses
On that fateful day at Golgotha, two criminals hung beside Jesus, each facing the same circumstances, yet making vastly different choices:
The First Criminal chose to reject Jesus and His love. Despite being in the very presence of the Savior, he hardened his heart and mocked the One who could save him.
The Second Criminal chose to respond and acknowledge who Jesus truly was. In his final moments, he recognized Jesus as Lord and received the promise of paradise.
Same situation. Same opportunity. Two completely different eternal outcomes.
An Ancient Choice That Still Applies Today
This isn’t a new concept. Long before Jesus walked the earth, God presented humanity with the same fundamental choice. In Deuteronomy 30:19, we read:
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life that both you and your descendants may live.”
The same theology that applied thousands of years ago still applies today. God has always given us the freedom to choose—to accept His love or reject it.
The Love That Chose Us First
Here’s the beautiful truth we must remember: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We didn’t have to clean ourselves up first. We didn’t have to prove ourselves worthy. Jesus chose to love us when we were at our worst.
The question is: How will we respond to that love?
Which Cross Do You Choose?
The Cross of Rejection
Like the first criminal, we can choose to reject Jesus’s sacrifice. We can harden our hearts, ignore His love, and face eternity separated from God. This choice leads to spiritual death and eternal consequences.
The Cross of Reception
Like the second criminal, we can choose to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. We can humble ourselves, accept His forgiveness, and receive the promise of eternal life. This choice leads to transformation, hope, and paradise.
The Cross of Redemption
The middle cross—Jesus’s cross—represents redemption for all who believe. It’s the cross that makes our choice possible. Without Jesus’s sacrifice, we would have no option but condemnation.
Making Your Choice Today
The beauty of God’s grace is that it’s never too late to choose life. The criminal on the cross made his decision in his final moments and heard Jesus say, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
But don’t wait until your last breath. Choose today. Choose life. Choose Jesus.
Your Next Step
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in being the change as Jesus has changed us. We live this out through our “Just 3” commitment:
- Study to love and know God
- Share to know and love others
- Serve as love in action
If you’re ready to choose the cross of reception—to respond to Christ’s love and acknowledge Him as Lord—we invite you to take that step today.
The choice is yours. Life or death. Blessing or curse. Which cross will you choose?
