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Jesus Christ spent his final hours of human life nailed to a cross. ... The Bible records that on that spring day, from a hill outside Jerusalem, Jesus spoke several times. ... They reveal Jesus innermost feelings as he poured out his life for us.
1) "Father, forgive them"
Only Luke tells us that Jesus, shortly after he was crucified, prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). ...
Not everyone at the foot of the cross was hostile to Jesus. ...
Innocent of any crime against God or humanity, Jesus had been betrayed, arrested, scourged and condemned. Now, from the cross, Jesus thoughts reached above his pain and rejection. Instead of being consumed with his own pain and misery, Jesus asked forgiveness for those responsible for the evil done to him — by extension, all who ignorantly go the way of sin and death.
2) "You will be with me in paradise"
Jesus next spoke to encourage one of the criminals crucified with him. Both criminals, likely thieves or murderers, early on joined bystanders in reviling Jesus (Mark 15:32). ... He, too, had mocked Jesus earlier, but now he rebuked the other criminal.
We are not told of any other conversation between this second criminal and Jesus. Perhaps only Jesus example and prayer, which he overheard, moved him so deeply. He said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (verse 42). Jesus replied by offering him hope for the future: "I ten you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (verse 43).
Approximate Word count = 1243
Approximate Pages = 5
(250 words per page double spaced)
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