Two ways – two ends (3) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Luke 23:41-43

Two ways - two ends (3)
In spite of the unceasing harassment to which Jesus had been exposed since His capture, despite the unspeakable torture suffered on the cross, the Son of God still showed His care for individuals. His entire pathway on earth was marked by His concern for their particular needs.
Here in His encounter with the two men crucified with Him, one of the criminals was completely unmoved, while the other received Jesus Christ by faith shortly before his death. He heard those precious, comforting words of Jesus: "Today you will be with me in paradise."
In the last hours of his life, that malefactor had started thinking. He may have remembered some religious instruction in which the coming of the promised Messiah played a significant role. Then he had met Jesus, who was suffering so much without complaining. He had observed how He had remained silent in face of all the insults cast in His face. He had witnessed Jesus uttering that remarkable prayer: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34).
But all this does not explain his change of heart. He did not become aware of who Jesus truly was by any revelation of flesh and blood, but through God the Father. It was "the goodness of God" that led him "to repentance" (Romans 2:4).
(to be continued tomorrow)
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1