September 4, 2025

Which Cross Are You On?

"Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left."
Matthew 27:38

Two men, two crosses, two completely different endings. Both unnamed criminals faced the exact same situation. Both were dying painful deaths next to Jesus. Both heard the same conversations and witnessed the same miracles. Yet one chose mockery while the other chose faith. Same circumstances, opposite eternal destinations.

The first criminal's response reveals the human heart at its hardest. Even while dying, he demanded that Jesus prove Himself by saving them all. He wanted rescue without relationship and miracles without surrender. His final moments were spent in bitter anger instead of humble repentance. Some people stay stubborn even when facing eternity.

The second criminal shows us what genuine repentance looks like. He admitted his guilt and acknowledged he deserved punishment. He recognized Jesus' innocence when everyone else saw only a condemned man. He asked for mercy instead of demanding miracles. His humility opened the door to paradise in his final hours.

What made the difference between these two men? They had identical backgrounds, identical punishments, and identical opportunities to respond to Jesus. But their hearts chose different paths. One stayed proud and demanding. The other became humble and believing. The same Jesus who offers salvation to all received completely different responses.

Every person who encounters Jesus stands at this same crossroads. You can respond like the first criminal, demanding that God prove Himself to you. You can insist that Jesus meet your conditions and solve your problems first. Or you can respond like the second criminal, admitting your need and accepting His grace. The choice determines everything.

Godseekers, which cross represents your heart's response to Jesus? Are you the one demanding proof and rescue without surrender? Or are you the one humbly acknowledging your need for grace? This unnamed believing criminal shows us that it's never too late to choose the right response. But the choice is always yours to make, and eternity hangs in the balance.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me see myself honestly in these two unnamed criminals. If my heart has been hard and demanding like the first thief, soften it with Your love. Give me the humility of the second thief who recognized his need for grace. Help me choose faith over pride and surrender over stubbornness every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.