The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Easter (05/30/05)
Who was the man who made the dying request, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” (Luke 23:42 NIV) as their crucified bodies hung side by side awaiting death? In the bible he is only referred to as being a criminal.

He may have had a troubled life filled with prior offences, or perhaps he had committed his very first crime and was paying dearly for it with his life. Was his family standing in the crowd to witness his crucifixion or had they disowned him? Did he realize that his last words would evoke such a kind response from Jesus, who answered him saying, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NIV).

The conversation between Christ and the thief is one of the greatest examples of the compassion of Christ. In the midst of suffering for the sins of the world, Christ cared about the soul of a man who, by the standards of society, had no real hope. He responded to the criminal with words that revealed the promises that lie ahead for everyone who chooses to follow Him.

Easter is not about cute bunnies, pastel colored eggs, or even showing up for church. It’s about Christ, it’s about salvation, and a love that knows no limits or boundaries. Although there are many questions about the robber that cannot be answered, we do know that he was granted the gift of eternal life that was not based on his deeds or works, and that the answer to his profound question is a testimony to the unchanging mercy of Jesus Christ.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 868 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Delores Baber
06/06/05
Great point! I pictured it in today's execution. Three men facing the electric chair. But instead of a chaplin being called in to offer a word of comfort, the comfort comes from the man in the middle waiting his turn to be executed. They were executing someone much more than the a chaplin. They were executing God in flesh. Yet in these dying moments, He extends grace. This is a great presentation of irony of grace.
dub W
06/08/05
A strong comment, this is a tight, but powerful statement of the true meaning of Easter.
Shari Armstrong 
06/09/05
It just shows that no matter who we are, or what our circimstances, Christ will welcome us at any time! Very nice
Kathryn Case
06/09/05
Very cool!!! ^_^ i like it alot,
Michelle Burkhardt
06/11/05
Short but sweet and to the point. Not many think about the criminal. I often like to remind myself that he definitely didn't work for his salvation. Nice job.
Joyce Simoneaux
06/13/05
Excellent selection of a topic for your piece. It brought out beautifully the entire reason why Jesus was crucified.
Leticia Caroccio
06/13/05
You chose an interesting character to speak about. I have liked to have read more, even if it is just speculation. Much truth was shared in this article. Nice job.
Phyllis Inniss 
06/13/05
Christ extends mercy and forgiveness even in His agony. Your message is short and very much to the point.