Biblical reference: Luke 23:32-43
I want to begin a story regarding heroes and villains. Usually, in action movies and thrillers, we see the battle between good and evil. There’s usually fighting and a weapon that can basically wipe out the opponent. When we watch the heart-pounding climax of the movie, we are glued to the edge of our seats, hoping for a good ending. If the villain wins, then all of humanity will remain under their tyrannical reign. However, if the good hero overcomes and kills the villain, then he not only saves himself but everyone. We always desire to see good triumph over evil.
In our reading today, the story of the Gospel comes to us as good triumphing over evil but in an unusual manner. Typically, we want to see Jesus triumph over his oppressors, namely Satan, and be declared victorious at that moment while on the cross at Golgotha. Instead, we know that victory came through death. At Jesus’ crucifixion, he was accompanied by two criminals who were condemned to die by both the Jews and Romans. At first glance, we would think that Jesus’ ministry was an utter failure. But in reality, one of the criminals had the chance to see Jesus’ power up close. Jesus‘ death bought mankind’s redemption because on the cross, he became the direct object of God‘s wrath. The true enemy of humanity is sin and death. Sin has alienated us from God, and Jesus suffered the penalty of crucifixion and death to restore sweet fellowship with God.
When we celebrate Good Friday, we celebrate a good outcome, the redemption of humanity. We celebrate that Someone else took on evil so we can experience ultimate good. The focus is less on Jesus dying with criminals and more about their encounter with a just and merciful God. One criminal ended up receiving God’s justice for failing to ask for His pardon, while the other received God‘s mercy and was ushered into paradise with Jesus. Jesus is the Savior of the world and has offered Himself as a free gift for everlasting life. My prayer is that you would understand the significance of his death and receive God‘s love in full measure. Jesus truly is the Savior and Hero of the whole world. AMEN!
- by Harry Jones, Pastor at Manhattan Bible Church
914-497-9964
pastorharry@manhattanbible.com