This message comes to the cross, the climax of history and the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus goes willingly to Golgotha as our substitute, bearing the penalty of sin and accomplishing the work of salvation on behalf of sinners. As He hangs there in agony and shame, the heart of God is displayed in His prayer, “Father, forgive them.”
Even one of the criminals who had mocked Him begins to see the truth. He recognizes his guilt, acknowledges that he deserves judgment, and looks to Jesus as his only Savior. He has nothing to offer, no good works to perform and no opportunity to make up for his past. He simply comes to Christ in humble, dependent faith, and Jesus promises him, “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” It is a picture of the gospel itself: salvation entirely by grace, offered to sinners who recognize their need and cling to Christ alone.
