Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 10, 2022: SOAP #4694: Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 23:39 One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

OBSERVATION:  The presence of Jesus always brings reactions.  From the one criminal, a selfish request:  save yourself and save us!  From the other: we are guilty and getting what we deserve. 

The thief’s statement: “this man has done nothing wrong” was the sixth statement of Jesus’ innocence.  It had been obvious to Pilate who 4 times declared Jesus to be innocent.  Herod had also declared Jesus to be innocent.  The hatred of the religious leaders and the passion of the crowd won out over Pilate and Herod. 

Even when paying for the sins of all man, Jesus had the compassion to save one.  The criminal had admitted his guilt; he was with Jesus on their crosses; he would be with Jesus that very day in paradise! 

APPLICATION: I should always be aware of someone needing Jesus, especially when going through a time of suffering myself.  Through prayer and compassion, through words of kindness and hope, I can make the presence of Jesus noticeable.  I can reach out to those nearby, even those who may be going through the same experience as I am. 

PRAYER:   Lord, help me not to be so focused on my own troubles that I cannot see those around me going through the same.  Make your presence known through me in the middle of the pain and struggle.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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