The Cross and the Choice

by Raymund Tamayo

"Lord, thank You for this sacred day. As we pause to remember what Jesus did on the cross, open our hearts and minds. Meet each of us where we are—with our questions, our faith, our doubts. Help us see Your love clearly today. Amen."

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed... One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him... But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said... “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23: 32; 39–43

On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus gave His life. Not just as a historical event, but as a personal one—because what happened on the cross was for you, for me, for all of us.

In the passage, Jesus is not alone. He is crucified between two criminals. One mocks Him. The other, broken and honest, reaches out in a simple plea: “Remember me.”

Jesus replies with one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

That moment shows us two things:

• The Depth of God’s Love: Even in His final moments, Jesus offers grace. He doesn’t wait for the man to prove himself. He just responds to a heart turned toward Him.
• The Power of Our Choice: Both men saw Jesus, both were near Him. One rejected. One received. The difference was in their response.

Discussion Questions:

1. What stood out to you from this story?
2. Why do you think Jesus forgave the criminal?
3. How does it make you feel to know that even at the cross, Jesus was thinking of others?
4. If you could say one thing to Jesus today, what would it be?

Good Friday isn’t just about remembering death—it’s about realizing how far love will go to rescue us. The cross is not the end of the story. It's an open door. And no matter where you are in your spiritual journey—close to God or still figuring things out—the message of the cross is the same: You are loved. You are not too far. Jesus gave everything for you. Because He loves you.

"Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for thinking of us even as You suffered. Help us to understand this love more deeply. And for those still searching, show Yourself in a way that’s real and personal. Help us walk toward You, one step at a time. Amen."