This week, a 7-year-old asked me why we call Good Friday “good” when it’s such a sad day. I explained that it is called “good” because it commemorates the day Jesus Christ willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. As I reflect on what happened at the cross, I realise that even in his saddest moment, Jesus was still doing good—forgiving sins, caring for those he left behind, and so on.
In the Gospel of Luke, we find a profound moment of grace and redemption as Jesus hangs on the cross between two thieves. One of these men, recognising his guilt and Jesus' innocence, turns to Him and says,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus responds with a promise that transcends the moment's agony:
"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).
Paradise has this idea of a place of rest and refreshment in God’s presence.
This exchange captures the theme of "Coming Home." It serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus offers new life to those who recognise their need for help and seek His mercy. The thief on the cross had nothing to offer, no deeds to boast of, and no time to make amends. Yet, in his final moments, he found a home in the promise and presence of Jesus.
This message is more relevant than ever in our modern world, where efforts to find hope, meaning, and peace often fall short. We live in a fragile and uncertain world where pursuing material success, social status, and personal achievements can leave us empty and lost. The story of the thief on the cross reminds us that true peace and belonging are not found in our efforts but in the grace of Jesus.
This Easter, Jesus extends an invitation to all who feel lost, weary, or burdened. He offers a place to belong, a peace that cannot be taken away, an eternal hope, and a home where He is present. The thief on the cross experienced this firsthand. Despite his past, he was welcomed into paradise because he recognised his need for Jesus and trusted His promise.
Jesus' promise of paradise or heaven is not just for the thief on the cross but for everyone who turns to Him. It is a promise of a new life, a fresh start, and a homecoming. In a world where we often feel like strangers, Jesus offers us a place where we are welcomed, known, loved, and accepted. His offer of forgiveness brings the life of heaven to earth. Life is in abundance now and into the future. He invites us to ‘come and see’, to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and the hope that anchors our souls.
The thief's story is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love. It shows us that no one is beyond redemption and that it is never too late to turn to Him. Jesus matters because He meets us in our brokenness and offers us a way home. He welcomes all who come to Him, regardless of their past, and gives them a new identity as children of God.
As we reflect on the "Haere Mai" theme this Easter, let us remember that Jesus' invitation is open to all. He calls us to lay down our burdens, to stop striving for acceptance in the world's eyes, and to find our true home in Him. In Jesus, we can know a peace that cannot be shaken, a hope that endures, and a love that never fails. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and He welcomes us with open arms.
This Easter, who do you know who needs to hear this message and be welcomed home? Perhaps you could invite and take them along to one of the Easter services to hear the glorious pronouncement that:
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed.
Or, as they say in the country of my birth:
“Kristo amefufuka! Kweli amefufuka!”
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
This week, a 7-year-old asked me why we call Good Friday “good” when it’s such a sad day. I explained that it is called “good” because it commemorates the day Jesus Christ willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. As I reflect on what happened at the cross, I realise that even in his saddest moment, Jesus was still doing good—forgiving sins, caring for those he left behind, and so on.
In the Gospel of Luke, we find a profound moment of grace and redemption as Jesus hangs on the cross between two thieves. One of these men, recognising his guilt and Jesus' innocence, turns to Him and says,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus responds with a promise that transcends the moment's agony:
"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).
Paradise has this idea of a place of rest and refreshment in God’s presence.
This exchange captures the theme of "Coming Home." It serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus offers new life to those who recognise their need for help and seek His mercy. The thief on the cross had nothing to offer, no deeds to boast of, and no time to make amends. Yet, in his final moments, he found a home in the promise and presence of Jesus.
This message is more relevant than ever in our modern world, where efforts to find hope, meaning, and peace often fall short. We live in a fragile and uncertain world where pursuing material success, social status, and personal achievements can leave us empty and lost. The story of the thief on the cross reminds us that true peace and belonging are not found in our efforts but in the grace of Jesus.
This Easter, Jesus extends an invitation to all who feel lost, weary, or burdened. He offers a place to belong, a peace that cannot be taken away, an eternal hope, and a home where He is present. The thief on the cross experienced this firsthand. Despite his past, he was welcomed into paradise because he recognised his need for Jesus and trusted His promise.
Jesus' promise of paradise or heaven is not just for the thief on the cross but for everyone who turns to Him. It is a promise of a new life, a fresh start, and a homecoming. In a world where we often feel like strangers, Jesus offers us a place where we are welcomed, known, loved, and accepted. His offer of forgiveness brings the life of heaven to earth. Life is in abundance now and into the future. He invites us to ‘come and see’, to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and the hope that anchors our souls.
The thief's story is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' love. It shows us that no one is beyond redemption and that it is never too late to turn to Him. Jesus matters because He meets us in our brokenness and offers us a way home. He welcomes all who come to Him, regardless of their past, and gives them a new identity as children of God.
As we reflect on the "Haere Mai" theme this Easter, let us remember that Jesus' invitation is open to all. He calls us to lay down our burdens, to stop striving for acceptance in the world's eyes, and to find our true home in Him. In Jesus, we can know a peace that cannot be shaken, a hope that endures, and a love that never fails. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and He welcomes us with open arms.
This Easter, who do you know who needs to hear this message and be welcomed home? Perhaps you could invite and take them along to one of the Easter services to hear the glorious pronouncement that:
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed.
Or, as they say in the country of my birth:
“Kristo amefufuka! Kweli amefufuka!”
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
.jpg)
