Pastor: Richard Hurd
The Mid-Week Message is an On-Line Ministry
Of Pastor Dick Hurd and the “Caton Church”
A Global Methodist Community of faith
May 7, 2025
Often at Easter time we remember the exchange between Jesus and the men on the other two crosses beside him. Remember what they said to Jesus that day? The first gave a selfish remark, he said, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” The other thief had a very different attitude. He rebuked the first thief saying, “Don’t you fear God since you are under the same sentence?" That is his confession! "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve." His repentance. "But this man has done nothing wrong.” And his acknowledgment of Christ. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” His plea for forgiveness, Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” In that brief exchange, did you hear what he called our Lord? He called him by His first name as one friend to another. “Jesus, remember me.” Christ was about to open the gates to heaven, and that repentant thief would be the first to enter. This is just one of many examples that demonstrates for us the mercy of our God! In this brief exchange between this thief and Jesus, there was no condemnation, no requirements, no hoops to jump through, just “Today, you will be with me in paradise!” In his confession at the hour of his death he sealed his place in eternity. Isn’t that we all want a, “first name” basis kind of friendship with our Lord and Savior. A relationship where we can say with confidence, Jesus, remember me! The old hymn proclaims “what a friend we have in Jesus!" How true it is when we can call out to him in such a personal and intimate way. He is our true friend and regardless of the fact that he is King of kings and lord of lords we can still say Jesus remember me!
Yours in the love of Christ
Pastor Dick
Breath Prayer: Jesus, remember me too! Amen
