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Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
Q2. This Day You Will Be with Me in Paradise (Luke 23:43)
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#2
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 10:53 AM
QUOTE (Pastor Ralph @ Mar 23 2009, 11:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
at the moment he placed himself at the mercy of our Lord Jesus there was nothing to show the reality of Jesus kingship or His divine nature and power and that if indeed He could benefit the faith placed upon Him by this dying desperate criminal who was approaching death and judgment for all the evil he had done and which he was paying the price for . at that moment all there was before him was a fellow agonizer; helplessly hanging on the cross brutalized and dying, just as he was.but God allowed him to see through eyes of faith and he saw a divine king, who could save him, who could forgive him, who could usher him into a life and kingdom that would be forever .
the thief received pardon and salvation he received eternal life entering heaven with Jesus that very day!
this was the joy with which Jesus endured the cross ,knowing that when HE would be lifted up He would draw many to Him and present them holy and blameless before the Father. He came to save us from our sins and here was a clear example of transforming faith and the result.... eternal life with Him in heaven.
#3
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 11:18 AM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
This shows that our deeds don’t save us—our faith in Christ does. It is never too late to turn to God. Even in his misery, Jesus had mercy on this criminal who decided to believe in him.
The thief believed that Jesus was what he claimed to be--the Messiah; that, though he was dying with them, yet he would set up his kingdom; and that he had full power to bless him, though about to expire.
The thief received his prayer. It is not probable that the dying thief expected that his prayer would be so soon answered. It is rather to be supposed that he looked to some future period when the Messiah would rise or would return; but Jesus told him that his prayer would be answered that very day, implying, evidently, that it would be immediately at death.
What do you think this meant to Jesus?
For even they, who have long lain in the snares of the devil, shall, like the reclaimed thief, be rescued, accepted, rewarded, provided they, like him, return to God, and improve to the best advantage their portion of time, however small. But the fatal delusion too often is, that few consider what it is to be converted like him. They look at the event, but forget the circumstances. For widely different indeed from the case of the penitent thief is the case of those late penitents, who frequently presume to take sanctuary under this example, who, while they live under the ministry of the Gospel, and enjoy both the outward calls of God's word and the inward solicitations of his Spirit, turn a deaf ear continually to both: who profess to believe a risen and glorified Redeemer, to expect Him as their Judge, and call Him Lord and King; but pay Him no degree of that respect which this stranger did, when He had made Himself of no reputation, and appeared in the guise of the vilest malefactor. This difference is so striking, that, when duly considered, it must convince all willful delayers of repentance, that they have no precedent, on which they can safely rely, in the instance now before us.
This shows that our deeds don’t save us—our faith in Christ does. It is never too late to turn to God. Even in his misery, Jesus had mercy on this criminal who decided to believe in him.
The thief believed that Jesus was what he claimed to be--the Messiah; that, though he was dying with them, yet he would set up his kingdom; and that he had full power to bless him, though about to expire.
The thief received his prayer. It is not probable that the dying thief expected that his prayer would be so soon answered. It is rather to be supposed that he looked to some future period when the Messiah would rise or would return; but Jesus told him that his prayer would be answered that very day, implying, evidently, that it would be immediately at death.
What do you think this meant to Jesus?
For even they, who have long lain in the snares of the devil, shall, like the reclaimed thief, be rescued, accepted, rewarded, provided they, like him, return to God, and improve to the best advantage their portion of time, however small. But the fatal delusion too often is, that few consider what it is to be converted like him. They look at the event, but forget the circumstances. For widely different indeed from the case of the penitent thief is the case of those late penitents, who frequently presume to take sanctuary under this example, who, while they live under the ministry of the Gospel, and enjoy both the outward calls of God's word and the inward solicitations of his Spirit, turn a deaf ear continually to both: who profess to believe a risen and glorified Redeemer, to expect Him as their Judge, and call Him Lord and King; but pay Him no degree of that respect which this stranger did, when He had made Himself of no reputation, and appeared in the guise of the vilest malefactor. This difference is so striking, that, when duly considered, it must convince all willful delayers of repentance, that they have no precedent, on which they can safely rely, in the instance now before us.
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 01:50 PM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
Here is a man waiting to die next to our Lord who himself seems helpless to do anything in this situation.On the other side another is mocking Him and saying if He were the Messiah why not save himself and them,this is just reaffirming the fact that the Lord seems Helpless.Now in all this uncertainty of Who this man actually was, here a thief displays an unwavering faith and belief that this man is the Christ and Saviour of mankind.
His faith was rewarded with the gift of eternal life and the promise that he would that day be in Paradise with the Lord.
I think that Jesus must have felt a bond with the thief and perhaps at that moment not so alone on the cross as well as a feeling of accomplishment in seeing such faith among the fear and unbelief that put Him on that cross.
Here is a man waiting to die next to our Lord who himself seems helpless to do anything in this situation.On the other side another is mocking Him and saying if He were the Messiah why not save himself and them,this is just reaffirming the fact that the Lord seems Helpless.Now in all this uncertainty of Who this man actually was, here a thief displays an unwavering faith and belief that this man is the Christ and Saviour of mankind.
His faith was rewarded with the gift of eternal life and the promise that he would that day be in Paradise with the Lord.
I think that Jesus must have felt a bond with the thief and perhaps at that moment not so alone on the cross as well as a feeling of accomplishment in seeing such faith among the fear and unbelief that put Him on that cross.
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 02:03 PM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
The thief was hanging on the cross, dying himself. Probably thinking back over his life and the mistakes he had made. Maybe feeling sorry for himself. Then he hears Jesus, not mumbling about “why me?”, but instead praying for the people that put Him on the cross. “Father, forgive them.”
It’s possible, as pastor Ralph says, that the thief had heard Jesus speak before, and maybe even already knew who this man was that hung next to him. But, I would present that it was at that very moment, as he heard Jesus’ prayer, that the revelation of who Jesus truly was came upon this man. Maybe Jesus’ prayers for forgiveness covered the thief as well. We all know that when Jesus prayed, things happened. The thief may have had a receptive heart, and when those words were spoken, something in his soul jumped and said, “This is the son of God.” The thief responded in faith, and as do all who come to God in faith, he received the promise of eternal life. It surely eased his mind to hear the son of God himself make a promise of paradise.
Though He was in agony, I believe that Jesus rejoiced at the acceptance of this new believer, as God always does when someone comes to Him for the first time. This thief was a prodigal son come home. And what a feast he would be attending that day!
The thief was hanging on the cross, dying himself. Probably thinking back over his life and the mistakes he had made. Maybe feeling sorry for himself. Then he hears Jesus, not mumbling about “why me?”, but instead praying for the people that put Him on the cross. “Father, forgive them.”
It’s possible, as pastor Ralph says, that the thief had heard Jesus speak before, and maybe even already knew who this man was that hung next to him. But, I would present that it was at that very moment, as he heard Jesus’ prayer, that the revelation of who Jesus truly was came upon this man. Maybe Jesus’ prayers for forgiveness covered the thief as well. We all know that when Jesus prayed, things happened. The thief may have had a receptive heart, and when those words were spoken, something in his soul jumped and said, “This is the son of God.” The thief responded in faith, and as do all who come to God in faith, he received the promise of eternal life. It surely eased his mind to hear the son of God himself make a promise of paradise.
Though He was in agony, I believe that Jesus rejoiced at the acceptance of this new believer, as God always does when someone comes to Him for the first time. This thief was a prodigal son come home. And what a feast he would be attending that day!
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 02:34 PM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
I think the thief'f faith to be absolutely astounding.He listened to the first words of Jesus on the cross and heard the Lord ask the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him as they did not know what they were doing. He also heard the people around the cross insulting Jesus. Somewhere he had a revelation of Jesus and asked to be addmitted into the Kingdom. I find his faith so great because although Jesus would soon die he knew that Jesus would be alive although Jesus was being put to shame he still knew that Jesus was King and though he saw apparent defeat he knew that Jesus would be victorious eventually.
He received his salvation.
Jesus must have felt a deep satisfation and Joy and I guess to feel that in His pain fullfilled what the Bible says For the joy set before Him He endured the Cross. He must have said YES this is why I have endured the Cross.
I think the thief'f faith to be absolutely astounding.He listened to the first words of Jesus on the cross and heard the Lord ask the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him as they did not know what they were doing. He also heard the people around the cross insulting Jesus. Somewhere he had a revelation of Jesus and asked to be addmitted into the Kingdom. I find his faith so great because although Jesus would soon die he knew that Jesus would be alive although Jesus was being put to shame he still knew that Jesus was King and though he saw apparent defeat he knew that Jesus would be victorious eventually.
He received his salvation.
Jesus must have felt a deep satisfation and Joy and I guess to feel that in His pain fullfilled what the Bible says For the joy set before Him He endured the Cross. He must have said YES this is why I have endured the Cross.
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 06:39 PM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
For me-if it were me on that cross, waiting to die because I had broken some law, I would probably be busy screaming for my Momma, and begging for mercy! But, because this thief had heard Jesus speak, or maybe heard of His miracles, he believes and wants to go where Jesus is going! Oh what faith! What utter, complete devotion and faith!
The thief received better than a pardon! He was taken to Heaven, and was given eternal life! Friends, it just doesn't get any better than that! I'm sorry but if we can't see that, then we are still blind!
For Jesus to be able to take someone with Him into Heaven-I can't begin to describe His joy! First of all, to have a saint beside Him there-and then to know that this thief wanted to go with Him! I believe that all of us bear some sort of guilt. Even though we have been forgiven, sanctified, justified, we know that we must confess often. Because we are still sinners. We're saved-but we're still sinners. So, when we confess and get cleansed, Jesus rejoices like no other! It makes Him very happy to know that we are sincere and we really have given our hearts to Him....we need to remember this! Gloray!
For me-if it were me on that cross, waiting to die because I had broken some law, I would probably be busy screaming for my Momma, and begging for mercy! But, because this thief had heard Jesus speak, or maybe heard of His miracles, he believes and wants to go where Jesus is going! Oh what faith! What utter, complete devotion and faith!
The thief received better than a pardon! He was taken to Heaven, and was given eternal life! Friends, it just doesn't get any better than that! I'm sorry but if we can't see that, then we are still blind!
For Jesus to be able to take someone with Him into Heaven-I can't begin to describe His joy! First of all, to have a saint beside Him there-and then to know that this thief wanted to go with Him! I believe that all of us bear some sort of guilt. Even though we have been forgiven, sanctified, justified, we know that we must confess often. Because we are still sinners. We're saved-but we're still sinners. So, when we confess and get cleansed, Jesus rejoices like no other! It makes Him very happy to know that we are sincere and we really have given our hearts to Him....we need to remember this! Gloray!
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 07:20 PM
QUOTE (Pastor Ralph @ Mar 23 2009, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
I think when he heard JESUS pray for their forgiveness, GOD sent the SPIRIT of truth to him to fulfill the prophecy "HE shall be numbered with the transgressors".
JESUS said " today you will be with me in paradise" I believe this means salvation.
I believe JESUS would have been glad for the thief's conversion, and the knowledge that all things prophisied about HIM were fulfilled
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 09:00 PM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation?
Jesus' own disciples had fled in despair and unbelief, even though He had told them that He would be crucified and would rise to life on the 3rd day after His death. This man was not a disciple, let alone a follower, though he may have heard Jesus teach at some point. He was a criminal, rather than a religious man, yet he recognized Jesus as Messiah as he was dying, and chose to repent and request mercy. Amazing!
What did the thief receive that day
He accompanied Jesus to Heaven and eternal life shortly after his request for mercy. What an honor for him to enter into Parardise, cleansed of his sin, escorted by His Savior!
What do you think this meant to Jesus?
I loved this question! I had never thought of what this meant to Jesus, but isn't that just like our Father, to provide a believing companion to die with Him...an encouragement and comfort to Jesus, especially since He was dying alone. His Father's back was turned away, because a Holy God could not look upon the sins of the world which Jesus carried on His body. A huge love gift from His Father.
Jesus' own disciples had fled in despair and unbelief, even though He had told them that He would be crucified and would rise to life on the 3rd day after His death. This man was not a disciple, let alone a follower, though he may have heard Jesus teach at some point. He was a criminal, rather than a religious man, yet he recognized Jesus as Messiah as he was dying, and chose to repent and request mercy. Amazing!
What did the thief receive that day
He accompanied Jesus to Heaven and eternal life shortly after his request for mercy. What an honor for him to enter into Parardise, cleansed of his sin, escorted by His Savior!
What do you think this meant to Jesus?
I loved this question! I had never thought of what this meant to Jesus, but isn't that just like our Father, to provide a believing companion to die with Him...an encouragement and comfort to Jesus, especially since He was dying alone. His Father's back was turned away, because a Holy God could not look upon the sins of the world which Jesus carried on His body. A huge love gift from His Father.
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 09:48 PM
QUOTE (Pastor Ralph @ Mar 23 2009, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
Because he saw that Jesus was the Messiah and not an imposter.
He received salvation through faith because he asked Jesus to remember him in paradise.
Jesus would have been happy because He was not going alone to heaven, one last soul was won for the kingdom of God
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 10:34 PM
QUOTE (Pastor Ralph @ Mar 23 2009, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
Every time I read this part of the scripture I look at both individuals at the same time. It is a very powerful symbol of what is at the bottom of our Christian Faith: Choice. The Lord does not force you to believe in him or love him but he makes quite clear what awaits you when you take your pick: You choose him and the reward will be to be in paradise with the Lord if you don't: death and decay will await you ('The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day' John 12:23). The choice is ours. And how much more it means to Jesus if somebody believes in him purely based on faith and nothing else. The New Testament is full of examples where people are rewarded based on their faith (Mat 8:10, Mat 9:20, Mat 9:22, Mat 9:29, Mat 15:28, Mar 2:5, Mar 10:52 just to name a few). It is not through evidence that we come to the Lord but only through faith ('Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him' John 12:37).
What is so remarkable about the thieves faith is that he truly understood what it was all about. He was not asking for rescue out of situation he was in right now (he believed his sentence was just) like anybody else would do but he know that what was coming after it is much more important. Our existence on Earth is finite - being in heaven is eternal. What a reward for this criminal: he messed up his life, he got one last chance and he took it.
We all are this criminal. We all are sinners. We all have had our fair share of bad or wrong choices but luckily we all got at least one last chance to get ourselves out of the pickle. All it takes is - faith.
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 10:37 PM
I find it interesting that one criminal is exhorting Jesus to "save'' them by Jesus' use of His supernatural powers!! Ironic isn't it? And fueled by selfish motives..get us (me) down from this cross so I can continue to steal, cheat and lie!! The other criminal mearly asks Jesus to remember him in heaven..his humility is touching..What does this thief receive that day? Forgiveness and a renewed life in Jesus..what do you think this meant to Jesus? Great encouragement..a companion to comfort Him while awaiting death..let's face it..it doesn't matter that these criminals caused great pain to others here on earth....what matters is Paradise where there will be no more tears, strife, sadness...Forgiveness..Dear Father, teach us forgiveness as Jesus forgives us..Amen.
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Posted 05 April 2009 - 11:22 PM
It was truly a deathbed profession. He knew he was a sinner & that Jesus was not. He was thoroughly convinced at that point.
The thief received salvation & the promise that He would be with Jesus in paradise that very day too!
Joy!
The thief received salvation & the promise that He would be with Jesus in paradise that very day too!
Joy!
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Posted 06 April 2009 - 03:52 AM
I don't think that people expect criminals to believe, and I think we assume they aren't worthy of belief. But here is this man who was about to die for his crimes, who not only showed a softness of heart, but aligned himself with a man who was being tortured, mocked and died alone.
The thief recieved entrance into heaven. He got to be with his Father for eternity.
This was a big "win" for Jesus. When things are piling against me, I will sometimes just call out to God, "I need a win" in other words I need something to help keep me going, to know that He's there. A lot of times that prayer is answered with something that seems insignificant, but it makes me smile. In Jesus case, His situation was far more extreme than anything I've faced, and his win is a far more impressive one than what I generally need. I think it also reminded Jesus of why He was on that cross. He died for the one. He was dying so that that one man could go to heaven.
The thief recieved entrance into heaven. He got to be with his Father for eternity.
This was a big "win" for Jesus. When things are piling against me, I will sometimes just call out to God, "I need a win" in other words I need something to help keep me going, to know that He's there. A lot of times that prayer is answered with something that seems insignificant, but it makes me smile. In Jesus case, His situation was far more extreme than anything I've faced, and his win is a far more impressive one than what I generally need. I think it also reminded Jesus of why He was on that cross. He died for the one. He was dying so that that one man could go to heaven.
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Posted 06 April 2009 - 04:13 AM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43)
Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation?
What did the thief receive that day?
What do you think this meant to Jesus?
When things are going well it is often easier to have ‘much faith’. This thief is asking Jesus to be remembered when He enters His kingdom. He recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. He does not ask for any place of honour, knowing full well that he does not deserve to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Yet he casts himself entirely upon the Saviour’s grace, asking only to be remembered. We now note the beauty and the comfort of Christ's answer: the thief only asked to be remembered, yet he receives an assurance of being ‘today’ with our Lord Jesus, in His immediate presence, and with Jesus in heaven. Jesus often encountered people of ‘little faith’, as often shown by his disciples. It therefore must have comforted Him to have a man of such great faith with Him at the cross.
Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation?
What did the thief receive that day?
What do you think this meant to Jesus?
When things are going well it is often easier to have ‘much faith’. This thief is asking Jesus to be remembered when He enters His kingdom. He recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. He does not ask for any place of honour, knowing full well that he does not deserve to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Yet he casts himself entirely upon the Saviour’s grace, asking only to be remembered. We now note the beauty and the comfort of Christ's answer: the thief only asked to be remembered, yet he receives an assurance of being ‘today’ with our Lord Jesus, in His immediate presence, and with Jesus in heaven. Jesus often encountered people of ‘little faith’, as often shown by his disciples. It therefore must have comforted Him to have a man of such great faith with Him at the cross.
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Posted 06 April 2009 - 04:22 AM
The thief's faith is so astounding because he feared God; accepting his fate due to his misdeeds, he nevertheless felt the presence of God's promise of forgiveness through his co-sufferer Jesus Christ.
That day the thief received a free passport to the kingdom of God personally presented to him through the ensuring words of the Lord.
The event gave an encouraging meaning to "faith", a "strong faith" coming from a desperate man who have gone through sinful natures in his life but at the last hour recognizes the "One" who will save his soul from the wrathful fire in hell.
That day the thief received a free passport to the kingdom of God personally presented to him through the ensuring words of the Lord.
The event gave an encouraging meaning to "faith", a "strong faith" coming from a desperate man who have gone through sinful natures in his life but at the last hour recognizes the "One" who will save his soul from the wrathful fire in hell.
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Posted 06 April 2009 - 09:22 AM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
It is amazing to me that a thief would desire to know salvation at just this moment. Where did his knowledge of Christ as Mesiah come from was he a jew who had just given in to stealing as a way of life, I am indeed thankful for his faith and his submission to God even if at the last minute for this tell me it is never to late for anyone. That day he recieveed forgiveness for his sins and a promise from God Himself, in the form of Jesus that, he the sinner would be saved and givena home with the prophets in heaven. To Jesus it must have meant that even in death the Father was giving Him a soul that was worthy of saving and allowing Him to bring that soul along with Him to the gates of Paridise.
It is amazing to me that a thief would desire to know salvation at just this moment. Where did his knowledge of Christ as Mesiah come from was he a jew who had just given in to stealing as a way of life, I am indeed thankful for his faith and his submission to God even if at the last minute for this tell me it is never to late for anyone. That day he recieveed forgiveness for his sins and a promise from God Himself, in the form of Jesus that, he the sinner would be saved and givena home with the prophets in heaven. To Jesus it must have meant that even in death the Father was giving Him a soul that was worthy of saving and allowing Him to bring that soul along with Him to the gates of Paridise.
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Posted 06 April 2009 - 01:24 PM
QUOTE (Pastor Ralph @ Mar 23 2009, 10:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
Here is a man who has spent his life as a thief and he is rebuking the criminal who scorns Jesus's name. The thief is asking to remember him when Jesus comes into his Kingdom. By his faith in God the thief received a pardon from Jesus. Jesus promised the thief that he would be going with him to the Kingdom of Heaven. This is what jesus lived for to bring lost sheep into the Kindom of God. He must have felt great joy that thief had repented that day. Not only would Jesus enter the Kingdom, but he was bring someone of great faith with him.
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Posted 06 April 2009 - 03:38 PM
Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
That he deading and is saying that Jesus id God.
he receive paradise that day.
i think Jesus was sad that that this man dead on the he received him
That he deading and is saying that Jesus id God.
he receive paradise that day.
i think Jesus was sad that that this man dead on the he received him