"Today shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).
In Luke’s Gospel, we find Jesus in His final moments on the cross. As He hung there in agony, two men were crucified beside Him. One hurled insults, mocking the Son of God. The other, known as “the thief on the cross,” cried out for mercy: "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."
This man was a convicted criminal. His punishment—death by crucifixion—was the ultimate mark of condemnation. It was a public execution, filled with excruciating pain and unbearable shame. Yet, in his darkest moment, he recognized who Jesus was. And with just a few words of desperate faith, Jesus responded, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Mercy in the Midst of Mess
Life can feel like that cross sometimes—painful, humiliating, and hopeless. Perhaps you feel as though you’ve gone too far, made too many mistakes, or are facing consequences you can’t undo. But the story of the thief on the cross reminds us that no situation is too messy for God’s mercy.
It’s not about how good you are; it’s about how good Jesus is.
Jesus Can Meet You Right Where You Are
If your back is against the wall…
If you’ve failed God…
If you’ve made a mess of your life…
If you’ve gone far down the wrong road…
Jesus’ mercy is still available.
He can forgive your sins, wash away your past, and give you a fresh start. He can break the chains that bind you, calm your fears, and turn your mourning into joy. No matter how far you’ve wandered, He’s ready to bring you home.
A Savior Who Runs Into the Mess
Romans 5:8 says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus didn’t wait until we had it all together. He stepped into our brokenness, embraced the mess, and extended grace.
Like a GPS recalculating after a wrong turn, God is always ready to guide you back to the right path. But it starts with acknowledging where you are and trusting Him to lead the way.
Stop Waiting to Be “Good Enough”
Some believe they need to fix their lives before they can come to Jesus. But the truth is this:
You don’t get right to get God; you get God to get right.
The church isn’t a museum for perfect people; it’s a hospital for the broken.
Mark 2:17 reminds us, "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Bring Everything to Him
Matthew 11:28 is an invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Bring your guilt, shame, and pain.
Bring your doubts, fears, and failures.
Bring your broken pieces and your heavy burdens.
Jesus isn’t waiting for you to prove yourself. He’s waiting for you to surrender.
Now Is the Time
2 Corinthians 6:2 says, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Whatever mess you find yourself in today, know this:
Jesus sees you.
Jesus loves you.
Jesus is ready to give you mercy for your mess.
Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Don’t wait another moment. Lay it all at His feet and let Him do what only He can do. Today can be the day your life turns around. Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are—and He’ll take you to where you were always meant to be.