Choose the Cross "Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." 1 Contradiction of the Cross One day, the crowd gathered praising: 'Hosanna!' was their heart-felt cry. The next they were stirred to shouting: 'He's not our king! Let's crucify!' From judge to judge our Lord was led. For many motives they'd condemn: 'The world is ours if he is dead'. How could they guess He'd rise again? One thief was hanging on His right, With self-pity, contempt, and scorn. The other thief, humbly contrite, Suffered his cross yet was reborn. Jesus, help me in this trial: To honor You as Lord and King; To trust in You and not rebel; To humbly bear this suffering. (c) Paul Buis, 2000 _________________________ 1. Luke 23:39-43