To look at Christ dying for our sins is to look into the face of perfect love. Nails do not hold Him to that wood. He can come down. He can call heaven’s armies. Instead He drinks every bitter drop of suffering. Only the deepest love for you and me holds Him on that cross. Listen to the kindness uttered from the depths of His agony. We might expect Him to care for His mother (John 19:26-27). But what about His enemies? Even as nails are tearing, bleeding His life away, He says,
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
This is grace: blessing instead of cursing such murderers.
Both crucified robbers throw insults at Jesus (Matthew 27:44). One thief then recognizes the truth, and pleads, “Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom.” Helpless and dying, the thief has nothing to bargain with, no service to offer. He admits that his corrupt life deserves this death sentence. Yet Jesus replies,
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
“Paradise” is like heaven, the very opposite of the hellish punishment the thief has earned. This is the meaning of grace: receiving the mercy we need, not the punishment we deserve!