Alive By His Mercy
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 39
Luke 22:66–71; 23:1–49 (NIV)
By Charis Lim, Chairperson, Digital Wesley
READ:
Luke 22:66–71; 23:1–49 (NIV)
The following passage from Luke 23:43 stands out for me: “Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Good Friday places us in the courtroom and at the cross. Jesus is falsely accused (Luke 22:66–71), handed over, mocked, beaten, and crucified (Luke 23:1–49). On either side of Him hang two criminals. One scoffs. The other, with nothing to offer and no time to fix his life, turns to Jesus: “Remember me.” Jesus replies with breathtaking grace: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” At humanity’s darkest hour, mercy speaks.
This verse reminds me that God’s grace is not delayed, negotiated, or earned. It is given. The thief could not come down from the cross to prove himself. He could only trust in God’s mercy. And that was enough.
I think of my own life. I was born weighing only three pounds. At three months old, I was struck by encephalitis and for three days and three nights, I burned with a fever of over 40 degrees, kept alive by machines. Doctors prepared my parents for the worst, warning that even if I lived, brain damage was an inevitable eventuality.
But the Church stepped in. People I did not know prayed for me. They interceded on my behalf. And God healed me miraculously!
Even now, aunties and uncles would sometimes come up to me from a distance wagging their fingers. And I’m thinking, oh no, I’m going to get a scolding. But they would lovingly put their hands on mine and say, “I remember you, I prayed for you”. It overwhelms my heart.
Good Friday reminds me of the immense grace of God. Just like the thief, I am alive only by His mercy.
If Jesus could speak hope to a dying man on a cross, then surely we are
called to be a Church that speaks life into broken places. To be Welcoming like Christ, I must see people not for who they are, but for who Jesus can make them. To be Missional, I must bring Jesus near to those who think it is too late. To be Caring, I must intercede—because prayers offered in faith can change life trajectories.
This Good Friday, may faith arise, for I have a Saviour who died so that I may have life and life everlasting.
[ Reflection Questions ]
- Where in your life do you need to receive Jesus’ grace afresh, like the thief on the cross?
- Who might God be calling you to “remember” and pray for, even when they seem beyond hope?
- How can our church be a living expression of Good Friday mercy in our community this week?
