The Locked Door
READ: Luke 23:35-43
Picture yourself late to your high school graduation and the door is locked. What do you do? There is not much you can do, but knock on the door until someone opens the door for you. After a few seconds, your principal opens the door and says, “Come in and graduate with your classmates.” This scenario is like that of Jesus opening the gates of heaven for us.
We all know that Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins, but that is not the only reason Jesus died on the cross. Jesus also died so that the gates of heaven would be opened to believers. While Jesus was on the cross, one of the criminals asked Jesus if he could be with Him in heaven. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” With these comforting words, when we “close our eyes” to this life, we will open them in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Christians we know that when we “graduate” from this life, we will be in paradise with all the “graduates” of the Christian faith, because of Christ’s life and innocent suffering and death. Christians won’t have to stand outside a locked door.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Why should we as Christians, not be afraid of dying? How can you be the “principal” and “unlock the door” for others? How has Jesus “unlocked” the gates of heaven in your life?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank Jesus for dying on the cross. Ask God to help you get the courage to be the “principal” to others. Ask God to keep you in the faith until your “eyes close.”