Lately, there seems to be an unusual spate of what appear to be gang fights and other violent attacks taking place in Singapore.

In the past few months, we’ve read reports of a man who swung at passers-by and passing cars with a sword, a man who charged at police officers with a knife, a scuffle at a shopping mall involving eight men and two women, and two armed men attacking two others with long-bladed knives.

It’s not clear if the fights were related to clashes between gang members, and why these incidents had happened. But if any of those involved are convicted and found guilty, some of them might end up spending time in jail. One can’t help but wonder: Will this prompt them to realise their folly and turn over a new leaf? Or will they refuse to change even when given the opportunity?

Such questions could well have been asked of the two criminals who were hung beside Jesus at His crucifixion (Luke 23:32, 39–43). They had probably been found guilty of heinous crimes, hence their death sentence.

Their different responses is illuminating. One of the men clearly felt no remorse for his wrongdoing and probably did not see the need to be saved by Jesus, for he joined the crowd in mocking Jesus: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39).

The other criminal had a totally different attitude. Perhaps he had witnessed how Jesus, though innocent, was willing to die. Perhaps he had even heard Jesus praying, in between His pain and anguish, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus’ words and love led this other man to fear God and admit that he deserved to be punished for his wrongdoing. He saw in Jesus a righteous man who had done nothing wrong but showed love and spoke the truth. It led him to ask Jesus, repentantly, to remember him.

Jesus’ reply—“Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)—must have been so assuring and amazing to the penitent criminal! Because of his willingness to recognise his sins and repent, Jesus accepted him and invited the criminal to be with Him . . . immediately.

On this Good Friday, as we reflect on Christ’s love for the world and for sinners including you and me, may we again give thanks to God for His amazing willingness to forgive us of our sins, to accept us as His children, and to invite us to be with Him forever.

May we also have this prayer for our loved ones and friends who have yet to know Him: that whatever mistakes they may have made in life, they will come to know and to turn to the Saviour who is waiting to receive them today.

Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for me, that my sins are forgiven and I am now a child of God. I pray for my friends and loved ones, that they, too, will come to know You, and to accept You as their Lord and Saviour.