The Daily Devotional
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Who Are You at the Foot of the Cross?
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” — Luke 23:42–43
Introduction
Advent invites us to wait for Christ’s coming with hope, longing, and honesty about our need for redemption. It is easy to picture the manger, warm with starlight and filled with angelic song—but Advent also beckons us to contemplate the purpose of Christ’s coming: the cross. At Calvary, the true character of humanity is revealed, as is the true heart of God. Standing at the foot of the cross reveals who we are—and who He is.
Reflection
Every Advent, we prepare room in our hearts for the Christ who comes. Yet the same Christ who lies in the manger is the One lifted high on the cross, bearing the weight of our sin and the world’s brokenness. My seminary sermon—“Who Are You at the Foot of the Cross?”—captures this profound truth: at Calvary we discover not only our failings but also God’s unfathomable mercy.
Luke’s Gospel paints a vivid picture of human responses to Jesus: some gamble for His clothing, some merely watch, some mock, and only one—the repentant thief—recognizes His kingship. Advent reminds us that we, too, can be any of these people.
A few weeks ago, a man at a grocery store near closing time stood in the express lane with too many items, fumbling with coupons and clearly overwhelmed. Some grumbled under their breath; one even rolled their eyes. But an older woman behind him offered a smile and helped him organize his things. She noticed his trembling hands and simply said, “It’s alright—we’ve all been in a hard place.” In that small moment of mercy, something shifted. What had been irritation became compassion.
In a similar way, the thief on the cross suddenly saw Jesus—not as a failed revolutionary or a spectacle to gawk at, but as a King whose kingdom looked like mercy. Advent invites us to that same shift: from spectators to seekers, from mockers to disciples, from self-preserving voices to those who dare to whisper, “Jesus, remember me.”
Application
Today, ask yourself: Who am I at the foot of the cross?
Am I casting lots—seeking God only for what I can gain?
Am I standing at a distance—watching faith rather than living it?
Am I offering sour wine—giving God only what costs me little?
Am I demanding, “Save yourself—and us!”—wanting miracles without surrender?
Or am I, like the repentant thief, turning toward Jesus in humility and hope?
During Advent, choose one practical way to embody the thief’s simple, profound prayer. It might be confessing a long-carried sin, offering mercy where judgment comes easily, or giving God your best instead of your leftovers. Let your waiting become worship.
Conclusion
Advent draws us to the manger, but it also leads us to the cross—where Christ’s true glory is revealed. There, beneath His suffering love, we learn who we are and who He is: the King who refuses to save Himself so He may save us. And in His promise to the repentant thief, we hear our own hope: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I journey through this Advent season, bring my heart honestly to the foot of Your cross. Help me recognize the ways I have stood at a distance, withheld my best, or forgotten Your mercy. Yet in Your compassion, remember me. Shape my waiting into repentance, my watching into devotion, and my longing into love. As I prepare for the celebration of Your birth, lead me ever deeper into the mystery of Your saving grace, that I may follow You—my King—toward the Kingdom You promise. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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