Tale of Two Criminals – Being With JESUS

“The man in the middle makes the difference!”

Proximity Is Not the Same as Relationship
This moment speaks directly to us today. Many people are near Jesus — even in church, around Christian things — but not actually with Jesus.

“You can be next to Jesus and still miss Him.” Pastor Chad Everett

The man on the left died near Jesus, but not with Jesus.
The man on the right died with Jesus, and woke up in paradise.

Which criminal are we? This is the ultimate question.

Are you the one who wants Jesus to save your life so you can keep it?
Or are you the one who says, “I deserve death. Remember me.”

Both criminals had the same opportunity.
Both were the same distance from Jesus.
Only one walked into eternity with Him.

Jesus invites you to move from beside Him to with Him.
He doesn’t force. He lets you choose.

Will you surrender?
Will you die to your old life?
Will you let the man in the middle make the difference in your life today?

📖 Key Scriptures:

• Luke 23:26–43, Romans 6:1–11, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 7:21–23, Genesis 50:20