I am a Jesus pusher!!! The early church joined together in the meal at the cross (in the breaking of bread). This means I must see you in light of His death for you. This involved PROSCRIPTION. Here at the cross, I must judge you as He judged you. We all marvel at the crucifixion event. While one of the criminals being crucified with Jesus was criticizing, the other rebuked him. He said, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom,” (Luke 23:40-42). This is a perfect time for Jesus to condemn, judge, and testify for law keeping. He simply says, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise,” (Luke 23:43).
When is it proper to condemn? In the Gospels, the only time Jesus offered words of judgment and condemnation were to condemn, judgmental religious people. Evidently condemnation must only be given to condemnation; judgment must only be pronounced toward those judging. I want to live in the death of Jesus; I want to see you through His death; I want to allow His life to flow through me to you. I am a Jesus pusher!!!