The Two Thieves on the Cross
Luke 23:38-43
38 And an inscription also was written
over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE
JEWS.
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If
You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear
God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed
justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has
done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when
You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be
with Me in Paradise.”
The gospel accounts teach that Jesus was crucified between two thieves. Luke’s gospel records this conversation between the two thieves as they hung upon the cross awaiting the same death as Jesus Christ. Several contrasts are interesting as we observe their conversation.
First, we see the difference between cruelty and compassion. As if the mockery from the crowd is not enough, Jesus is mocked by the man hanging next to him on the cross. Luke says that the criminal “blasphemed” him. The term “blaspheme” literally means “to speak to hurt.” The words of this criminal were intended to add insult to injury.
However, the rebuke of the other thief shows his compassion. On a cross was not a proper time to show disrespect. It was a lot like “the pot calling the kettle black.” Despite this man’s crime, his rebuke of the cruel thief makes him favorably remembered by Bible readers for ages.
Second, we see the difference between a short-sighted and far-sighted individual. Just previously, many in the crowd had hurled the exact same insult at Jesus as the cruel thief on the cross does moments later. Most likely, his words were intended to entertain the crowd below. He was a crowd-pleaser until the very end.
On the other hand, the compassionate thief is willing to look long-term. He asks the question, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?” (23:40). As death draws near, this thief has his eternal destiny in mind. Sin may win us the applause and laughter of man, but such pleasures are short-lived. May we all learn to live not for the momentary pleasures of sin, but for the permanent reward of heaven.
Third, the text teaches us the two extreme views often held toward Jesus. The cruel, unbelieving thief has little knowledge of Jesus except for what others around him have been saying. For some, this is as far as their research ever goes into Jesus. Their opinions are formed by a prejudiced group or party of men.
Yet, the kind thief shows he knows something of Jesus. He knows that Jesus is innocent. He says, “...this Man has done nothing wrong” (v. 41). He knows that Jesus is “Lord” or “Master” (v. 42). Perhaps he previously witnessed His miracles, or heard His teaching or saw His unique character upon the cross. Whatever it was, this thief knew Jesus was “Lord.” Finally, He knows Jesus is going to a “kingdom” of His own (v. 42). It was not one on earth...but one prepared for God’s only Son in heaven.
This “Paradise” was promised to the believing thief. It can be yours too if you believe and obey Jesus, who stayed on the cross to take the penalty for our sins (1 Peter 2:21-24).
September 2007