Luke 23-24
They were crucified on either side of Jesus. Criminals. Guilty ones. Rebels. Justifiably condemned. Yet, Matthew 27 and Mark 15 tell us that both rebels “heaped insults on him” as Jesus died (Mark 15:32). They joined the crowds in mocking the Son of God.
It’s only Luke who gives us the rest of the story. One of the criminals rebuked the other, saying, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41). The criminal pleaded with Jesus to remember him, and Jesus promised him, “Today, you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Thus, the thief changed from a rebellious criminal to a repentant believer over the course of the hours of Jesus’ crucifixion. Somehow, in the hours of his own death, the criminal came to admit his wrong, see Jesus for who He was, and seek Jesus’ remembrance when He came into His kingdom.
So it should be for all of us: watching Jesus die as we read His Word should bring us to repentance and prayer.
RESPONSE: Meditate on the death of Jesus today.
