Two Thieves

I recently shared the impact this Easter was having on me and described it as struggling with emotion; but in a good way I think. I keep getting drawn to certain passages related to the week leading up to the crucifixion, the crucifixion itself and the great hope provided by the resurrection. I love it when this happens as this is usually a period of growth for me. Recently, I have been drawn to Luke 23:32-43.

32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." 36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." 38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[b]"

43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

I have read this passage, read it again, studied commentaries and a couple of sermons on this passage, yet I kept getting the feeling there was a little more. The feeling that there was something underlying it all and I have come to see something challenging; something convicting, perhaps something for us all.

I focus on Christ and the two thieves crucified with Him. I focus on the Word, what is being said and how it is being said and I came to realize that I too am one of the thieves. Aren’t we all? And the great question; the great challenge (at least for me) is which thief will I (we) be? Will it be the one hurling insults, railing against God and demanding of Christ; prove who you are by saving me. Or will I (we) be the thief with a humble heart that recognizes his own brokenness, acknowledges Christ as his Lord and pleas with all his heart to be remembered in his Savior’s Kingdom?

For me this will be a lifelong challenge, but think of the reward. You know there is great hope and these thieves show us the way. While these thieves may show us the way don’t focus on the thieves. Don’t focus on the cross to the left or the right, but focus on the cross in the center; the Cross of Christ.

One day, may we be with Christ in Paradise for all eternity…wow!

Grace and Peace!