Two Thieves and Jesus
“And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach.” – Matthew 27:44
“And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him saying, Are you not the Christ ? Save thyself and us. But the other answered, and rebuking him said, do you not fear God, seeing that you are in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward for our deeds: but this man has done nothing amiss. And he said, Jesus , remember me when you come in your kingdom. And he said unto him, Truly I say unto you, Today you shall be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:39-43
Amid the sorrow of Jesus ' dying for our sins, we have the drama of two thieves crucified with Jesus . Both begin the day by railing against Jesus , but as the hours passed and death drew near for all three, the heart of one of the thieves was changed. He saw Jesus dying beside him, and he heard the words that Jesus spoke, and what he saw and heard changed his heart, and his destiny.
Those who believe on Jesus are aware of the providence of his Father - not even a sparrow falls to the ground without him seeing it.
Disciples read the scriptures to gain insight into the will of the Father - and everyone who seeks, finds. When we come to Jesus' death, our interest is intense, just as the three Mary's and John, who were near the foot of the cross. Since Jesus spoke only seven sentences there, they are precious to us. His words to the penitent thief offer hope to all penitent sinners - and we all need his promise.
We see from the penitent's words that he saw his own guilt . Further, he believed there is a future beyond the moment of death. From seeing and hearing Jesus, he believed that Jesus would somehow reign over that realm that is beyond our last breath. So he humbly spoke to Jesus as Lord, and asked him to remember him - when Jesus would acquire that rule beyond this life. Jesus, always ready to receive those who become sorry toward God, spoke a clear word of acceptance to this man in their final hours of earthly life.
This man's acceptance proves it is not too late for anyone to surrender to the Lord.
The other thief saw Jesus and heard his words as well. But his heart was so self-centered that he thought only of escaping his punishment. He maintained his arrogance to his bitter end. He had the same extraordinary providence as the other, but seeing Jesus did not humble him. He is an example of many who enter the way of destruction without ever turning - to become as a little child.
He is representative of those who proudly refuse the one who was “lowly in heart”.
What about us - with our Bibles, and ample time to read them? Do we say we love God, yet lack a thirst for his words, and have no feeling of need to plead for his help and mercy? Does the goodness and forbearance of God lead us to repentance? Have we no further need of forgiveness? Have we forgotten the Day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ? ( Romans 2:16)
Aware or not, we are repeatedly choosing, day- by- day. By our choices we are either hardening our softening our hearts toward Jesus.
“Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” – Hebrews 4:7