13th April 2022
He was a thief!
Two criminals were also led out with him for execution, and when they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified him with the criminals, one on either side of him.
Luke 23: 32-33 (Phillips)
The reason the criminals were nailed to crosses was because they were robbers, probably with violence. One of them gave Jesus a hard time, yelling at him, “Aren’t you Christ? Why don’t you save yourself – and us?” (v.39). This guy was not worried about Jesus, he just wanted to save his own miserable skin! The fact that he deserved to be punished for his sins against innocent people did not faze him.
The other criminal rebuked him and defended Christ as innocent and sinless. Notice his words: “Aren’t you afraid of God even when you’re getting the same punishment as he is? And it’s fair enough for us, for we’ve only got what we deserve, but this man never did anything wrong in his life.” (vv. 40-41)
I wonder if this individual had witnessed Jesus during his ministry and perhaps listened to him preach? That would have been very possible, I think. Notice what he says next –‘Jesus’ – he knows his name! “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (v. 42). He also believes that he is a King and will inherit a kingdom – wow!
With his dying breath Jesus replies, “I tell you truly, this day you will be with me in paradise.” (v.43). Christ is telling him that whatever sins he has committed, including in his criminal life, have been wiped out. Everything that held him to his cross has been forgiven. If we read between the lines, I believe he is telling him that at this point in time you are pinned to a cross by nails, but, for the first time in your life, you are actually free!
It is that simple my friends, there is no other message in this world that will set you free and, of course, no other Name! “In no one else can salvation be found. For in all the world no other name has been given to men but this, and it is by this name that we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12).
The thief knew that name! Perhaps you know it too?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that even with your dying breath you had compassion and saved this lost sheep! Amen.
Study by Cliff Neill
About the writer:
Cliff Neill is a Minister in the Hemel Hempstead congregation of Grace Communion International, where he is on the leadership team.
Local congregation:
GCI Hemel Hempstead
Adeyfield Free Church Centre
Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead HP2 4GZ
Meeting time:
Sunday 10:30am
Hemel Hempstead is also on Zoom, please email congregational contact below to get the link
Local congregational contact:
Shirley McLean
Email: hemel@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church