Sunday, April 2nd

Two Thieves

They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Read Luke 23:39-43

Mark 15:27

Prophecy foretold that the Messiah would be “… numbered with the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12b). On either side of Jesus was a criminal. This was the normal display of punishment. There could be several crosses littering a roadway, all at different stages of death.

On that day three were paraded out of the city for execution. The other men experienced the same torture. Their crimes were thievery and their last moments on earth were alongside the Savior.

It would be almost impossible to talk while suffering the excruciating pain of crucifixion, but the men began to dialogue. Between the gasps for air and the groans of pain, they exchanged their opinion of this event.

One man cursed. The other man cared. One heart mocked. The other heart melted. These two thieves represent the only two responses to Christ and His death. One was foul resistance. The other was faithful repentance.

The simple request of the humble thief demonstrates the process of receiving salvation. He recognized who Christ was. He freely admitted his sin. He humbly asked Jesus to remember him. These are still the steps to receiving Christ.

That same day, the thief ended this life and stepped into paradise with the Savior.

Something to think about

1. What other prophecies were fulfilled in Christ?

2. What were the similarities and differences in the two thieves?

3. Have you received Christ like the humble thief?