Neville Turley
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” Luke 2:34-35 (NIV)
The prophecy of Simeon regarding the baby Jesus has echoed throughout the ages and was never more clearly proven than in the actions of the two thieves crucified alongside him.
We know little about the lives the thieves lead. We do know they were criminals. Under Roman law persons found guilty of certain heinous crimes were executed, in other words, permanently removed from society for the harm they had inflicted.
The justice system was not perfect. If the Roman official empowered to judge the case, was not impartial or bowed to external pressure, innocent prisoners could be convicted and executed.
From the conversation between the thieves it is clear that, unlike Jesus, they had been justly tried and sentenced to death for crimes they had committed. The attitude of the thieves when in their pain they called to Jesus were in direct contrast to each other.
The one hurled insults at him. “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us.” (Luke 23:39). The other thief remonstrated with him, “This man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
And Jesus in intense agony with the sins of the whole world on his shoulders, still took time to answer with a promise, “I will tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
One can never be neutral towards Jesus. If you are not for him, you are against him. The story of the thieves on the cross reveals God’s great grace. Even if we only turn to him in our dying moments he will respond to our plea.
The downside is we do not know when we will die. Any one of us can die instantly in tragic circumstances. We may lay down to sleep and never wake up again. The time to turn to Jesus and claim God’s promise, is now.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Prayer: Father forgive us our sins for which we are truly sorry. May the Holy Spirit equip us to bring glory to your holy name. For Jesus sake. Amen