Read
32Two criminals were led out to be put to death with Jesus. 33When the soldiers came to the place called “The Skull,” they nailed Jesus to a cross. They also nailed the two criminals to crosses, one on each side of Jesus.
34-35 Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don't know what they're doing.”
While the crowd stood there watching Jesus, the soldiers gambled for his clothes. The leaders insulted him by saying, “He saved others. Now he should save himself, if he really is God's chosen Messiah!”
36 The soldiers made fun of Jesus and brought him some wine. 37They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!”
38Above him was a sign that said, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39One of the criminals hanging there also insulted Jesus by saying, “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us!”
40But the other criminal told the first one off, “Don't you fear God? Aren't you getting the same punishment as this man? 41We got what was coming to us, but he didn't do anything wrong.” 42Then he said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into power!”
43Jesus replied, “I promise that today you will be with me in paradise.”
Reflect
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong”, a great man once said. Jesus first word from the cross is recorded in this passage and it is a word of forgiveness (34).Forgiveness must be the first word for us as well in that we need to receive it and we need to extend it. We need to receive it because we cannot begin our spiritual journey without embracing the promise of Christ. We need to receive it because we are sinners and as sinners we never understand the full extent of our sins. Jesus offers forgiveness to the crowds because they do not know what they are doing. As Paul says, if the rulers had known what they were doing they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory (1 Cor 2:8).There is a sense that every time we sin, we do not understand the full impact of our transgression. We are ignorant of the effect on us, on others and on God himself. Once we have received forgiveness, the next step is to extend it to others.
The other word from the cross in this passage is in verse 41.One of the criminals crucified with Jesus ridicules him but the other one responds in faith and asks Jesus to remember him when he returns in power. Jesus’ answer is that today he will do something for this man, that today he will be with Jesus in Paradise. We also look forward to all that we will receive when Jesus returns but Jesus also wants to offer us something today.
Today there are prayers that Jesus wants to answer, needs that he desires to meet, problems that he delights to solve. Search your heart and ask, “What do I need today”. What miracle can I ask for today. Jesus guarantees our future in Paradise but he is the provider for today as well.
Respond
Heavenly Father, search my heart and show me where I have failed you and need to ask for forgiveness. Show me also to whom I need to extend forgiveness. Reveal what I need for today and give me faith that you will supply it.
Roy Matheson
Roy Matheson holds the Th.M. and Th.D. degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary, and completed post doctoral studies at Wycliffe College and St Michael’s College, University of Toronto. Since 1970, he has taught at Tyndale University and Seminary, and presently is Professor Emeritus of New Testament. Since 1979, he has been Teaching Pastor at Chartwell Baptist Church in Oakville Ontario, and is presently Pastor Emeritus. Roy has taught in numerous settings within Canada as well as other countries: Colombia, Kenya, Malawi, France, Kazakhstan, India, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Mongolia. He is married to Joy and they have three married children and seven grandchildren. Publications: Loving God’s Family: A Commentary on First John (Victor Books) along with a number of articles in Moody Monthly, Faith Today etc. Recently, Songs of the Servant: A Lenten Devotional on the Servant Songs of Isaiah (self published).