CRUCIFIED BETWEEN TWO CRIMINALS

“At the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left”(Luke 23:33). The criminals were … criminals! They had committed heinous felonies and were presumably being punished in accordance with those crimes. Were they, like Barabbas, insurrectionists and murderers? Maybe.

As the Sinless Son of God hung upon the tree, gasping for each breath, He was overheard voicing a short prayer. “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He was probably praying specifically for the executioners, but more generically, He was also praying for the two criminals. “Oh, Holy Father, forgive these men! Please!”

Note … In God’s economy, there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Hebrew 9:22). For these executioners and criminals to be forgiven, Jesus had to die! Forgiveness cost Jesus His life!

The criminal on one side scoffed and hurled insults at the Lord. “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” (Luke 23:39, NLT). I suspect that there was a snarl in his voice… hateful, haughty, arrogant. “If … if … if you are who you say you are, then prove it!”

The criminal on the opposite side humbly and hopefully prayed, “Jesus, remember me^, when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). The criminal acknowledged that Jesus was the King and that His kingdom extended beyond the bounds of life on earth!

Jesus’ answer came gentle and strong. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

When the first criminal breathed his final breath, he was cast into eternal darkness, eternal punishment, eternal death. But when the second died, he inhaled the air and aroma of Heaven… Paradise.

I wish I knew his name… I’d like to look him up one day!

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).