Two Criminals

We've all heard the story before in the gospels; the story of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Without the cross, the Christian faith is absolutely moot. Tonight, I want to focus on the two criminals who were executed alongside Jesus. I'd never before realized how this example is a microcosm of our own lives.

Imagine being in the minds of each criminal for a moment; the Lord himself is suffering and dying on a cross right next to you- feeling the same things you feel. He too is writhing in pain, bleeding, dying. Every breath is labored and could be your last. Is Jesus really the Son of God? Is there truly life after this one?

As their time on this earth drew to a close, each man ultimately had a choice to make; each could choose to believe that Jesus was the Son of God and was capable of redeeming their souls, or they could choose not to believe anything at all. They either had to accept Jesus as Savior or reject Him. Doesn't that sound familiar?

The first man chose to reject the Lord and continue in his own bitterness until death finally consumed him. We didn't hear from this man again. The second man experienced a change of heart when it came down to the wire. He ultimately acknowledged the justness of his punishment and chose to believe in Christ and accept Him. Jesus' response was pretty clear about the destiny of this man's soul. When things were tough (and I can't imagine it getting any tougher than the cross), one man chose death, while the other chose life.

Luke 23:32-43 (New International Version)

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Good Night